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Hello Horse
Enthusiasts:
I’ve just
returned to my home in eastern
Idaho, literally as the last
drifts of winter snow melt away.
For so many of us, reintroducing
ourselves to our horses and
bringing them back into work is
the obvious task at hand. But
the approach to accomplishing
this sometimes isn’t so obvious
and there can be many pitfalls
on that journey.
So many of us
simply want to get our horses
prepared for fun weekend rides
throughout the summer and fall.
And of course there is a big
contingent that wants to compete
during the prime riding months.
A student of the
horse, preparing horses for
those first rides and subsequent
rides is my specialty. Many
horses and especially younger
horses require thoughtful
preparation. That is precisely
what my 7 Step Safety System
is all about as detailed in my
landmark DVD, Discover the Horse
You Never Knew. This step by
step set of logical exercises
leads right into the saddle. And
if the horse is uptight,
nervous, unhappy, or in pain, we
address these issues NOW, before
riding.
Our Horses
Attempt to Communicate with us
all the Time
They’re giving
us, in their language and as
best they can, a clear signal
about what is on their minds. We
must listen quite attentively so
we can understand that the
avoidance of the bit might mean
sharp points on their teeth. A
horse that tries to nip when
being saddled or cinched is
quite likely anticipating saddle
or back pain. A really hyper
horse might be getting too much
hot feed or not enough room to
be a horse, to run and play.
Horses are complicated creatures
and it almost seems the more we
know about them, the less we
know.
I’ve just
completed a series of seven
clinics, four in Australia and
three in the USA. We had
wonderful changes and successes
in both horses and riders at
every single clinic. But the
percentage of unhappy horses was
astounding. So many crying out
for help, begging us to pay
attention to their needs. The
sore backs due to poor pads and
ill-fitting saddles. The horses
with dangerously sharp teeth
telling us in their language to
not force a bit into their
mouths or they might just rear
over backwards because of the
excruciating pain. It is
difficult to even talk about
this, but I feel obligated to
alert every single horse owner
to listen and have empathy for
the animals we so love.
The Good News
We are truly
living in the Golden Age of the
Horse because we now have access
to highly effective and
protective products, if we
choose to listen and care for
our horses. The revolution in
horsemanship is sweeping the
globe as trainers worldwide
embrace the Natural Horsemanship
Movement. Healers offering many
different modalities are making
good livings helping horses
while teaching and enlightening
others. Equine dentistry is
improving as I write.
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Buy the finest
pad that offers real
protection- we recommend and
carry Supracor products
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Educate yourself about
dentistry. Learn to
check your horse's teeth and
choose your vet of equine
dentist who works on your
horses teeth as carefully as
you choose your own dentist.
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Does your
saddle fit correctly or is it
pinching the horse’s withers?
Is the saddle placed too far
forward preventing the
movement of the shoulder?
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Horses in the
wild walk 15-20 miles per day,
mostly grazing with their
heads down. Is your horse
cooped up in a small stall,
turned out a few hours only –
all of which may lead to very
unhappy horses with vices such
as cribbing or weaving. Horses
should be able to graze on
something, even simple grass
hay at a minimum.
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Feeding horses
is complicated and feed
companies and stores want to
sell products without really
understanding your specific
needs. Again educate yourself
about nutrition. Your horses
should have free choice salt
and minerals. Blocks aren’t
really as effective or
digestible as loose salt and
minerals.
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Does your
farrier offer a barefoot trim?
Not all horses require shoes
and that very shoeing may very
well be detrimental to your
horses’ longevity and overall
health. There isn’t a single
case of laminitis in wild
horses.
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The horse has 5
hearts. One in each foot that
acts as a pump. If the frog
isn’t in contact with the
ground, the pump isn’t working
as it should.
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Are you fit
enough to ride your horse
competently? We owe it to our
horses to maintain a
reasonable level of fitness. A
fit rider is much easier on
the horse. When in doubt, find
a way to reduce weight on the
horse’s back. This might mean
losing a few pounds or moving
to a lighter saddle. There are
fabulous synthetic saddles on
the market. We carry Synergist
saddles.
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Be kind. Just
think about what our horses
tolerate from us. Loading into
a noisy trailer and taken to
an unfamiliar setting away
from their families. Then
asked to happily carry us
whenever and wherever we
choose. Have empathy!
