November 19-21, three days of sheer bliss at the Florida Parelli Centre auditing the "Game of Contact" course taught by Linda P. How wonderful is that!!! (It's a rhetorical question)
As soon as I received the email info on the course, I signed on. I figured I might not be able to learn the riding contact concepts, but was sure to learn a thoursand+ other things. And I did. These include:
- what a wonderful, gracious, generous, person is Linda. A learner and teacher par excellence.
- the serenity of the Florida centre.
- love, language, and leadership disseminated by students
- that I could be brave enough to pet the dogs as they were walked by PP. Well, actually, getting down on my knees and getting kisses (not from PP thought). Made an entire fool of myself, but didn't care. I did it!!!
Oh, yes and about the Game of Contact, I learned about applying the principles:
---- hands that close slowly and open quickly;
---- passive and polite persistence in the proper position;
---- expect a lot, accept a little, reward often;
---- it's not about the contact;
and no doubt many more that I cannot remember at this moment!
Other highlights:
- meeting Michele and Deana, who took me under their experienced wings, gave me rides to the centre, and gave unconditional support.
I returned home with new knowledge, attitude, support, motivation, technique, and respect - for the Parellis, and for my beautiful mare. Understanding how blocked up she has been has left me very emotional; realizing how forgiving and hopeful she has been gives me courage.
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