Spring  2004 - Newsletter

www.horsewhisperer.com

A SPRING  GEETING
from
DANCES WITH HORSES

For those of us from the North Country this time of year marks yet another riding season and a chance to begin anew. We truly have the opportunity to start out on the right foot. It all begins with solid groundwork that follows the rider right into the saddle, and then leads to a harmonious meeting of the minds, and finally a safe ride. And that is precisely why I created my 7-Step Safety System (7-SSS).

Horses first being ridden in the spring can be full of " piss and vinegar" as the saying goes. Taking a few minutes before riding to establish your leadership and flush out any dicey problems pays huge dividends when the riding starts. TIP:  Be absolutely certain your horse can quietly tolerate the lead slapped on the saddle as he calmly circles you. This is a great barometer of the horse's attitude. If the horse isn't calm, what will take place in the saddle when the unexpected suddenly presents itself? Since you'll be riding spring, summer, and fall, why not start with a solid foundation?

Once in the saddle, be fair about your early rides. Your horses are probably out of shape after a long winter of inactivity. Sensibly helps them to muscle up with rides that build stamina and tone. Don't try to do it in a few rides.

Costa Rica Clinic

I've just completed a 2-Day clinic in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and have some very interesting insights on horsemanship not only in that fascinating part of the world, but in many less developed countries throughout the world. I believe the common denominators with prove similar in many of these countries.

Monteverde is located in one of the world's most impressive rain forests. One mile in any direction can bring vastly different changes in weather conditions, ranging from rain, drizzle, mud, and intense greenery to dry dusty conditions as we thankfully had at the clinic.

The clinic was well attended by a variety of interested parties and while mostly Costa Ricans there were Americans and Germans as well. Word got out in vet circles and practicing vets and students both participated and audited. My main focus was on relating a Gentle Solutions Approach while teaching my 7-SSS. While I do speak reasonable Spanish, an interpreter was extremely helpful. Ramon had recently completed vet school and had a fabulous command of both languages. Most importantly he truly understood what I was trying to convey and could actually expand on my theories. Valuable seeds were planted that are certain to grow in Costa Rica.

The most glaring roadblock to clear communication was the poor equipment ranging from non-padded and ill-fitting saddles to extremely ineffectual pads. The facial gear, specifically the bridles, side-pulls, and halters are typically made there of a hard plastic rope that cannot be comfortable on the horses' faces. The animals simply cannot be happy while in pain. It would be like putting on a hat that is too tight and causes a constant headache. My efforts are now focused on improving the equipment as well as communication. Let me qualify the poor equipment dilemma by adding that some people had quality tack and an evolved approach with a completely open mind. That was a breathe of fresh air.

The other part of the equation that never found it's way to Costa Rica is the concept of the release, which seemed to be a new idea. Many of the poor horses had just given up. Their heads and backs hurt and they just checked out. Since pressure and release is the basis for all training, I simply started at the very beginning. Just getting the head to drop with downward pressure on the lead broke through huge barriers and opened lines of communication. Several specific interactions with horses and owners come to mind.

As I initially demonstrated my 7-SSS I was asked to work on an abused 12-year old gaited gelding. The gaited horses are called Criollos. The good-sized horse named Negro would not tolerate hands anywhere near his ears and would pullback violently. Beginning with bonding as I always do I quickly found what felt good to him. Within seconds my fingers under his jaw and the palm of my hand rubbing his eyes completely melted this very attractive horse. Within a few minutes I was lovingly stroking those ears to the astonishment of the crowd. A little tenderness goes a long way. Oh the power of touch.

In a private session with one of the frustrated clinic participants I encountered obviously painful equipment- an ineffectual pad, an unpadded saddle, and the hard plastic rope on the little mare's face. This attractive little Criollo had simply given up, checked out, and would unexpectedly blow up when she'd had enough. With a simple change of pad and facial gear to communicate, her whole aura changed from a shutdown horse to a free moving lip-licking lady. I also worked with the owner on establishing clear communication by using her whole body to transfer her desires to the horse, not just pulling on the reins. This hour lesson was a gratifying transformation for both parties to say the least.

A gang of us went for a trail ride at the end of the clinic. I rode a substancy grade gelding with the side-pull made of that same hard plastic. I loosened the rig and never touched his face. My weight was appropriately forward on the uphills and back as we went down. By the end of this jungle ride with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean some forty miles to the west, this guy was constantly licking his lips. No doubt we'd just shared one of the most enjoyable rides of his life because we'd been in sync the whole ride. As well, he'd had his neck and withers stroked on an almost constant basis. Oh yes, again the power of touch makes all the difference.

