Level Four Online/Freestyle Patterns

 

                                       

Sundance and I are playing with the Level 4 Online and Freestyle Patterns. I have always had problems with his flying lead changes, and I have to say that I am not the best at telling what lead he is on when I am on his back. I decided to hook up the long lines and do a figure eight patterns to help him develop the proper muscles and habits for what I am wanting him to do... in other words, setting it up for success for flying changes. I have started off with having him trot the pattern with long lines. Then I stood at one, and had him canter circles around the barrel. Then I went to the other, and did the same thing. Soon enough, I built it up to where he would canter a circle around one barrel then trot to the other and canter around it and continue the process. The next step I will take, will be him cantering around one barrel... make a flying change then canter around the other, et cetera. I don't think he is ready yet, I want to get the pervious step consistent and easy for him... then I will move on to the next step!

 

                       

Our Freestyle progress is on the same note. We are doing pretty much the same thing, I am just on his back with a carrot stick. I am progressing him the same way also, so the steps are the same. I am doing one pattern different though, I am using 4 barrels instead of 2. I also do the two barrels pattern, I just have to keep it entertaining for my introverted partner... you know!?

         

(Both of these can be done with two or four barrels, it all depends on the situation and preference.)

I would highly recommend getting the Parelli Patterns, if you do not already have them. They are available on http://www.ultimateparelli.com/. If you want to shoot forward in your journey, get on the main highway and progress like you have never before... I would invest in this educational material.