Hello everyone,
I really want to thank you for your outpouring of support as a result of my last blog. I am very moved by reading all your comments, and I used up more than a few tissues! Your wisdom, perspective, love and thanks are overwhelming, thank you so much. 
I wish I could have read the comment from Liane in French, but I felt the energy! And Debbie Bennett, thanks for your thoughts too – we were both there at my first clinic with Pat and I value us being able to support each other way back in 1989.
And then this one from Barbara: “The flak is always the thickest when you are over the target.” How true that is. Sometimes all it takes is the capacity to never, ever give up. Horses teach us that too: Passive persistence in the proper position.
Thank you so much, all of you. We feel blessed to have such wonderful supporters as you.
Linda
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
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Linda and Pat,
I am SO sorry to hear about West Point.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who were blessed to spend time with him and love on him.
Bambi
Rainier, OR
Linda, I loved your time (and Pat’s) with us on the last Parelli LIVE. Just before air time, Johnny Kubelka played for you a song that I had composed, entitled “One Horse at a Time.” He sent me the comments you made, and, as I told him, I am indebted to him for having played it for you.
The reason I had written it in the first place is that Doreen Larsen and I are in the process of making a slide show type of presentation comparing her developing a horse Western style to my English. We show how the Parelli foundation is put on before any particular discipline, as explained through the lyrics of the song.
Johnny indicated in another message that you are in charge of playing music at any of your live tour stops,etc. I’d be honored if you’d ever use my song. I’m very aware that the singer that recorded it isn’t the caliber of the artists you use, but if you would want a different arrangement/recording, I’m all for it.
I’d love to hear any further comments you have about “One Horse at a Time”.
That’s pretty cool Dee. And the slide show sounds like it will be amazing
While I’d like to think I’m in charge of the music, that is changing now… more of a team effort, which is great news for me! The pressure is off! No, seriously, I do enjoy that part, but I need to take a bigger part in the shows now
I have read all the prior posts about how the Parelli program has changed so my lives. It indeed has also changed mine. My whole life I have looked for my passion and envy those that found theirs. I love my work but it’s not my passion. My boss has asked me to help in sales but I say “I hate sales”. It’s kind of a joke in our office. But since I have been doing Parelli I have sold the program to SO many people. Now my boss said she admires me for my passion and desire for this program. I guess when it’s your passion, sales comes easy. I have never seen a program that is so positive and rewarding to both human and animal.
I am a hard worker and always prefer to get-the-job-done at the best of my ability rather than putting it off until tomorrow. This program proves this method, and rewards are always seen if done right. I am 57 years old and it’s too late to change my career. I wish I had found this program many many years ago. However I am lucky, as there are many fabulous instructors and a new upcoming one in my area. I will continue progressing with my horse through them. And I will keep my sales high to keep them busy. And who knows, maybe someday the Ambassador program will be launch and I can continue my sales by informing my area of upcoming events.
Thank you Linda for helping me find my passion….
That’s what it’s all about Debbie
L
One of the thing that I just love about you, Linda, is that you share your joys, your success and your tears so freely. It is so refreshing!
Here at home, I have stopped trying to “sell” Parelli and push it down people throat. When people ask me to help with their horses, I just do what I do without labeling it and when people see such dramatic change in their horse’s attitude, sometime after only one session, they are the one coming and asking questions. Then, it is time to introduce them to Parelli because they are ready to learn. I am please to report, I am making quite a few convert!
You are a great leader and inspiring others to lead. Leading by example is often the most effective and you do it so well.
Isabelle
And maybe you do it better than we do. Thank you.
L
I have decided to write enough until you recognize my name..haha. Linda, I wish I could put into words the way you always inspire me. I can and do sit for hours watching everything I can on my computer EVERY night, does not matter if it is an old show on RFD or still studying level one – on line, which is where I am, I always sit in amazement at your natural ability to inspire, and relate to me what I need to do. I am excited about Jacksonville, I live less than 20 min from your place in Ocala and I start Equine Sports Massage classes in a few weeks….at the age of 55 YOU HAVE given me some passion back.. I thank you for that. My life is forever changed by Parelli….
