OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Renowned horse trainer Linda Parelli believes that a happy horse leads to a happy life. Many trainers focus on telling horses what to do, but Parelli emphasizes understanding the horse’s perspective. She says behavioral and emotional issues often stem from confusion and lack of choice.

Parelli gave a presentation on Nov. 22, 2024, at the Ocala Metro CEP Equine Initiative’s Equine Industry Career Expo at the Florida Horse Park sharing her approach: building relationships with horses through connection, comfort, and choice.

“What I’m trying to teach is to be with horses more through connection, comfort and choice. When you give a horse a choice and a chance to think, everything changes,” says Parelli, founder of the Happy Horse Happy Life facility in Williston. “When I was teaching clinics over the last 30 years with the previous program, it would take two or three days to get all the horses and people on board together. Now, that happens on the first day, before lunchtime.”

World-renowned horse trainer Linda Parelli spoke about the 10 qualities of a happy horse.
World-renowned horse trainer Linda Parelli spoke about the 10 qualities of a happy horse. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Parelli starts by identifying common horse issues like biting, bucking, or resisting. She then helps owners uncover the root causes, often linked to lack of connection or relaxation.

“Most people have no idea, so they’ve been wrestling with those problems for years, and have just been fixing it on the surface and controlling it, but they never actually solve the problem,” Parelli explains. ‘”So, when you know the problem is lack of connection, you do connection exercises. The problem is gone. If it’s a lack of relaxation, you do relaxation exercises.”

Her program outlines 10 qualities of a happy horse:

  1. Connected
  2. Relaxed
  3. Responsive
  4. Confident
  5. Impulsive control
  6. Flexible
  7. Harmonious with the owner
  8. Agile
  9. Purposeful
  10. Empowered

By addressing issues within these areas, owners can create a stronger bond with their horses. For Parelli, slowing down and using energy thoughtfully are key.

“A lot of times, it’s connection that changes everything because the horse suddenly feels understood and listened to,” she shares. “I teach people to slow down – because we’re all so quick – and to use their energy better around horses.”