As I waited for my ride to conduct several privates on Monday morning, I had a peaceful time watching white-faced monkeys, and a plethora of colorful birds ranging from toucans, to hummingbirds as they moved through the mammoth trees and foliage just outside the house.

Wild Horses Of Abaco

Just before the trip to Costa Rica I accompanied Mimi Rehor to the new 3800-acre reserve. Mimi was concerned because one of the young mares had a disturbing growth on her abdomen. Mimi and I calmed the mare as equine vet Scott Lagton examined the horse. While Dr. Lagton didn't seem overly concerned, he did opt to tranquilize her and take some fluid from the growth for testing. While she was sedated Scott floated her teeth and as a team we trimmed her feet.

The horses were moved to the reserve several months ago and now appear as wild horses should. They have slimmed down beautifully and are moving well as their feet gradually improve. As we now enter the breeding season the hope is that these newly balanced horses will procreate successfully and we'll have some young ones on the ground by this time next year.

Hats off to the tenacious Mimi who spearheaded the campaign to save the remaining thirteen horses that originated in the Barbary Coast of Africa. For more information on this amazing project to save this valuable resource visit: www.arkwild.org .

Products and Birthdays

We are in final edit on our newest video entitled “Pole Gentling the Wild Horse.” This work comprises the skills of master horse tamer John Sharp and myself. John introduced me to the concept of using a bamboo pole to make initial contact with wild horses. I've used the technique successfully since working with John in 1998 and find it easily the most expedient and humane method for bringing along these wonderful creatures. We are typically taking these horses to the point of leading quietly in less than two hours, and many of the horses never break a sweat! In any case we have documented this evolved procedure in a one-hour step-by-step video that will become part of our library in the very near future. If you would like one of the first productions of this video let us know. They will retail for $39.95 (VHS).

Learn More About Pole Gentling The Wild Horse

Speaking of John Sharp. April 19 will mark yet another decade in John's illustrious life. On that day John will turn 90 years young. The following weekend will witness a bash in Prineville to celebrate the momentous event to which we are all invited.

Our video/dvd of the month club is being well received. This approach makes perfect sense for those seeking an in-depth equine education that majors in communication. Beginning with my foundation work upon which all others follow, the student will have Discover the Horse You Never Knew for an entire month. With a solid understanding of my 7-Step Safety System firmly cemented, the following videos make perfect sense.

If you are on the equine learning path I encourage you to consider this measured approach to reaching your goals. As the year flies by, your knowledge expands until by the twelfth month you are truly a realized communicator of horses.

Accredited Instructor Update

Sylvia Scott has been coaching a number of our Accredited Instructor candidates. She is presently bringing along almost a dozen instructors that will help fill the gaps throughout the country and world for that matter. We have trainers in Chile, Costa Rica, and another in England working on perfecting my 7-Step Safety System. The long-range dream encompasses instructors throughout the world as horses and humans interact safely and successfully.

Learn More About The Accredited Instructor Program

Upcoming Clinics and Horse Expos

April 24 - 25, 2-Day Clinic in Christiansburg, VA

April 30 - May 2, Virginia Equine Extravaganza, Richmond, VA

May 14 - 16, Backcountry Horseman's Association Rendezvous, Yakima, WA

May 18 - 21, Wild Horse Gentling Filming, Prineville, OR

June 8 - Oct 15, Public and private training, Windrider Ranch, Ashton, ID

September 13 - 20, Wild Horse Workshop, CA

November 5 - 12, Equine Expo, England

Nov 15 - 22, PA

See The Latest Clinic and Event Schedule

Western Horseman Series

We periodically post the link to the 3-part series by Karen Boush in Western Horseman Magazine on the Frank Bell 7-SSS. For those of you who have not read this work, read it. Karen did a fabulous job of really capturing the essence and importance of the 7-Steps . For those on the path to really learning this logical sequence of exercises, this is the place to start. Remember, it's about understanding the 3-T's – the theory behind any maneuver, learning a specific technique to communicate it to the horse, and improving your timing.

Link to Western Horseman Series : Western Horseman

Happy trails from Frank Bell and  the extended family at Dances With Horses!

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Video of the Month Club

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Video of the Month Club

Discover the Horse You Never Knew!

A 60-minute video that will change you and your horse's life and relationship! Frank's Foundation Video...the place to start!

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