Page 70 - ST November 2013

education I

BY LINDA PARELLI & DR. PATRICK HANDLEY

A Humanality Q&A

The concept of Humanality has forever changed how we see ourselves, both in social situations and
with our horses. Because there’s so much to this topic, we brought together Linda Parelli and Dr. Patrick

Handley – who worked together in pioneering the concept of Humanality years ago – to answer some

questions for you.

Q:

Is it ideal for a horse & human pair to LINDA PARELLI: Usually, yes. This is because
match Horsenalities & Humanalities? matching energy levels seems to be one of the keys

For instance, would a Right-Brain Intro- and that’s why extroverts and introverts can get

vert human probably have an easier time working of-side so easily. It’s also a reason there are some
with a Right-Brain Introvert horse compared to
natural matches; i.e. Right-Brain Introvert Hu-

other Horsenalities?
manalities are quiet, not so goal-oriented or pushy.

They are sensitive to others’ feelings, love taking care
and hanging out, and Right-Brain Introvert horses

love that.

PATRICK HANDLEY: Each Horsenality/Hu-

manality pairing has certain advantages and disad-

vantages. It’s the human’s responsibility to identify
what the horse needs in the partnership and adapt in

a way that makes the relationship better. The horse

will automatically respond to the behavior and energy
we put out, and that’s why a horse is such a good re-

lection of us. What we don’t want is what Pat Parelli
refers to as “the horse wanting a divorce.” That’s a

memorable reminder that some matches don’t work

well, particularly if the human isn’t knowledgeable
enough to know how to change. However, if a human

is willing to learn what it is a horse needs and lex

his/her behavior to provide this, then just about

68 | Savvy Times November 2013