Our Team and
Philosophy
I’ve made it my
personal goal to assemble a team
of knowledgeable instructors
worldwide to help you and your
cherished horses succeed in
every aspect. We have equine
massage therapists, breeding and
foaling experts, mustang
specialists, children’s
instructors, seasoned
competitors, and saddle fitters
onboard, just to name a few of
our varied talents. More
importantly, we are expanding
globally at a very measured pace
as we bring only the finest of
knowledgeable horsemen and women
into our ranks. |
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SPRING, SUMMER, & FALL INTENSIVE CLINICS |
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Our
spring intensive at
White Stallion Ranch
just outside Tucson,
was a great success
with two eager
returnees- Nathan
Brattan and Flora
Arbaugh coming for a
full week refresher. We
had a wonderful gang
that week. Onto Virginia
which seems to be
emerging as a stronghold
for my program as Diana
Graves in Catlett hosted
another successful
clinic in challenging
weather conditions yet
again. I have this
amazing ability to bring
spring rains to my
clinics. But Diana’s
indoor saved the day one
more time. With help
from Diana and Chas
Frame, driving down from
New Jersey this clinic
was another great
success and a truly
wonderful weekend of
learning and adult
camaraderie. Bob and
Linda Claymier were a
great help- Bob with the
horses and Linda with
the books. Then our
motley crew descended
upon their Desert Rose
Arabian Farm for evening
entertainment and
lodging. Camp Claymier
is quickly becoming a
yearly spring event that
I really look forward
to. For those of you
who are computer
literate, we posted some
selected highlights from
this clinic on “YouTube”.
Frank Bell/Catlett Va.
should call up the clips
on the first page for
those interested.
Michaela
Yowaiski’s smile shined
brightly as she received
our first official Youth
Representative Award at
the end of the clinic.
At thirteen years of
age, Michaela’s skills
and horse wisdom are
truly exemplary for
riders of all ages. With
youth as our future,
Michaela is the
embodiment of The
Movement. She will soon
be competing in Ireland
for which we wish her
much success. Her
contact information will
be posted on my website
and it is hoped that
other young people will
follow her example in
becoming members of our
team. May she continue
to pursue her dreams.
Beverly
Peffer organized a fun
weekend clinic outside
Scranton. Of note,
Cynthia Corrona brought
her wonderful mare from
Connecticut. I’d heard
in- depth stories about
River from the Arizona
clinic several weeks
earlier and she lived up
to those tales! Linda
Haley kept us laughing
the entire weekend and
should consider show biz
with such talent!
7-DAY
INTENSIVE- TUCSON,
ARIZONA NOVEMBER
16-23 2008
The 7-Day
we conducted at White
Stallion Ranch last
spring was such a
success that we’ve
scheduled a follow-up in
November. This is a full
week of intense learning
and recreation at one of
the oldest dude ranches
in the country. Many of
the old westerns were
filmed at this location.
With 120 horses,
everyone has ample
opportunity to hone
their skills. There is
absolutely no substitute
for handling a variety
of horses during that
week. It is hands-on
with horses in the
mornings and lecture and
demonstrations in the
afternoons. The topics
we cover are almost too
numerous to list
including- dentistry,
saddle fitting,
nutrition, natural trim,
trailer loading, mustang
gentling, pain issues,
spooky horses,
horse/rider confidence
issues, etc. These
week-long clinics fill
up very quickly, so if
you’d like to attend,
reserve your space
ASAP!
SUMMER/FALL WINDRIDER
RANCH, IDAHO
On
a very limited basis I
work with clients at my
ranch in Idaho near
Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I
travel internationally
as well, helping
horsemen and women.
Contact us if interested
in either of these
options-
frankbell@horsewhisperer.com
or 800-871-7635.
Many of my accredited
instructors offer
similar services and you
are encouraged to
contact them as well.
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BELIEVE IN YOUR HORSE SO YOUR HORSE
CAN BELIEVE IN YOU
- RAY HUNT |
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CONTROL GIVES YOU
THE CONFIDENCE TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY. AND
THAT IS WHEN QUALITY HORSEMANSHIP BEGINS TO EMERGE
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. . HENCE FRANK BELL’S 3-C’S |
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Horses prefer and
respect a strong confident leader who makes
intelligent decisions. Following a good leader
takes the pressure off the horse and helps them
relax and enjoy the interaction. But, without
control of the horse we cannot be confident and
therefore not communicate effectively. The horse
will lead if we don’t. And one party is always
training and leading. The moment we take control
and become the respected leader, then confidence
blossoms and quality communication begins. From
that foundation good horsemanship emerges. Then
the possibilities are endless.
With my system, control is achieved by
implementing the one rein stop, both on the ground
and in the saddle. Control is also achieved by
snaking the lead rope to back the horse out of our
space. Both of these exercises put the handler in
control as a clearly recognized leader emerges.
