U.S. Embassy Celebration of Natural Horsemanship (Sept. 15, 2010)

Ambassador of the United States of America Donald S. Beyer Jr. and Mrs. Megan Beyer hosted a demonstration of the Parelli Method of Natural Horsemanship at the Institut Equêstre National Avenches (IENA).  Parelli instructors credit the traditions of the famous Swiss Knie Circus for providing the foundation of  their unique brand of animal training. The Knie approach emphasizes “listening to your horse.”
 
Ambassador Beyer noted, “This is a great example of the Swiss - American tradition of cooperation.  Swiss and American horsemen learn from each other and build on diverse experience in a synchronistic collaboration.”  
 
The demonstration for Swiss horse trainers and equestrians by instructors educated in the famous American method will demonstrate the benefits of the Parelli Method, which builds a natural relationship between humans and horses. Liberty training, Parelli's unique emphasis on ground work without physical restraint, originated when the founder of the method, Pat Parelli, had a chance meeting with Swiss circus trainer Fredy Knie.
 
Often referred to as “horse whispering,” the Parelli Natural Horsemanship Method is a program is founded on trust and respect in the relationship between horse and human. It is based on the way horses relate and communicate in herds in their natural world – hence the term “natural.” The Parelli Method strongly rejects force and violence to train and educate horses, but focuses on respect for, and love of, horses. Through these, the method establishes a relationship between rider and animal that builds upon communication, trustworthiness, language, and leadership, rather than fear, harsh bits and mechanical training aids.
 
The Parelli Method was founded by Parelli and his wife Linda in the 1980s. In the early days, they both travelled across the U.S. in their small trailer with horses and dogs in tow to spread their idea and philosophy about the relationship between horses and humans. Later, as their techniques of Natural Horsemanship became increasingly successful, they opened an office in Utah, followed by offices in Florida, the United Kingdom, and Australia.  Today, the Parelli Method is well-known worldwide, especially because it is effective with all horse breeds, all disciplines, and all styles of riding.
 
In Switzerland, too, the Parelli Method has become for many riders the foundation for their relationship to their horses. There are a number of Swiss Parelli instructors in Switzerland who teach Natural Horsemanship to students. Three Parelli 4-Star Senior Instructors, who were all personally educated by Pat Parelli in the United States, will demonstrate Parelli training to a small audience of Swiss riders and breeders at the Ambassador’s IENA event. After the demonstration, they will be available for questions.
Ambassador Beyer is not a rider but grew up working on his grandmother’s farm.  He added, “I have always had the feeling diplomats could learn from the technique of horse whispering.”