I have loved horses all my life. As a child, I drew horses. Then I collected Breyer model horses. Then I took riding lessons. And at 10 years old, my family leased a horse. From then on, every day I was with my horse – after school and weekends. Once I became an adult and had adult responsibilities, horses came in and out of my life. But the passion never died, it only lay dormant at times. I always knew I’d have horses again.

Finally, in my 40s, I found myself living in the country, caretaking a property with horses. My passion came back full force. I adopted a beautiful Arabian, My Romeo, from our area horse rescue where I volunteer, True Blue Animal Rescue (www.tbar.org) . He is 17 yrs old and was almost starved to death. He is understandably un-trusting of people; and he has been and is my greatest teacher. Through Romeo, I learned of Natural Horsemanship and watched RFD-TV and attended workshops of Chris Cox, Clinton Anderson, Stacy Westfall, etc. Watching Stacy Westfall ride in a reining competition without a bridle or saddle, blew my mind and showed me what was possible in partnering with a horse. When I found Parelli (www.parelli.com), I cried. This is what I was looking for to create a partnership with my horse based on dignity and respect. A Spirit to Spirit partnership.

I’m blessed to live on 88 heavenly acres, sharing my life with my husband, 8 horses, 2 dogs, 4 cats, chickens and wildlife. Out of the 8 horses, 3 are foster horses for the rescue, and 3 belong to my extended family. 

Amigo, a Paint horse, is my primary Parelli Levels horse. Trusting, sweet left-brained introvert. I learn on him first; and take my learnings to work with Romeo, the right-brained extravert/introvert.

This BLOG journals my Parelli adventure with Amigo and Romeo. Celebrating the small successes, sharing the real-life challenges and frustrations, voicing the learnings and most of all, enjoying the journey.

I share my passion with you…

Naturally,

Lauren