Kelsey R.
I found Barbara through the world of Facebook.
I was volunteering for a rescue at the time and working with a horse that was the hardest case the rescue had ever seen. She was completely untouchable and after 9 months of intensive training with pressure and release she still couldn’t and wouldn’t come anywhere near people.
I was a transfer from the dog world to the horse world, so I kept asking about positive reinforcement, and no one seemed to know what I was talking about.
Once the old trainer decided she couldn’t do anything else with this horse, I reached out to the internet, and that’s where I found Barb.
Not only did she work with Kopper, but she worked with me. She taught ME the skills I needed to understand and apply what I already knew about positive reinforcement and apply it to horses.
We took a horse that couldn’t and wouldn’t be touched for 18 months into a horse than can self halter, runs across a pasture when her name is called, approaches strangers, leads nicely despite restriction previously being her biggest fear, stands at liberty for the farrier, loads at liberty into the trailer despite extreme trailer trauma, and more.
And all it took was the right person.
Barb is the most knowledgeable person I have ever come across in the horse world and she is someone that continually works on her education, always striving to better herself.
She wants nothing but the best for her horses and her clients and that is proven every time she works with them.
Her case studies speak for themselves and I would truly be lost without her. I owe her so much and truly recommend nobody more.
Casey F.
I came to know and work with Barbara unfortunately as a last resort. I tried and did all the things vets were recommending to me and despite my hardest efforts and thousands upon thousands of dollars spent, nothing was working.
I knew there had to be more out there available than what I was being offered, and there was!
Barbara began working with me and my horse after he was diagnosed and surgically treated for kissing spine and multiple lateral left stifle tears including a torn meniscus.
I was at a point where medically we had done everything we could do plus the time off given and I was not seeing the improvements that I had hoped for.
In one visit she proved to me that my horse could go sound, we just needed to rewire his way of carrying himself that he had become accustomed to from years of pain compensation.
I am a professional in my discipline and have been considered such for nearly 20 years. Working with Barbara and her approach to therapy in motion has been completely life changing for me. My understanding of the horse has been completely changed and actually even simplified; not only from a physical standpoint, but an emotional one as well.
It's one of those, "once you see it, you can't unsee it" type of experiences.
The horse that we worked together on went back to full competition, even competing at the highest level, where he was only given a "fair" prognosis from his surgeon.
I use her methods now on every single horse that I work with because I believe that it truly helps them all to be their best. I am so thankful for our time together, my only regret is not knowing about this earlier in life!
Dana N.
I recently adopted a rescue horse named Luna. Dr. Parks was recommended to me by our trainer at the rescue. I am fairly new to horsemanship, and I knew that I needed to be trained just as much as my horse. (Probably more.)
Dr. Parks is an expert when it comes to R+ training and PT, but just as importantly she is an excellent teacher and mentor. It’s one thing to find someone who is an expert at what they do. It’s another thing to find someone that can teach. Dr. Parks is that unicorn. She is extremely approachable and is there as much for the student as the horse.
She is an excellent communicator and she was sure to discuss goals and expectations at the start of our journey.
In the short time Luna has been staying with Dr. Parks, she has lost her hay belly, developed her muscles, elevated her topline, and even grown an impressive mane. Every time I see Luna she looks noticeably better. As a physical therapist, Dr. Parks knows exactly what Luna needs to thrive and transform into a ridable horse. In addition, since arriving Luna’s happiness is palpable. She is clearly living her best life.
Luna has taken to clicker training extremely well. Her confidence is greatly improved and she has become more sure-footed. We are working on her balance and cues and she and I are becoming a team. I know I have Dr. Parks and Positive Reinforcement to thank for everything.
I highly recommend Dr. Parks to anyone looking to boost their horse’s well-being and skillset. Most importantly, she will do so in a way that will help to improve the relationship you have with your equine.
Byrd N.
Highly recommend!
I was hesitant to ask for Barbara’s help because our 30 year old OTTB has many health issues and we are just grateful he’s with us, I didn’t want to expect anything over the top or push him.
However, after following Barbara’s many posts, I figured I would regret not at least talking to her. She quickly responded, listened to his crazy medical history, and had some suggestions right away. She came out to the farm and worked with us, which was super helpful and she answered all of our questions thoughtfully.
After doing the exercises for ~4 weeks, our primary goal - standing for the farrier and picking hooves- was met. Our farrier and vet noticed a difference and were super pleased with his improvement!
The exercises and modifications took about five minutes about five times a week, making them easy to do on a routine basis. Barbara followed along with his progress and has continued to answer our questions.
We couldn’t ask for more!
Holly M.
Barbara was a huge help to my horse, Winslow. Prior to calling Barbara, we had seen the vet; Winslow had injections, treatment for ulcers and EPM. While those things helped, Winslow was still struggling. Barbara's series of exercises made a huge difference to Winslow and he's back to feeling good and showing!
Melodye L.
My experience working with Dr. Parks was that she was honest and upfront about what she saw in my horses. It’s hard to find someone who can be truthful and genuine in the horse industry. She gave me specific exercises for each individual horse. She is a true gem.
