Hello and welcome to Earth Horse. My name is Stacey Atkins and i would like to share with you a little information on my background.

My first experience of ponies and riding was through my mother, who has been involved with horses throughout most of her life.  By the age of 6 months, i was enjoying my first ride in a basket saddle on a very intelligent Shetland pony called Pickles - enough said!

I joined the Pony club at a young age and have competed in all disciplines, Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing etc, acheiving success in a "traditional" way, but also having great fun with some great ponies along the way.  Since that time we have had the pleasure of caring for and riding some wonderful, faithful family horses.

I always knew that my adult life would involve being around animals, so after finishing school i enrolled at college undertaking courses and gaining certificates in Horse Care and Equitation, i also trained as a Qualified Veterinary Nurse.  I still continue to learn new things and educate myself by attending courses and clinics in subjects such as Small Animal Pet Nutrition, Equine Touch, Barefoot Trimming etc.  I love to learn and encompass knowledge, knowledge equals empowerment!

My mothers first introduction to Parelli was when Pat first became known to the UK sometime in the mid 1980's, and despite having success in the traditional way, she decided to continue along the "normal" route, but always remained curious and open minded about his ideologies over the coming years.

Fast forward to 2003, when a large, unconfident horse came into our lives, he had huge confidence issues and after seeking opinions and advice from traditional trainers and also looking at other Natural Horsemanship ideas, we were still left with an unconfident horse unable to help him through these difficult issues.

In 2003 we were invited to an event at Stoneleigh Park, where we were lucky enough to watch a Parelli demonstration which totally blew our socks off! the Harmony and connection between the Parelli students and their horses was truly amazing, this was my first live experience of the Parelli programme and i was instantly hooked, i have never waivered or looked back since!

I have been fortunate enough to study with lots of different Parelli instructors both here in the UK and USA. 
My friend Jo and i attended a six week course in 2006 at the International Study Center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, this was the most awesome experience and one we will never forget.  We learned so much and made some great friendships.  A small group of British students were invited to become Parelli Ambassadors for the UK, which we readily accepted, what an honour!
Our role as an Ambassador is to be a point of contact and provide information through our journey and experiences within the programme for those students already studying and new folk interested in seeking help and learning more.

My true aspirations are to be the best student that i can be and for my horses to yearn to be with me and have that "pick me" look when they see me coming! 

My journey within the programme is ultimately leading me to instructorship where i hope i can help others that are seeking a deeper realtionship and communication with their horses...  just as i am experiencing...

I look forward to meeting with you all soon...