Notes from a Level 3-4 Lesson--Improving the Sideways Game On Line

As I am traveling and giving lessons around the country, one of the perks the students receive is written notes (usually posted on ParelliConnect.)  I thought my blog readers my benefit and be interested in reading some of these.  If you find them valuable or interesting.  Let me know in the comments.  Unfortunately I don't have any pictures for this--this time--but it you like this format occasionally I may be able to facilitate pictures.

Improving Sideways--On Line

·        Slow and right means nearly perpendicular to the fence and the horse’s body nearly straight…not in a “C” shape.  Don’t speed it up until the horse’s shape is more correct.  Break the old pattern of going faster wrong by being more creative with the sideways: 

•  Move the HQ (in isolation) enough to get the horse to face up
• Move the HQ enough to squeeze the horse between you and the fence…then circle around and go sideways the same way
• Move the HQ enough to squeeze the horse between you and the fence…then disengage the HQ and push the FQ toward the fence and go sideways the new direction.
• Go sideways long enough (slowly) to get a greater degree of straightness, then release
• Use a longer, stronger body language phase one and then an effective phase 4 to encourage lightness of response of the HQ.
•  Send them in a half circle to the fence and adjust their position to be straight in the body and perpendicular to the fence without any sideways.  When they come to the fence and can stop straight without any adjustments then you have permission to start asking or allowing sideways.
• Move the ends in isolation...one step of the front and pause...one step of the back and pause
• Don't try to add speed until slow is more straight consistently 

Level 4 is nearly invisible requests, therefore: 

• What is phase 1... for your horse?
• How long is a long phase 1…for your horse?
• What is a release…for your horse?... comfort? ....rest?....a change?.....????
• How long does the release need to be to create learning?  (Introverts rarely lick in less than 30 seconds and 2.5 minutes is common.  Count or time it to see what is common for your horse.)
• How consistent are your phases?  What are they?  If I asked you to tell me, could you?

Sideways off the fence:

• Where should your focus be?
•  If the horse drifts forward:  Shake the rope UP… then down if necessary…. don’t just jerk down. (Shake is not the best word...it is lifting up and down strongly in a rhythm!)  Lift UP and Down and UP long enough and strong enough to get at least 1 step backward…better to back until the horse is again lined up with the focus point.  If you are not particular, the horse won’t be either.
•  From zone 1
•  From zone 3
• From zone 4…or 5
• Length of line?  Level 4 is a 45' line...but you need to use most if not all of it.

Enjoy the journey!