The Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover recently took place in Fort Worth, TX, and the winner of the Stars Division was 21-year-old Zachary Rios. Zachary has spent the last six years working with horses, and the skill and perseverance he displayed during the competition paid off with this result.
Wild mustangs on open land
When Zachary was asked who he considers to be his biggest influence when it comes to his horsemanship, he responded with “Pat Parelli,”.
Over the years, Zachary has spent countless hours studying various clinicians and their methods, but he says he’s learned and applied the most from one in particular: the Parelli program.
“I’ve learned so much from Parelli, especially the value of patience,” says Rios. “When I saw how much Pat values patience, it surprised me. I’d never seen that before, just waiting until the horse was ready before you move on. A lot of clinicians have the knowledge and the technique, but the Parelli program really emphasizes the relationship.”
During a post-competition interview, Zachary was asked who he’d consider to be his biggest influence when it came to his horsemanship. When he responded with “Pat Parelli,” a friend of Pat’s was there and immediately took note.
Sheila Emery, producer of The Dog Whisperer, has known Pat for years. She heard Zachary and immediately gave Pat a call. She told him about the competition, about Zachary, and about his comments. Pat was ecstatic; just imagine how Zachary felt when Sheila handed him the phone with Pat on the line.
“He was so excited,” Emery says, “His mom was there and she just started crying with joy because she knew how much it would mean to him to talk with Pat.”
“Honestly, talking with Pat was as exciting as winning the competition,” says Rios.
After this win, Zachary certainly isn’t just resting on his laurels. In the spirit of never-ending self-improvement, he is continuing to hone his craft. And Pat Parelli couldn’t be happier knowing that the Parelli program is continuing to broaden horizons.
“It’s fantastic what Zachary achieved,” says Pat. “It’s proof that the Parelli philosophy is working – and winning – in more and more disciplines.”
About Parelli
The Parelli method combines in-depth equine psychology and common sense communication techniques in a proven recipe for horse and rider success. It allows horse owners at all levels of experience (from trail rider to Olympic-level Dressage rider) to achieve success without force, partnership without dominance and harmony without coercion. The wider goal is to help create a better world for horses and the people who love them.