What Is the Parelli Weave?

Although it might sound like a sewing technique or the latest new hairstyle, the Parelli Weave is actually part of an international horse training program. The Parelli Weave is learned as part of the Colorado-based Parelli Natural Horse Training Program.

  1. What is the Parelli Weave?

    • The Parelli Weave is one of 16 Parelli Patterns, which are a part of the Parelli Natural Horse Training program. Out of the 10 levels in the Parelli program, the weave is mastered in Level 2. The Parelli Weave is basically zig-zagging between a long line of barrels. It can be done at a walk or trot. The trainer guides the horse with a rope or stick to show the horse the way. The trainer does not mount the horse when initially learning the Parelli Weave maneuver.

    The Parelli Natural Horse Training Program

    • The Parelli Weave, as well as the entire Parelli Method, was created by Pat Parelli in 1981. The program is designed to teach the trainer how to communicate with a horse naturally rather than simply training the horse. The Parelli program tries to help equestrians understand the psychology and natural behaviors of their horses and create a mutually beneficial human-horse relationship. The first four levels of the program can be purchased from the Parelli website. To advance the next six levels, trainers and their horses must take courses directly from Pat Parelli.

    Parelli Patterns

    • The Parelli Patterns are an important part of the entire Parelli program. The exercises are to be done every day and help build communication and partnership between horse and trainer. The patterns were designed by Pat Parelli to help horses develop mentally, emotionally and physically. While some patterns are motivating for the horse, others are calming. Both types are said to have a profound effect on a horse's behavior. Patterns are divided into four groups or "savvys": On Line, Liberty, FreeStyle and Finesse. The Parelli Weave is a learned as an On Line skill first, meaning the trainer does not mount the horse and instead leads the horse with a rope or stick.

    How Hard Is It to Do?

    • The Parelli Weave is one of the simpler patterns in the training program. Out of the 16 patterns, the weave is the third one to learn in the program. Although, even for skilled equestrians, the weave can take months for a horse to master.

    How Can I Learn the Parelli Weave?

    • The Parelli Method is available only through Pat Parelli's website, parellinaturalhorsetraining.com. The cost for the On Line savvy set, which includes the Parelli Weave, is $132. The cost for the Level 1 &2 package is $199.