“Forward is the key.”
Carol entered into Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship from a position as a full time computer systems analyst with 20 years experience. Licensed to instruct since 1997, she currently holds the status of a 6 Star Master Instructor. Alongside her full time career, she competed in both English and Western disciplines. Areas of specialty included saddle seat, barrels and poles, jumping, trail obstacle and obstacle driving. She garnered several World Championships to meet her goals, primarily in gaited horses. Carol excelled in training young “show prospect” rejects. World class competitors and well schooled trail/pleasure horses were the result of her efforts. Still, training to high levels yet finding owners unwilling to make the same commitment to excellence proved frustrating. She mounted a search for a system that approached both the horse and human. In late 1994, Carol found Parelli. Parelli is a system allowing all owners to develop meaningful relationships with horses, achieving any level of horsemanship they can imagine. Throughout that time Carol studied with Pat and Linda at the International Study Center (ISC). She began attending all Instructor Courses/Conferences and many colt starting/difficult horse and Levels courses offered. Carol was also a member of the Savvy Team for the Eastern, Southern, and Midwest “Success with Horses” tour. She also demonstrated with Pat and Linda at Equine Affairs, Equitanas, and Savvy Conferences. Carol has taught Level 1-4 Clinics, Camps, and workshops throughout the U.S. from Florida to Maine, and West to Alaska. Additionally Carol taught on both U.S. Parelli Campuses as well as the Australia Campus.
When I met Carol at the age of 12, neither one of us was sure about the other. I was 4 foot tall and afraid of everything. She was skeptical someone so young could handle an intense clinic filled with adults. Carol became ill on the second day of the clinic, so it was the perfect opportunity to get my feet wet but not drown. I returned with Dixie months later, better prepared with a stronger skill set. I soaked up every word Carol said.
Each year I would return to Carol, taking clinics but also auditing other classes. Soon she would teach me to help with the check-in process, looking at travel documents, unloading student’s equipment, and parking their trailers. I became such a regular that many of her students say they watched me grow up there.
Each camp offered something different. Carol always had a way of answering your question in a way you wouldn’t expect. This causes you to think through puzzles, to think like a horse. No matter how many students had the same problem, she would find a new way to give them the answer so that it made sense to that individual. As the years went on I learned to watch Carol. I could see the gears turning in her head as she contemplated which version of the answer to offer. It became easier to guess what she would suggest.
Knowing the only 6 Star Master Instructor opened many doors for me. Carol wrote several letters of recommendation on my behalf to enter not only the 10 Week Intensive Horsemanship Program, but also a colt start, the Vocational Student program, and the Mastery Program. Nothing could have prepared me better for these opportunities than studying with her. Carol taught me not only horsemanship, but professionalism in all aspects. Her military backgound bled over into our daily interactions. While assisting her, the day started by cleaning stalls at 4 a.m. To be on time meant arriving 15 minutes early. Aisles raked and fresh donuts on the table by 7 a.m. was the standard. Each student would have a private session with Carol to make sure their goals and needs were met. This practice always stood out; Carol made sure each person she interacted with got her full attention and time. If they didn’t achieve the goal in the allotted time, they always had the ingredients to take home and achieve it.
Carol challenges me. She pushes me to be better. She expects a lot, but accepts a little, and rewards often. When we play with horses, she makes sure I honor every try and respect the feedback I receive. She shows me it’s not about my ego; it’s about the relationship. It is about allowing and accepting opinions as they come, and being grateful for each of them.
Carol has since retired from teaching, but still lets me run up to visit and pick her brain for advice and wisdom. Every moment I’ve spent with Carol has been a treasure. She has dedicated so much of her life to mine. She has given me so many opportunities. The gift of her presence is something I can never repay, and I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to honor her legacy.
So thank you Carol. My hero, my mentor, my greatest teacher, and my friend, for changing me and for setting fire to my passion. Now I know there’s nothing you can’t achieve in a white button down shirt and freshly shined boots. Forward is the key.
Indeed.