Last Day in Colorado

Today was the last day of the Parelli Summit. We'll be heading home tomorrow eager to inflict our new learnings on our blissfully unaware horses. As always, the Summit was inspirational, motivating and emotional.

We had a beautiful day for the finale after 2 days of cold, clouds and light rain. This is the view from the covered arena, with a balloon visible in the background.

A moment of silence was observed for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. This was followed by a ride by one of the top Parelli instructors, Kalley (the Cowgirl) Krickenberg, a former firefighter, carrying the American flag in a pattern around the arena at a high gallop. All without a bridle, by the way, as the theme for this Summit is Bridleless Riding.  Not a dry eye in the place after that. At least mine weren't.

I always come away from the Summit red-eyed and emotional. In addition to Kalley's ride, we heard from Lauren Barwick who rides with the Parellis and won gold and silver at the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong. Lauren is paralyzed below the belly button and has overcome tremendous challenges in her quest for gold, and is going for more gold in London next year. And Pat's son Caton, who has faced challenges since birth and was not expected to ever walk, now rides with the best and competes (and wins) in spite of serious physical and other impediments. Today he and Pat, along with several other Parelli pros, gave a demonstration of working cows during the lunch break. Caton is the closest rider in the picture. He's in his twenties now and riding well. We've been watching him for several years and used to be terrified watching him ride. I still wish the Parellis would endorse helmets.

So after 3 days of hearing about damaged riders and damaged horses who have overcome the odds to become inspirational success stories, I have to say their strategy works. I'm inspired to be a better person, to, if I may borrow the Parelli mission, to make the world a better place for horses, and also for people. I signed up to volunteer for the Parelli Foundation, which offers aid to rescues, therapeutic riding centers, and offers scholarships to Parelli students.

I just hope the inspiration can last as we start our journey back to Normal tomorrow!