In the May issue of Savvy Times magazine, Pat Parelli issued a challenge to his students. The challenge was to memorize the Eight Principles of Natural Horsemanship. What are the Eight Principles? Katie Drake offers a pretty good explanation in the article:

" Pat considers the Eight Principles to be the founding philosophy of the Parelli Program...."

"... Truly knowing and understanding the Eight Principles gives you a blue-print to follow. Now you can hold everything you do up to this ideal and know where you need to improve as a horseman."

To take it one step further, Pat suggests you score yourself on each principle on a regular basis. This helps you to keep track of which principles you truly 'get' and which ones need more work.

I have decided to accept this challenge! I am going to memorize these Eight Principles and work hard to understand them and let them be my guide in hopes that one day I can think with the same process as Pat Parelli, a true horseman.

The Eight Principles
1. Horsemanship is natural.
2. Don't make or teach assumptions
3. Communication is two or more individuals sharing and understanding an idea.
4. Horses and humans have mutual responsibilities.
5. The attitude of justice is effective.
6. Body language is a universal language.
7. Horses teach humans and humans teach horses.
8. Principles, purpose and time are the tools of teaching.
© PARELLI NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP, INC

Wish me luck!

Naturally,

Katie Hufton