Pat Parelli Games

Pat Parelli developed the Seven Games as part of his natural horsemanship training. Parelli's system uses a holistic approach to horse training that develops the natural relationship between the horse and rider. The Seven Games teach the rider how to understand the nature of the horse and effectively communicate with the animal, while at the same time teaching the horse to become calmer and more intuitive, and trust the judgment of the rider.

  1. #1-The Friendly Game

    • The Friendly Game teaches the horse that you are not a predator and can be trusted. It is important that your horse trusts you enough to allow you to touch all parts of his body without forcing him to endure it. This game is performed by using your hands and training tools to touch every part of the horse's body starting with the neck and gradually moving to the hind end. If the horse is not comfortable with certain parts of his body being touched, an approach and retreat method is used to desensitize the horse to being touched in those areas.

    #2-The Porcupine Game

    • The Porcupine Game teaches the horse to move away from pressure that is applied consistently. Pressure from your hands or a training stick is applied steadily until the horse responds, at which time, the pressure is immediately removed and the horse is rewarded. This game helps the horse to understand how to respond correctly to steady pressure from the legs, reins and bit when riding.

    #3-The Driving Game

    • The Driving Game teaches your horse to respond to your cues without being directly touched. The horse is instructed to move in multiple directions away from you. The direction cues are given without frightening or touching the horse. This game increases the amount of control that you have over your horse even at a distance.

    #4-The Yo-Yo Game

    • The Yo-Yo Game teaches the horse to respect your personal space and helps to promote suspension in his movement. The horse is sent backwards, away from you on a long line and then brought back towards you in a straight line like a yo-yo. The initial cues to send away the horse or bring him back to you are very subtle. These cues escalate in phases until the horse responds. As soon as the horse responds, the cue is removed to teach the horse that he has responded correctly.

    #5-The Circling Game

    • The Circling Game includes exercising the horse in a large circle on a long lead line. This game varies from standard lunging exercises because it helps to develop the horse mentally, emotionally and physically. This game teaches the horse to remain connected to you through the lead line, while maintaining the appropriate gait, speed and direction. The game consists of three parts including sending the horse away, allowing the horse to make decisions and bringing the horse back to you. Each of these parts is completed without moving your feet or putting pressure on the lead line.

    #6-The Sideways Game

    • This game teaches the horse to move sideways or laterally with ease by utilizing the steps of the Driving Game applied to the front area of the horse (neck to nose) and the hindquarters. Pressure is applied to the horse starting with the front area and then moving to the hindquarters. These steps are repeated until the horse's movements even out and he moves laterally.

    #7-The Squeeze Game

    • The Squeeze Game teaches the horse to remain calm in small or tight spaces. The game is performed by placing the horse in a larger enclosed area and slowly making the area smaller as the horse gains confidence. The end goal is for the horse to be enclosed in a space approximately 3 feet wide while remaining calm.