What are Pat Parelli's Seven Games and how do they function as a groundwork system?

Pat Parelli's Seven Games are a structured progression of groundwork exercises designed to establish complete two-way communication between horse and handler before riding begins. Each game addresses a specific type of interaction, and together they cover all the fundamental yields, drives, and relationship dynamics that produce a horse that is safe, willing, and genuinely partnered with its human. Game One, the Friendly Game, teaches the horse that the human and all of the human's equipment — ropes, sticks, tarps, bags — are not threatening. It is pure desensitization, done until the horse is not just tolerating contact and movement but is genuinely relaxed and even curious about it. Parelli teaches this not as a one-time exercise but as an ongoing practice throughout the relationship. Game Two, the Porcupine Game, teaches yielding to steady pressure. The handler applies pressure with a hand or halter, and the horse learns to yield away from that pressure smoothly and without resistance. This is the direct foundation of all rein response. Game Three, the Driving Game, teaches yielding to rhythmic pressure without contact — energy applied through a stick, rope, or body language. This is the foundation of all leg aid response and forward energy. Game Four, the Yo-Yo Game, establishes backing in a straight line from a distance, developing lightness on the halter and control of forward-backward movement. Game Five, the Circling Game, teaches maintaining gait on a circle without constant direction — the foundation of longing and eventually of independent forward movement under saddle. Game Six, the Sideways Game, develops lateral movement on both sides, which builds the horse's suppleness and prepares it for leg yields and side-passing. Game Seven, the Squeeze Game, develops confidence in tight spaces and with confinement. Together, the Seven Games give the handler all the communication tools needed for everything that follows.