Chas says ...
My initial search for a horsemanship program was to round out my experience as an equine massage therapist. In doing so, I've attended many clinics by some of the best clinicians in the business. This search led me to Frank Bell and his "7 Step Safety System". 

What can I say without first saying something about Frank Bell the man. Franks's gentle manner and overwhelming enthusiasm he shows to both human and horse left me with a positive attitude that I could master this training system without worry of spending thousands of dollars or being overwhelmed in learning too much too fast. Since then my own experience with Frank only deepened my trust in Frank's "7 Step Safety System" because it got right to the heart of all horse training. Pressure and release and bonding this four legged creature to the point of mutual respect.

These gentling exercises teach horses and owners alike to overcome fear and trust issues and willingly learn from each other. The results of my own experiences using the 7SSS system has been incredible success with horses of various breeds including aggressive horses, lazy horses, green unbroke horses and scared rescued horses. Remember these 7 steps are basic ground work and Frank will tell you be creative and add more as you become more comfortable. You can never do too much ground work when safety is concerned and don't forget outside issues that may be flushed out when training your horse.

Horses will and do react differently to new environments, barns, stalls, stress, sore back from saddle fit, neck stiffness, dental problems and heavy training among others. Basically I've tried to read my horses while training and listen to what their body language is saying.

Myself, I've spent many clinics with Frank and he has graciously applauded my approach of using massage and bonding in creating an initial gentling approach to all horses. It has allowed me to gain their confidence and overcome their fears more quickly and quietly and it seems to allow me to move through the next steps with a much more calmer horse. Fear, pain and stress will prohibit learning but massage and bonding will bring the horse back to that safe place.

Once I've trained a clients horse I will teach them Frank Bell's system and encourage them to buy his video "Discover The Horse You Never Knew" or possibly buying Frank Bell's starter kit which will give you all the tools to have a safer partnership with your horse. With gentle training, bonding and massage you will overcome fearfull attitudes and with 7SSS training you will gain confidence in yourself and confidence in your horse and gain greater trust in each other as you continue to build on your training skills. I speak of massage frequently because I use it all the time as it is very valuable tool in calming a horse or used to warm up a horse prior to and after the 7SSS trainnig session, exercising in the round pen and trail riding. Massage has a profound effect on a horse's recuperation powers and I would urge everyone to learn basic muscle massage if possible.

Of course, I said, I can help you.

After working a couple of the better broke ones, I ran into her husband up at the house. As she was paying me the big bucks, he immediately informed me that my system was bunk, hokum, and just plain b.s. The only way to deal with a horse was to show them who was boss, preferably, with a two-by-four to the head. Naturally I didn't argue with him. However, I did suggest a demonstration, after which he could fire me. He thought it would be great fun to watch me get trashed!

A ranch hand dragged a three-year-old quarter horse gelding from the pasture to the round pen. He didn't look too tough as it only took a 1/2-ton truck to do it! Since he had never been worked, I decided to start off with a hook-up and then proceeded to the 7 safety steps.

After that I desensitized him a little and saddled him up. I put on the infamous rope halter and stood him next to the water trough. I tested a little weight in the stirrup. He didn't seem to mind, so I stepped on and rode him off. Twenty-five minutes from start of finish. The unbeliever jumped out of his truck and shouted, “I'm convinced!” I think he was in the truck in case the gelding did me in and he had to chase him down.

They were great clients and I ended up starting two, and working all six, for many months. The Frank Bell system is the foremost user- friendly system on the planet. I won't step on any horse without doing it first.

Page has been riding since the age of 6, foxhunting since the age of 9 and trail ridden for all her life. She has played polo for the UVa women’s team , evented through training level, shown hunters , jumpers, and dressage. She competes on the local and regional level.

Page began teaching in 1986 and training professionally in 1975. Over her long career, she has started several hundred children in the hunt field, show ring, and pleasure riding. Several of her students went on to become professionals themselves.

Currently, Page owns Creekside Stable, a small training and boarding facility in Albemarle County, Va. She specializes in starting young horses under saddle and re-starting older, troubled horses. She teaches all levels of riding based on the Five Basic Skills and Frank Bell’s Seven Step Safety System. She successfully conveys how these principles translate into the everyday riding experience.