Games Tournaments

The Challenges

The excitement the day of the horse show or competition is an experience many horse owners can relate to, especially as kids. For most of us it began as a fairly fun and innocent event. How many of you remember sleeping overnight at the show grounds and laughing with friends as you braided your ponies manes and tails, hoping that the judge would like the pretty ribbons and bows you'd plaited in to make your pony look 'extra' pretty? Can you remember how proud you were the first time you got a ribbon, not caring that it was for last place?

But is seems that the older we get and the higher the level of competition, the more serious things get. Suddenly the girls that we'd laughed and played with a few years ago are cut-throat competitors who talk behind our backs and hope for a mistake in our routine. Second place ribbons leave people feeling crushed, sobbing as they leave the arena. When a class is blown, the horse gets blamed and sometimes even taken out behind the barns for a 'tune-up'. Even the parents get wrapped up in the competitiveness of it all, pushing for more lessons and better horses so that their kids can be 'the best'.

There are a lot of positive things competition has to offer. The desire for more knowledge, learning to pursue our dreams, the dedication necessary to stick with something...but how do we keep the fun, continue to strive for excellence and make progress without sacrificing our principles to achieve our goals?

Parelli Games Tournaments are designed as a fun way to challenge our relationship with our horse and interact with fellow Parelli students in a fun and competitive, but supportive, environment. These tournaments teach people to manage their emotions under pressure, take care of their horses mental and emotional state and make decisions that have the horses best interest, and not the prize, at heart. And you see it all pay off when, in the very next challenge, that same student often aces it! It doesn't happen right away, but anyone who has seen a student that participates regularly in tournaments would agree - they've really got their principles straight and they'd rather have fun and build their horse's confidence than win the challenge. They're just happy that they got a ribbon, even if it was for last place! Because their horse gave them first prize.

One of the things that sets these competitions apart from many others is the supportive environment and sense of team-man-ship that is present. Not to mention the fun! We try to keep these events as entertaining and enjoyable as possible, while still allowing people who have put a lot of hard work in to excel and show how much they and their equine partner have accomplished. Incredibly dynamic to watch and a thrill to participate in, spectators and participants alike find themselves laughing and smiling the whole day, cheering team mates on the whole time.

To download a list of the 2007 Tournament Challenges for events run by Fawn Anderson,

Guidelines

Each tournament can have up to 16 participants, with 4 groups of 2-4 people on each team (depending on the number of participants). There are four sections of challenges: Online, Liberty, Freestyle & Finesse. Each section has four challenges set up and each participant is given 4min to complete as many of the challenges as possible. Once all four participants have had their turn, the groups rotate to a new section.

Each challenge has an easy (10pt) and difficult (20pt) option. Participants can choose to try one, both or neither in the time given. So it is a test of not only the participants skill, but also their judgement and strategy!

All entrants will be given a map of the course and an official will demonstrate the tasks. Teams then will be given time to walk the course and come up with strategies before the games begin. Each participant has 4 min to complete the course and there will be 1 min for the next person to get ready. Teams will be given 2 mins to change sections once all members have gone.

There will be one over-all timer that calls 'start', waits 1 min before starting the next person from the team and calls the 2 min change of section for groups when they rotate to the next savvy. Each section will also have at least one steward responsible for scoring and monitoring time.

Awards

Awards will be given for both Group and Individual performance. A running score will be kept and, at the end of the year, the Team and Individual with the highest Year End Score will be awarded a trophy and grand prize.

In addition, prizes will be awarded for other qualities demonstrated, such as putting principles in front of goals.

Prizes will vary, but may include Parelli Equipment, DVD's, horse gear, a spot in a clinic and much more.

2007 Tournaments

This being the first year that Fawn is offering Tournaments, there are only a few events to choose from. As the popularity grows, so will the availability. If you would like to sign up to participate in a full, mini or demo tournament, contact the coordinator for the event. The fall dates are subject to change slightly. More details can be found on the Calendar page.

Hosting a Tournament

If you are interested in hosting an official tournament in your area during or after a clinic or demonstration, or if you are interested in volunteering to be a timer or steward at one of the events listed, please contact Fawn or the contact person for the event for more information. It's a great way to meet new people and have a lot of fun!