Since I began working in the graphics department here at Parelli Central, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with our Savvy Times magazine, and I’ll admit that I get a little thrill from being the first to get to read it… even if it’s only because I’m the one putting it all together!
For our next issue, coming your way in November, I’ll be holding the reins so to speak, and taking all of the organization of Savvy Times off the plate of our overworked (but incredibly appreciated!) administrator Elizabeth. This means that from now on, I’ll be pretty much in charge of the creation of each issue from the very beginning: helping to select articles, editing, tracking down photos, sifting through the treasure trove of stories we’ve received but haven’t been able to publish yet. It’s all a bit daunting, but I’m like a kid in a candy store: I love hearing your stories about your horsemanship.
The last of Pat’s Seven Keys to Success is “Support,” and for me that’s really where Savvy Times shines. Like many of you, I’m inspired by some of the things I read in Savvy Times, but mostly, I love the magazine because it helps me to remember that I’m not alone. Whether an article is written by a 3-Star Instructor or a Level 1 novice, there’s usually a place for me and the writer to connect, a moment where I recognize myself or my horse or our struggles together in the words of someone who may live half a world away. I know that someone out there has shared my difficulties, my triumphs, and my revelations. I know that the problems I’m having are not new, or unique, or insurmountable. There are others on the path ahead for me to follow; there are those behind who step where my own feet have fallen; there are those beside me sharing in the journey, ready to reach out a hand.
In choosing this path, we choose not to walk alone.
In the next few months here at Parelli, we’ll be introducing some great new tools that we hope will help you to connect even more directly with the others who share the road with you. I’m excited to be a part of that, and I think that you will be too. Part of the change will be a new look for Savvy Times, and that’s a project I can’t wait to tackle; our next issue will (I hope!) be better than ever. Keep those stories, photos and epiphanies coming in! If you’ve got something to share, email savvytimes@parelli.com.
I’m new around here, so I haven’t had much of a chance to hear your opinions on Savvy Times. So I’d love to know what your favorite features are, what you’d like to see more of (or less of), and how you think we can make the magazine better. Please leave us your comments here, or email me at the link above.
Stay Savvy,
Mackenzie
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I so enjoyed everyone’s comments on this site. You are all so inspiring. I know what many of you mean when you say you can’t afford this or that Parelli stuff. I wish I could afford everything I see. I only have L1 & L2 (the older versions).
I so want the new ones and I want to have the Patterns. But, like many of you, I just simply can’t afford them. I think I am going to order the green ball. My Quarter Horse, Buckie seems to be so playful not to mention mischievous. When I brush him he always takes the brushes out of my bucket and tosses them over the fence. He is a new horse for me, but I love him already. I have to start Parelli from the beginning with him. He is a Bay gelding and his neck is so long. He stands 16.3 HH and I am 5’3″. So when I stand anywhere close to him he sometimes rests his head on top of mine or he will put his head on my shoulder. It feels so wonderful and I think he’s asking for a hug so that’s what I do. Just give him a big hug. Hopefully I’ll get to know some of you. I look forward to it. Bless the wonderful horses and their humans.
Hi Mackenzie…wow what a great job and a great team to work with..
I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts on…*The last of Pat’s Seven Keys to Success is “Support,” and for me that’s really where Savvy Times shines. Like many of you, I’m inspired by some of the things I read in Savvy Times, but mostly, I love the magazine because it helps me to remember that I’m not alone. Whether an article is written by a 3-Star Instructor or a Level 1 novice, there’s usually a place for me and the writer to connect, a moment where I recognize myself or my horse or our struggles together in the words of someone who may live half a world away. I know that someone out there has shared my difficulties, my triumphs, and my revelations. I know that the problems I’m having are not new, or unique, or insurmountable. There are others on the path ahead for me to follow; there are those behind who step where my own feet have fallen; there are those beside me sharing in the journey, ready to reach out a hand.
In choosing this path, we choose not to walk alone.**
While reading John Baar’s blog and his “Pat Factor” made we realize we all have “some Factor”…all of us start that first step the same and continue with the journey, not alone but together…I have some wonderful friends I met thru this program…they are loving, supportive and progressive..Keeps me going…thank again for sharing.
My favorite part of the Savvy Times is Linda and Pat and other instructors sharing educational material as well as student profiles about what their journey is like. I remember the series of Vonni’s Level 2 journey. I loved it! Especially the fact that it followed a student over a longer period of time.
Keep up the good work, Mackenzie!
Petra Christensen
Parelli 1Star Junior Instructor
Parelli Central
Jane and Lori, I think that the answer to your question lies mostly in fit, which has been covered pretty thoroughly in our educational materials. Beyond making sure the saddle is properly fitted to horse and rider, most of the rest is just owner preference… what materials and styles you like, what works best for your use or sport. I’m not sure I’d be able to get much in the way of recommendations out of the folks on campus, because they all seem to ride in Parelli tack… I guess there’s something to it!
First off congrats on the new job! looking forward to the next savvy times already!
id like some too! 
i also loved this blog post. i do sometimes feel alone as i dont have a study buddy in my area but then i get my dvd or i read someones blog and its makes me happy again to know there are so many people out there doing parelli!
i love the savvy times! as soon as i get my email to say that its on its way im checking the post everyday! i almost ambush the postman when he arrives and then hug him when my savvy times is in his bag!
what i really love are the articles about other students, i love to hear about other peoples journeys. its so nice to hear what people have been doing and the success they have had.
to be specific, what i really liked in this issue was the article about horsnality and the patterns, i found that really interesting.
one question that this issue raised was when are the parelli essentials going to be available in the UK? iv been on parelli.com and it says that they are only shipped within america
anyway, thanks again for your uplifting blog entry and i look forward to my next savvy times!
