Level 2 / Level 2 Advancing June 25-29, 2008 Bowlus, Minnesota
By Catherine R.
Eight of us gathered for Nita Jo's Level 2 clinic. Our group bonded very quickly and I sensed that not only did all of us "love horses", but we all wanted to achieve "harmony" and build on the relationship between ourselves and that special horse that we had brought to the clinic.
The five days were spent learning about all four of the savvys; on-line,
freestyle, finesse, and yes, even some time at liberty! I was impressed with Nita Jo's ability to teach us the knowledge and theory that we needed but then to help our bodies translate that into actual practice, (and at my age that is not always an easy task.)
I loved everything about the clinic but some of my highlights were: simulations helping me to
understand why my change of direction at the trot wasn't working from right to left (after
a year of doing it incorrectly), loading my "the only way I'll get into a trailer is if you back the trailer into the aisle and force me in" guy into not only one, but three different kinds of trailers, lots of ride time and even a few wonderful weaves through the cones and around the barrel, the support of seven other students on the same journey, and yes that moment after many laps around the arena when my horse "found me" at liberty in a crowd.
I can not say enough about Nita Jo Rush as a Parelli professional. I began working with
Nita Jo last summer (2007) and I now have attended both a Level 1 Advancing and a Level 2 clinic as well as participated in some small group and private lessons.
"Love, language, leadership and lightness " are signs posted in Nita Jo's arena. I have always loved my horse, Matrix. But now through Nita Jo's expert level of knowledge, guidance, demonstration, and support, Matrix and I have progressed from me not even being able to bring him in from the pasture and not being ridden for the last two years, to the point of me developing leadership and a language for a true beginning partnership.