Sorry, I forgot…i love your new babies. We have two doxies, they will light up your life forever, both our sons have one and so does my mom so when they all get together it is a doxie fest…they will love you forever. Just wish I could get them to stop barking at my horses….never gonna happen.
I think dogs teach us the biggest lesson ever: unconditional love.
L
So how do you spell your name, is it M.A.R.Y. ?
OK, I recognize your name.
I love that you are amazed and inspired. That’s how I started.
L
I may have blogged on this story before so if I have forgive me for being repetitive but I thought it was particuarly relevant.
I am currently working on a freestyle programme that gets me back riding again due to both me and my horse having some trust issues. Part of this is to walk around our lanes and roads until a point where both of us are relaxed and then I get on and ride the last bit home. Gradually I’ve tried to extend the length of the ride home. Obviously I come across other riders from time to time and for the most part they are polite. However one time recenlty a man asked me rather sarcastically “when are you going to be allowed to ride”, his inferance being that the programme wasn’t allowing me to ride. I meekly replied that I did indeed ride, and he scoffed that every time he’s seen me I’ve been walking. Interestingly he was still riding away from me as he said these things so we couldn’t have a discussion, also interestingly he had a young lady with me so there were maybe some hormones or ego at play too!
I walked on fuming and hurt. I was well aware how futile my emotions were and how unimportant his comments were but it hit me just where it hurt – my own inability to overcome my fear. I made a decision however to use my emotions positively so making sure we were both prepared and relaxed I climbed on board (I have a bareback pad as I’m waiting for my NP to arrive) a whole 500 meters earlier than I normally would!!! That felt good!.
I wonder what makes some people feel the need to criticize openly versus others who are either…
Amanda – I’ve been where you are — regaining confidence on both the horse’s part and mine. It is easy to “worry” about what others think, especially when they can be so vocal sometimes. But just by this post, you have evidence that the path you are following is working and you are making progress. It’s not how fast you get there — it’s that you laid the correct foundation for your partnership. Stick to your guns!
Linda, you and pat are an inspiration to so many ,and a term you have used before is one i apply regularly is “what other people think about me is none of my buisiness”. Keep up the fantastic work girl , cos your many loyal members out rank a few who cant see the wood for the trees ,so to speak and we are behind you all the way!
Hi Linda,
A late submission perhaps, but I just read about the troubling comments derived from misunderstanding, I suspect. I so hear you about what it feels like to absorb this type of message. Tough to do, but necessary as you fulfill your role as leader. That’s what leaders do is break through the ordinary into the world of the extraordinary. That’s what you and Pat are doing and it won’t be without the help(?) of the naysayers, skeptics and the downright ….. well, you know. And while the rest of us work at catching up to our leaders, we require you to take on the brunt in order that we can stumble more easily along the way. Thanks for that.
You are an exceptional communicator of extreme value information. You and Pat have changed my relationship with my horse, my business and my life. And while the critics have the right to their say and we can find value in their contribution, please don’t even pause in the delivery, quality or timeliness of your work. It is very much needed on this planet.
Many, many thanks.
Pat
Thank you Patricia. I love hearing how this program has affected you in ways more than just horses
L
A lot of times people criticize that which they don’t understand. An ignorance is bliss sort of thing. I agree with others that if they are trying to take you down, its due to their own fear and insecurity. I don’t know how you and Pat find enough hours in a day to do all that is on your plate. Hang in there.
Wow Linda…I was at the Fresno event. The energy you and Pat share each and every time is incredible. From explaining the 7 games with Remmer, to your wonderful sharing of the new ways to find motivation and energy in him in Finesse! (I have been practicing the Michal move, rib cage crunch, and tricep to armpit move while driving…) Such Positive Shareaholics! You and Pat doing the lessons with “stuck” students… so helpful. I talked to people I know who said it was like they were taking the lesson themselves!