Thanks Sadie! I’ve lived all over the American west and in a lot of “cow” towns where Parelli is definitely looked down upon and have felt VERY alone at times as a Parelli student, so I definitely feel your pain! I can’t say too much about it, but we are soon going to be launching some new tools that may help you connect with people local to you or at very least form some closer relationships via the web with others who are sharing the journey, so I hope those are some help.
I don’t know about the Parelli Essentials… that might be a question for the brilliant people downstairs, you could email usa@parelli.com.
Oh Lori I so agree! I have 8 horses and in the present economic situation I cannot possibly afford a parelli saddle, much as I want to!! I know Pat says if you want something enough there is a way to do it!! but the only way I could would be to sell horses! not something I am prepared to do. (I loan my “babies” to suitable homes) I would love more info on other saddles, I use Wintec saddles at the moment, as my horses change shape constantly, and i can use these on all of them. They all go well in them too. I am saving to go on a course, then the parelli saddle, then……?? Yes, please more info!!
Thanks for the encouragement! I’ll look up the Wintec saddles and see what I can find. I love that you are able to use it on all of your horses. It would be nice for both of my “boys” to have comfortable tack, you know? I spent a considerable time with one of them in a round pen this evening and we had such a blast, just playing. At some points Asher would get really exuberant, jumping and rearing, but his ears stayed forward and his eyes bright and interested. But when I would feel myself start to be afraid, I would just stop playing and relax and he would too, coming in to me quickly and sweetly. All that said my journey progresses very slowly and sometimes I feel that I will never be really savvy, but I am committed to this process for the horses’ good and my own. Today I had had a particularly tiring day and as soon as I got my supper down i headed out there. I came home two hours later, refreshed, relaxed and happy. The boys didn’t seem to want me to leave. I am so fortunate to have them in my life. Thanks again for the comment. We all need all the encouragement we can get!
Lori, I also own a Wintec all-purpose with the changeable gullet system… I’m not a saddle-fitting expert by any means, but I love that I can change the gullet out to accommodate different horses (or just my own horse’s changing shape as I work to get her into shape). I haven’t really ridden in my saddle though, as my horse isn’t trained to ride yet, so take that advice with a grain of salt.
(I blogged a bit about my poor not-yet-rideable horse here if you have any interest: http://www.redroanchronicles.com/10793.html ) I don’t personally recommend the Wintec western saddles; I owned one and tried it on probably half a dozen horses and never found a horse that it fit very well. I’m a pretty dedicated Wintec customer overall though, their English saddles and fittings have performed really well for me.
Like both of you, I can’t afford a Parelli saddle (I can hardly afford groceries!
), but so many folks here rave about theirs that I’m hoping to try one out one day when my horse is rideable. 
Thanks for the additional input, Mackenzie. I couldn’t resist reading your post about Juno. I love your story and I love that you “get” to be her owner. She is so blessed to have you and you are blessed to have her, even if you don’t always quite understand that or know why she is in your life. I see her living to a great old age because you are taking the time she needs and she will give it back to you in years of joy. Whether that happens or not, it sounds like you know what a sacred thing her trust is. I also hope a Parelli Professional soon falls in love with her and refuses to NOT work with her! I don’t know all of Pat’s “P’s” but if you are patient and persistent, it will happen. I am planning on looking into the Wintec saddles but right now i am getting excited at the prospect of taking my 12 year old daughter to Jacksonville in October for the Rende-vous! If we can swing it with school and such! Thanks again!
I really like Linda’s letter and of course Pat and Linda’s education, but some of the stories from Savvy club members this time were really good. I especially liked the one about the golf clubs!!
Thanks Yvonne! We’ve got some interesting new stories in the November edition that I’m really eager to share with all of you… once it’s come out please let me know what you think!
I read and reread the Savvy Times, my only complaint is that it is not a monthly! But then, maybe I would not look forward to it as much as I do now. I like the fact that there is a little bit of everything included: stories from Parelli students from all over the world, tips from Parelli professionals and, of course, education from Pat and Linda. I particularly enjoy insights on Remmer, Allure, Magic, Peppy, Vision, Vanna…..well let’s just say all of the horses that Pat and his Mastery students are bringing along. I love to hear about their horsenalities. I always read Linda’s, Dear Friends, first. It’s entertaining, full of good news, plus it keeps us informed on how Vinny and now, Moxie, are doing. I loved the photo of Pat, Linda, Vinny and Moxie, in the latest Savvy Times, and there wasn’t even a horse in the photo!
I wish you success in your new position, it sounds like an exciting adventure.
Colleen, as a reader I share your sentiments and as an editor I’m so glad it’s not monthly!
It’s a pretty big job!
This may not be a question or something that Savvy Times can deal with but I am still going to ask. First, a little backstory. I am a horse hobbyiest, not a professional of any kind. I spend ten to twelve hours a week with my two horses and we have a lot of fun together, thanks to Parelli. We have been using the Parelli bareback pads to ride with since I got the horses (two years ago) and now I’d like to find saddles for them to do trail riding. Here’s the rub. I simply cannot afford one, let alone two, of the incredibly wonderful saddles that Parelli sells, even though I’d love to have the new one since it is an English Trail saddle. I don’t care for the loss of contact with the regular trail saddle and have yet to sample what a treeless one feels like. I’m sure they have more contact than the tree ones, but still, I don’t know from experience yet. Finally, the question. Can you guys do an article on saddles? I mean, not just to sell the Parelli versions but there have to be other options that, while, not Parelli, would at least provide some measure of comfort for both the rider and horse. I know that while there are many Parelli professionals, there are so many more of us everyday horse folks who would appreciate some good horse sense about saddles. I wish you well as you take on Savvy Times. I can’t wait for my copy to show up in the mailbox. It is good eatin’ as I simply devour it!