Start of Parelli

Today (Dec. 28, 2012) I went out to the barn and did about an hour of Parelli with Romeo.  We started out with the Friendly Game.  I began by just rubbing him all over with just my hand and he was fairly calm all throughout.  He did jump once when I touched under his belly but I rubbed him there again after and he was fine with it, I think I just startled him.  I opted not to use a lead rope, just his Parelli halter because I knew he was already fairly comfortable with me working around him.  I then did the whole Friendly Game again but this time with the end of a Parelli carrot stick.  He was excellent with this and it was a good way to introduce this tool as I have never used one with him.  I then spent some time just taking the Parelli stick and savvy string and waving and slapping it around on the ground beside him and over his head, and then gently throwing it around his legs, back and neck to help desensitize him to it.  I then played the Porcupine Game.  I did this mostly with his hindquarters because I wanted to start him with something I know is easier for him so we would have a better chance of ending on a good note.  I did do a bit with his shoulders but not much because it was harder for him; I will go back to this in our next session.  By the end of the game I was able to make him yield his hindquarters just by touching the hair, which is the aim of this game.  I am LOVING this Parelli work and I can not wait to do it again!