Parelli Natural Horsemanship is a globally recognized horsemanship education and training organization founded by Pat Parelli in 1981. The program is designed to help horse owners, riders, and equine enthusiasts develop stronger partnerships with their horses through communication, psychology, understanding, and relationship-based training methods. Parelli’s philosophy emphasizes building trust, confidence, safety, and mutual respect between horses and humans rather than relying on force, intimidation, or mechanical control.
Over the past four decades, Parelli Natural Horsemanship has evolved into a comprehensive educational system serving horse owners of all disciplines and experience levels. Through online courses, educational resources, clinics, instructor programs, and horsemanship equipment, the organization provides structured learning pathways that help participants improve their horse handling, riding, training, and problem-solving skills.
About This Program
Parelli Natural Horsemanship is built around a step-by-step educational framework that teaches horse owners how to understand horse behavior and communicate more effectively with their horses. The program focuses on developing both horse and rider through progressive levels of learning designed to improve confidence, safety, leadership, and partnership.
A central component of the program is the “Four Savvys” approach, which includes Online, Liberty, Freestyle, and Finesse training. Participants progress through multiple levels while learning groundwork, riding skills, problem-solving techniques, and horse psychology concepts that can be applied across various riding disciplines and equestrian activities.
Services Offered
- Natural horsemanship education programs
- Online horse training courses
- The Parelli Levels Program
- Groundwork and horse handling instruction
- Liberty training education
- Riding and horsemanship development
- Horse behavior education
- Problem-solving and relationship-building techniques
- Instructor certification pathways
- Educational clinics and workshops
- Horsemanship equipment and training tools
- Digital learning resources
- Horse owner support programs
- Youth and adult horsemanship education
- Community learning opportunities
Who They Serve
Parelli Natural Horsemanship may be good for:
- Beginner horse owners
- Recreational riders
- Competitive riders
- Horse trainers
- Youth equestrians
- Adult horse enthusiasts
- Horse owners seeking relationship-based training methods
- Individuals interested in horse psychology
- Riders seeking greater confidence and safety
- Western riders
- English riders
- Horse owners working through behavioral challenges
- Individuals interested in continuing horsemanship education
Facility and Setting
Parelli Natural Horsemanship operates as an international educational organization offering online learning, clinics, instructor programs, and horsemanship resources. The organization has historically conducted training programs and educational events from its Colorado facilities while serving a global audience through digital education and licensed instructors.
Students can access training materials, educational programs, and horsemanship resources through the organization’s online platform, allowing horse owners worldwide to participate regardless of location.
What Makes Them Unique
Parelli Natural Horsemanship is known for its structured educational system that focuses on teaching people as much as teaching horses. The program emphasizes understanding horse behavior, communication, and psychology while providing a progressive curriculum designed to develop long-term horsemanship skills.
Another distinguishing feature is its comprehensive learning framework, including the Four Savvys and Levels Program, which provide participants with a clear pathway for skill development. The organization has influenced modern natural horsemanship education and continues to serve horse owners through a combination of educational resources, instructor support, and training opportunities.