Posted: 23rd July 2014 | Back to news feed
THE Cotswold Savvy Team had great fun showcasing their skills and knowledge at this year’s Cotswold Show in Cirencester Park.
From Meerkats to Monster Trucks, Ferret racing, Falconry displays, a Foodie Festival and a Fun Fair, the show was a very entertaining two day family event that encompasses all the many aspects of rural life and country pursuits.
It also attracts people from all walks of life, many of whom seem to have something in common, a love of horses.
Said team member and 3* Parelli Professional, Sharron Crabbe: “We arrived in plenty of time for the afternoon demonstration in the Apsley Arena and were escorted through the show and fairground and invited to unload the horses just outside the Rare Breeds Tent.
“Right next to the arena entrance was the most enormous Longhorn Bull and at the opposite end was the Alpaca enclosure.
“The Apsley Arena was all about getting up close and personal with a wide variety of animals, and the first ones to appear in the ring were the cutest of all, KuneKune pigs in a pig handling demonstration.
“All in all a lot to take in, especially with three horses and humans making their debut in the Savvy team, which consisted of Liz Jones 3* with Mr Vision, Elaine Knox 2* with Socks, Sean Coleman 2* with Mrs Vision and Jackie Evans 1* with Merlin as well as two very courageous students, Becky Mitchel with Panda and Victoria Knox with Malteser.
“The person left to do all the talking was of course me, but in the end I really didn’t need to say much, as the demonstration from the team and their horses spoke volumes.
“With so much going on, we were fortunate to be given extra time and allowing the horses to explore and relax in the fairly small arena paid dividends. Horses became confident, curious and playful, and the music drew people in so before I started the presentation we already had a large crowd.
“My inspiration for the demonstration came from the Parelli DVD “ Jump Start” and the seven things you need to learn to build a relationship with your horse.
“After introductions, Jackie, Elaine and Victoria started featuring their Online skills: simple things done well with calm cooperative horses and how ground skills lead to ridden skills. There was time for just one song to really show off, then a swift exit past Liz, Sean and Becky waiting in the wings.
“Introducing the rest of the team, the music was notched up and all I really had to do was nod and smile, as Liz, Sean and Becky ran into the arena and continued to wow the crowd with a fabulous display of what is possible when your horse becomes your partner.
“From liberty to freestyle to riding with contact and then back to bareback and bridle less, the crowd really did (almost) go wild.
“Winding down, all I really had to say was that no matter what your goal was; from solving a problem or advancing and refining your horsemanship, to simply feeling safe and confident out on a hack or becoming a professional equestrian, the Parelli Program would help you achieve your goals.
“Then it was almost the best bit of all as it was our turn to get up close and personal with a really interested and engaged crowd of people, eager to ask questions or just get to meet us and the horses.
“So we stopped and chatted around the arena, whilst the volunteers were swamped at the stand. Happy days and I couldn’t wait to do it all again the next day.”
For more information visit www.parelli.com or call the Parelli UK Office on 0800 0234 813.
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.