Far too often I see a horse that is
crying out for leadership, boundaries. But the
handler doesn’t exude the confidence required to
be taken seriously. You
must be serious to be taken seriously.
Our program begins with bonding, giving to the
animal. Then we ask for something back in the form
of pressure and release, take and give, which is
the second step in the program. Once the horse
begins yielding to our requests, in any form, well
then we have taken control. Now our confidence can
skyrocket and we can begin to really communicate,
because the horse is listening to our direction.
Take some time to really ponder what I’ve just
explored. Without control we cannot begin to reach
our potential with the horse. This understanding
may very well open some big doors for you just as
it has for me.
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THE MAGIC OF THE MOUTH=
MENTAL DIGESTION |
Discover the Horse You Never Knew |
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Time after time I talk about a
relaxed, soft mouth. The
importance of this sign of
cooperation and relaxation
cannot be overestimated. There
are so many instances when a
horse is locked up, has
stopped learning, and might
appear to be downright
stubborn. Simply slipping a
finger straight into the
corner and feathering the
tongue immediately breaks that
tightness and the head
generally drops and the horse
works the mouth with gusto.
Give it a few moments to soak
in. Don’t interrupt the horse
until he’s finished working
that mouth, because he’s
chewing on it mentally. I use
this technique to cement in
the positive and break loose
the stubborn. Magic!
And don’t
forget the back end either,
because a horse with a clamped
tail is also sending a message
of unease. |
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FIX HIM UP
AND LET HIM FIND IT
- RAY HUNT |
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Discover the Horse You Never
Knew
I am queried
time after time for the name
of my DVD that highlights my
7 Step Safety System.
The title is “Discover the
Horse You Never Knew” and it
is a remarkably accurate
description of this renowned
work. Time after time viewers
apply the simple exercises and
are rewarded with dramatically
more compliant, happy, willing
horses. Most importantly, I’ve
simplified the principals of
natural horsemanship with this
work and the entire collection
as well.
This DVD is a
valuable asset to every single
horse person’s library.
New Book -
The Horses Who Touched My
Heart
I’ve written
a number of articles about
the exceptional horses and
circumstances that
surrounded their lives and
recovery. We’re in the final
edit stages of creating a
book of these heart-warming
stories. Watch my site for
the release of this newest
work.
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Gift Certificates
We are now offering gift certificates in any amount. This is a great chance to help your favorite horse person achieve their goals. They have the flexibility to choose the product that most fits their needs.
Video of Month Club
For those just becoming familiar with my Gentle Solutions approach to communicating with these wonderful creatures, our Video of the Month Club is a sensible option. With 12 works and a book, you’ll receive a new work every month to absorb before the next one arrives. This is a fabulous way to learn the life-long journey called Horsemanship.
Video of the Month Link
Bob Claymier’s “Complete Guide to Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training”.
This 3 DVD set contains over four hours of information that the first time or inexperienced horse breeder will find essential before embarking on such an effort. Bob’s main purpose for the project was to add to the body of knowledge on the subject as it may be the most comprehensive set of information available from a layman’s viewpoint. The secondary goal was to help owners be more responsible breeders because we often see mares that should not reproduce being bred to stallions that should have already been gelded. Horses are too precious of an animal to produce one that may be unwanted or unloved. If you are considering breeding your mare, now is the time of year to have her thoroughly examined by your veterinarian to ensure she has no reproductive issues. You will also have time to adjust her body condition either up or down before the spring breeding season. You should also be evaluating various stallions and signing applicable contracts. These are just a few of the topics covered in this highly acclaimed and informative package. Bob’s DVD can be purchased through his website – www.desert-rose-arabians.com plus I am also offering it on my own website where it can be found under “Horse Training Packages”.
Forco Nutritional Supplement
I’ve had fits keeping weight on Lakota Breeze, my 23 yr. Anglo/Arab. In May I began using Forco Nutritional in earnest, adding a couple scoops a day to Lakota’s feed. He was recently praised by a knowledgeable vet as in almost perfect condition!
Forco enhances the bio flora in the horse’s digestive system, thereby making better use of the food. Stool size is reduced dramatically, indicating more efficient digestion. The site for more information on this cutting-edge product is:
Forco Nutritional Supplement
Telephone/Email Consulting
Most of our accredited instructors have alternative
horse-related talents.
We list
each instructor’s additional talents with a link to their own explanation of
this skill. From there you may email or call them or if geography is on your
side, make a physical appointment. These instructors have spent years
acquiring these specific skills so will likely need to be remunerated for
their time helping you through your issues. Our goal is to share our knowledge
at every level so horses and humans may reach their true potential.