I wondered if all the negative stuff would affect your enrgy or desire to share…it never does. I hope seeing all of our happy, learning, faces bouy you both through the negative comments. I have been following the program since the early ’90′s, and go to every event nearby that you are at, and I always come home inspired and with new arrows in my quiver. This year I had 9 people who were directly influenced by me to come. I know how much learning from you has helped them.
How you have the time and energy to do all you do amazes me, blogging, traveling, writing new material, learning from your own mentors, then sharing THAT with us…I am exhausted just thinking about it all, let alone living it like you and Pat do.
People who find a “reason” to be critical, then drop out, often have been struggling with their own inadequacies for some time. They find in pointing the finger at someone else, they can take themsevles off the hook. After all, look at the imperfect teacher they had!
My horses and I admire you both so much…
Vicki
Nice going – I hope your abs are benefitting too
Thank you for your lovely words.
L
On facebook i am friends with the Positivity page. Today they had this quote and i thought you might like to see it
“Handling criticism: if it’s untrue, disregard it. If it’s unfair, keep from irritation. If it’s ignorant, smile. If it’s justified, learn from it.”
Keep doing what you are doing, it is certainly changing all my horses lifes, and mine too!
Andrea xx
I love it! It’s a lot like the Ghandi one, and I’m going to misquote it… Don’t be angry. If you were wrong, you had no right. And if you are guilty, you have no right. I’d better google it and check!
Ahhh, I was close: “When You Are Right, No Need To Be Angry; When You Are Wrong, You Have No Right To Be Angry…”
– Mahatma Gandhi
And it’s a great site, check it out: http://www.selfhelpcollective.com/inspirational-quotations.html
L
Linda,
You are such a special lady! Of course, you’ll get negative comments from time to time. Most people are soooooooo set in their ways, & are sooooooooo afraid of change, & YOU know that! You care so much that you’ll always take comments to heart. I laughed a little when I read it, only because YOU of all people, would NEVER rush a horse!!! I remember the trailer loading DVD – I cleaned my whole house through it – I thought is Linda ever going to get that horse into the trailer???? As a PNH believer, I’m sure everone has had negative comments, from carrot sticks to fluidity, when trying to explain it to someone. I’ve been there a thousand times, & each time I see a negative face, or hear a negative comment, inside I’m saying to myself – “It’s my relationship with my horse that matters the most” & go about my merry way!!! I do love hearing your blogs; makes me feel closer & more involved. I’ll see you at the Summit!
And I laughed reading that you cleaned your whole house to that DVD segment!
L
Linda,
You and the Parelli program have indeed transformed my life, and the lives of others that my life has touched !! It is exciting to see the ripple effect transforming as it goes. Thank you so much for all your hard work and sacrifice and love.
When working in advanced sessions (which you MUST do for us very dedicated students who have been studying for years now), you cannot hope to go back and explain all of the foundation that brings understanding to that point. If someone in the general public makes a comment out of ignorance, you must consider the fact that perhaps they have not put the effort into understanding the program in the first place and take the comment for what it’s worth…virtually nothing and certainly not a failure on your part.
Ignorance breeds contempt.
Hi Linda
I would just like to say that if it wasn’t for the Parelli program I would never had a relationship so special than the one I had with my horse. I lost him in April and I miss him dearly. As you know, people find change very hard. They only want to see whats ‘normal’. I was always getting told that what I was doing was wrong and was once called a ‘Monster’. I just thought to myself ‘then how come I don’t have any problems with my horse, and if I did, I could sort them out pretty much straight away’.???!!! How interesting…. I find it very hard to keep my mouth shut sometimes but since doing Parelli I have found emotional control like you wouldn’t believe, professional and horsey. Thank you Linda and Pat for this lifechanging experience. I can’t wait to find my new horsey ‘Partner’ to spend the rest of our lives together.
Laura xxxx
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