- 3 Star Instructor
- 1 Star Starting
- 1 Star Foundation
- 1 Star HMS
Licensed Parelli Professional
Since I was a young girl, I have always been around animals, dogs, cats, birds, you name it. I took English riding lessons at age13, and at age 15, I got my first horse. I was a member of Pony Club and competed in local Hunter Jumper shows. I received my bachelors’ degree in animal physiology and neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, in 1992 and started working at the San Diego Zoo. I went on to become a Senior Keeper. In my 15 year career at the zoo, I had the opportunity to work with some amazing animals. But the most amazing animal I have ever known is the horse. The first time I saw Pat and Linda was 1998 at a tour stop at the City of Industry in Los Angeles. I know it sounds cliché, but that day changed my life! I thought I knew a thing or two about communicating with animals. Watching Pat that day, I realized how much I did not know. Instead of making the horse do something, I saw how love, language, and leadership created a willing partner who wanted to do it for you. I bought Pat’s book and started my journey through the levels.
I went to the Parelli Center for the first time in the summer of 2001 for a three week level-3 course with Pat. Since then, I have spent part of every summer at the Parelli Center advancing my horsemanship. I also had the opportunity to spend time with one of Pats mentors, Ronnie Willis, learning about colt starting in Montana. I finished my Level 3 in 2003 and decided to change careers and become a Parelli professional. In 2004, I started teaching Parelli Natural Horsemanship. I am licensed to teach Levels 1 and 2 and assess Level 1. One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is the changes I see not only in myself but my students. When they get it, when they start to “think like a horse”!
My husband Mike, and I have small ranch in the Valley Center, the N.E. part of San Diego, Ca. When I am not teaching clinics, you can find me here, advancing my horsemanship. For more information go to www.margitdeerman.com