Roping in a Parelli Tradition - Parelli E-News

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Roping in a Parelli Tradition
by Sabine Baeckmann, Parelli Central Team
“One of the first things I learned how to do was one of the very best things.” —Pat Parelli
There’s nothing like tradition. The passing down of a
traditional practice or custom empowers one with the
values of hard work, craftsmanship, local culture and
the feeling of belonging. Here at Parelli, a longstanding tradition has come back home.
Pat Parelli realized early in his life that there was a lot
more to horsemanship than riding. He learned how to
tie his own leather halter during his high school years.
“One of the first things I learned how to do was one
of the very best things,” he says. Pat later took to traveling and conducting clinics all over the country, all the
while using his own hand-tied harnesses and leads. It
wasn’t long before folks started requesting their own
hand-made ropes from Pat.
Top-quality ropes are essential tools in
every aspect of natural horsemanship.
When Pat began offering his own ropes to his
students officially in 1986, his goal was for them to
have the real stuff available for their journeys through
natural horsemanship. After all, top-quality ropes are
essential tools in every aspect of natural horsemanship.
Pat hired three talented rope makers who began crafting the top-notch ropes, and his goal became a reality.
As is often the case, top quality also meant top
dollar, and it became apparent that it would be more
economical for rope making to be farmed out to a
vendor in California. And unfortunately, our three incredible rope makers left with their task. A proud Parelli
tradition had left the ranch.
Since that time, Pat’s many accomplishments and his
vision of creating a better world for horses and those
who love them have helped Parelli Natural Horsemanship
grow into a worldwide phenomenon. In addition, Parelli’s
online shop has come to offer a great variety of products.
Consequently, it seemed natural for the rope-making
division to be roped back into the family business.
So about a year ago our original team of talented
rope-making craftsmen came back to Parelli in
photo by Coco
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photos by Coco
Only the Best
Parelli’s 12-foot Line has a sturdy swivel snap that prevents the rope from
twisting and improves feel. Once you use it, you’ll never want to go back
to using a regular lead rope.
Pagosa Springs and began enjoying their role in the
Parelli tradition they helped to establish years ago.
Pat says, “They just feel like they’re part of the family,
and we’re really tickled to death to have them back.”
So, what are the benefits of having rope making back in
house?
In-house rope-making gives us more
flexibility in testing new ideas and products,
and modifying our rope line to meet the
needs of our customers.
According to Alain Martignier, Parelli’s Operations
Manager, “It was just a smart thing to do. First, we’ve been
able to lower our rope prices significantly by eliminating
the middleman. We also came to realize that in-house
47 | Savvy Times August 2010
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rope making gives us more flexibility in testing new ideas
and products and modifying our rope line to meet the
needs of our customers.”
Every once and a while, I’ll get out
about 20 feet of that rope and tie
myself a halter just for fun!
Alain further explains, “Not only are our ropes U.S.made, the are the same top-quality products—if not
better—with significant decreases in prices. We’re happy
to have this all under our own roof again.”
We’re excited and pleased that not only is the longstanding Parelli rope making tradition back, but so are
our three talented craftsmen who are proudly keeping
the tradition going.
Once again, Parelli Natural Horsemanship is offering the
highest-quality handcrafted ropes, and now they’re at the
lowest prices ever!
Says Pat, “Every once and a while I’ll get out about 20
feet of that rope and tie myself a halter just for fun!”
Keeping the tradition, and keeping it natural.
Top Quality on the Line
Parelli’s rope halters give you the feel you need to communicate
effectively with your horse.
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