Russell Higgins Licensed Parelli Professional Russell Higgins Parelli Professional Russell was learning a formal qualification 1998 in the “normal” horse world when he saw something that made him think there might be a better way; A woman was walking along leading her horse with a rope loosely over her arm. When the woman stopped so did her horse and when she backed up so did her horse – and all of this without even looking at the horse! So started his journey to become a natural horseman. Following Pat Parelli’s programme, Russell advanced quickly graduating Level 1 in New Zealand and then travelling to Australia where he studied with one of Pat’s Premier Instructors and gained his Level 2 in March 1999. Russell then travelled to Pat Parelli’s International Study Center (ISC) in Colorado, USA where he was a Working Student for six months. He was then invited to join Pat’s Apprentice Program and stay at the ISC for a further year. Russell returned to New Zealand as a Parelli Instructor in 2000 after spending 18 months working and studying at the Pat Parelli International Study Center in Colorado, USA. As one of Pat Parelli’s Apprentices, Russell gained in depth knowledge in the programme and how it related to young horses, difficult horses, performance horses, miniatures, mules, different breeds, English and Western riding and cart horses. “In everything we do with horses there is one common denominator – the horses. It’s in the nature of the horse that we need to have the most knowledge, everything else is just an application of that”. During his time studying with Pat Parelli in America, Russell toured extensively across the country performing demonstrations with the Savvy Team to large crowds. He also gained valuable teaching experience studying with senior international instructors, had a string of six horses, started young horses and for 13 months drove the Parelli draft horse team on a daily basis. All this has combined to give Russell the experience and expertise that he travels throughout New Zealand sharing with others. “The Parelli Savvy System gives people a pathway to go beyond their expectations and achieve extraordinary results with horses”. Russell is currently based in the Waikato and travels throughout New Zealand and the world teaching. To date he has taught in Colorado, Florida, Australia and throughout the United Kingdom – “my goal is to help you reach yours, naturally”. --------------------------------- Dave Stuart David has over 20 years of experience from starting young horses and dealing with horses with behavioural issues to teaching people the foundations of horsemanship. With a huge amount of experience working with horses and people all over the world, David has visited the continents of Australasia, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. This has involved helping amateurs, professionals and professional organisations within the equestrian industry, enabling them to become safer and more competent around horses, giving them a foundation to build on. His relaxed manner, comfortable presence and ease in front of an audience has meant that David s expertise has been showcased throughout the world at international shows and events, including: to the Dubai Royal Family, Burghley Horse Trials ( 4 star, premier 3 day international event), Horse of the Year Show, Your Horse Live, The British Horse Society s annual spring instructor s conference and Equitana Asia Pacific. In November 2003, David was part of the team invited to The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace to demonstrate Natural Horsemanship to Her Majesty the Queen, which would be nerve racking for most. David impressed all involved with his relaxed manner and aptitude for horsemanship. This year David has given demonstrations at Gatcombe (a 3 day event in the United Kingdom) and at Princess Anne s estate plus, he will again be appearing at the Burghley 3 day event and Your Horse Live in the U.K. Over the years, David has had the opportunity to meet and train with some of the best horsemen in the world, such as Ray Hunt, Mike Bridges, Craig Johnson, Martin Black, Pat Parelli and many others.Meeting Ray Hunt while attending college was a pivotal point in David having a career with horses, as was the meeting of Pat Parelli while on an exchange programme to America, riding and training cutting horses. Riding cutting horses and the starting of young horses was one of the best ways to gain a lot of experience in a relatively short period of time. Pat played an enormous role in the development of David s horsemanship expertise, teaching methods and presentation abilities. Through an involvement with the Parelli organisation, over a time frame of 15 years, extensive focus and training was given in the areas of horsemanship,horse training and the teaching of people. Davids  strengths are the beginnings and the development of a foundation on a horse. A Solid Foundation is about the preparation and building blocks for the future, it s about getting a good start in life to then go on and build a future. With horses it is about getting a horse to where they are self confident and understanding of the task at hand. Perhaps it is trailer loading or having their feet trimmed or shod, maybe it s being saddled and ridden for the first time. The better the preparation and foundation the better the outcome. Laying a foundation for performance is the best preparation for success for both horse and rider.