Natural Horsemanship Play Day Scheduled for Hurricane March 1
Kanab, UT (Februrary 21, 2008) Horse fanciers from throughout southwestern Utah are invited to take part in "Horsin' Around: A Natural Horsemanship Play Day," Saturday, March 1 at the Washington County Regional Park's indoor arena in Hurricane. Spectators, including families with children, are encouraged to attend the competition and see the animals up close.
Sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society, the play day includes friendly competition for people and their horses using the principles of natural horsemanship. A special feature attraction for people of all ages will be the two Best Friends miniature horses "Luna" and "Trixie," both of whom stand just 36-40 inches high. The event will also include a dog adoption event, featuring adoptable dogs from Best Friends and other local groups.
The day-long event will include four classes of competition: on line, liberty, freestyle riding, and finesse riding. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with competition beginning at 10 a.m. Depending on the number of participants, other classes of competition may be added.
Jen Reid, manager of horses at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, said there are dozens of horse shows every year, but this event differs in that it emphasizes a person's relationship with the horse.
"Parelli emphasizes 'principles before goals,' and in each of the classes of competition, spectators will see this teaching method on full display," she said. "But anyone is welcome to attend and compete whether or not they are students of Parelli."
The Parelli method of horse training emphasizes achieving success without using force, forging a partnership with the horse without dominance, building teamwork without fear, and fostering collaboration and harmony with a horse without intimidation or coercion.
Classes of competition
On-line - Horses must complete certain tasks with the rider on the ground, utilizing a 12-foot, 22-foot, or 45-foot rope. An example of an on-line task is sending a horse onto a tarp and let the horse stand there for seven seconds without the handler being on the tarp at any point.
Liberty - Horses complete tasks with the rider on the ground, but without the use of any halter or rope. Example: the horse must slalom through a row of cones, without a halter or restraint.
Freestyle Riding - Tasks are completed with rider using either a halter and lead or string around the horse's neck. Example: Rider slaloms horse through row of cones.
Finesse Riding - Tasks are completed with rider using a snaffle bit. Example: Horse places front foot on a plastic disc and performs a pivot on the forehand.
Reid said horses participating in the event from Best Friends Animal Society may be adopted. "We trying to plant a seed out there that reminds people there are good horses that are available for adoption. Many of our horses are good for riding, but just because a horse can't be ridden doesn't mean it can't be an enjoyable companion."
Overnight stalls for horses will be available at the arena. Check-in for the stalls will be Friday, Feb. 29 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information on the event, contact Jen Reid, jenr@bestfriends.org or 435-644-2001 ext. 4869.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society operates the country's largest sanctuary for homeless animals and on any given day is home to approximately 2,000 dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, and other animals. Best Friends works globally with animal shelters and rescue groups to bring about a time when there will be no more homeless pets. Best Friends advances initiatives nationwide that promote community approaches to make the world a better place through kindness to animals, including adoption, spay-neuter, and humane education programs.
"Kindness to Animals Builds a Better World for All of Us"
