SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Personality Plus

So many times we fall in love for all the wrong reasons. Just as it happens in human relationships, with horses we’re often initially attracted by appearances or preconceived ideas. All too frequently people buy horses based on looks or because they automatically assume they have to buy a certain breed to achieve show-ring success.



In their daily lives, Linda and Pat Parelli routinely meet horse owners who have challenging horses. Many times, these owners don’t understand their horses’ unique personalities—or “HorsenalityTM,” as the Parellis refer to it. When people don’t know what makes their horses tick, they have no idea what their horses need, or how to bring out the best in them.
With this in mind, Linda Parelli has spent over a decade working on the Parelli Horsenality Model, a diagnostic tool used to discover a horse’s individual Horsenality by charting specific behaviors. After much revision, the final product was just released to the public late this past summer.



Pat Parelli explains that a horse’s “Horsenality” is shaped by four major things: innate characteristics, learned behavior, environment and spirit. Once you can pinpoint your horse’s Horsenality, you will know how to be the leader he needs.

**For the full article, pick up the November 2007 issue of HORSE ILLUSTRATED.**

Do you like this excerpt? Subscribe Now to read more like it.


Click Here
 to see the HorseChannel Exclusive to this article.

Cynthia McFarland

Cynthia McFarland is an Ocala, Fla.-based freelance writer, horse owner and avid trail rider. The author of nine books, her latest is The Horseman’s Guide to Tack and Equipment.

View Comments

Recent Posts

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Equines of the Week: Vixen and Pipsqueak

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

17 hours ago

Adopt a Horse Month Success Stories

Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…

2 days ago

Guest Ranch Horses

Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…

3 days ago

2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Recap

Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a…

4 days ago

2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day

In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders…

5 days ago

2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two

Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.,…

6 days ago