BE AS GENTLE AS POSSIBLE AND AS FIRM AS NECESSARY - TOM DORRANCE |
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We’ve lost two
more icons in the horse world in
the last few months in addition
to my friend John Sharp who
passed away in mid February.
John pioneered using a bamboo
pole to gentle wild horses many
decades ago. I produced a great
DVD with John on this subject
and captured a rare interview as
he shared his journey that began
in his teens as he rode a
freight train to Oregon from
Oklahoma. John’s Pole Gentling
method is easily the most humane
and expedient approach to
helping these wild creatures
learn to cope with and
understand humans. While John
hadn’t actively trained horses
for some time, his wisdom and
legacy continue to spread
throughout the globe.
I had the great
fortune of taking in one of Ray’s
final clinics last summer in
Driggs, Idaho. I very deliberately
engaged him to talk about his
first meeting with Tom Dorrance
and just how Tom helped settle
Ray’s troubled horse Hondo. Tom
laid the horse down and changed
Hondo’s, Ray’s, and countless
other lives’ forever as Ray took
the Dorrances’ evolved approach to
horsemanship to the world. Ray
deserves so much credit from every
single person on this enlightened
path. In the late 90’s I had the
great fortune of doing a benefit
demonstration for Sally Swift’s
following and related horse rescue
association in southern Vermont.
What a wonderful soul who touched
and helped so many horses and
riders all over the globe. Both
Ray and Sally join John Sharp
passing on legacies that will
continue in perpetuity. |
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ACCREDITATION |
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As interest in natural horsemanship explodes worldwide, more and more horsemen are gravitating toward our program. Time and again the simplicity and predictable results of our 7 Steps prevails. While there are numerous programs to choose from, no one has made it more understandable. Those that master our program are suddenly empowered. They quickly become confidently assertive and strong leaders, which is exactly what their horses are craving.
ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
We are pleased to
announce the addition of our
newest Accredited Instructor,
Diana Graves of Moonraker Stable
in Catlett, VA. Diana has been a
professional equestrian for
decades and studied the system
for several years with numerous
horses and students. She has
hosted my clinics at her
wonderful facility four years in
a row with great success and
will be a great addition to our
VA team.
Congratulations
to both Diana and Michaela as
the newest additions to our
growing team who are out there
making a difference.
With dozens of trainers spanning the globe on the road to accreditation, our ranks are expanding. Our goal is to have 7-Step Safety Instructors in barns and stables worldwide. We invite you to explore this option. This is not complicated nor does it take years of tests, levels, and huge funds to master. We instill assertiveness in our instructors. They teach our proven logical set of exercises so that horses and riders can travel in confidence, instead of fear. This is about having a simple plan before riding that dramatically heightens horse/rider safety in the saddle. This is about turning safety into an artful dance called “Ballet in the Saddle” as the duo performs this graceful maneuver that uses the horse’s energy constructively while promoting again . . . safety.
Achieving accreditation status is a whole lot more than mastering the system. I think of it as a pie divided into thirds.
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The first third is all about perfecting our 7 Step Safety System and being able to teach it to others. When you teach something, you’ve learned it twice.
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The second part of the equation is a general knowledge of horses, tack, nutrition and the almost endless details we all need to keep learning as horsemanship evolves. Competent riding is part of this section as well. You must ride reasonably well to be taken seriously.
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The third part is portraying a high level of professionalism. This all goes a long way in the credibility category.
We are presently
designing a franchise program
that will include a week at
White Stallion Ranch as trainers
perfect our safety system with
endless horses. Once accredited,
the trainer will have our
support and format to conduct
clinics and market our product
line to their own following.
Accreditation Certification Link:
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DANCES WITH HORSES CHARITABLE FUND |
Every week I receive requests for donations from horse rescue programs, trail improvement, and handicapped riding. We simply cannot help every one of these fine organizations, so have decided to create our own charitable fund. This will allow us to survey the requests and help the organizations that are really making a difference.
We invite your tax deductible donations as well as your requests for help. The organization must be a registered 501c-3 entity with a clear vision and strong management.
Thanks to all those kind souls who have helped our cause throughout the past year.
Please visit our charitable link at:
Charitable Donations
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CONFIDENCE IS KNOWING YOU ARE PREPARED
- RAY HUNT |
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Thanks to all those kind souls who have helped our cause throughout the past year.
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THOUGHT WITH PURPOSE GIVES THE
HORSE DIRECTION- |
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OBSERVE, REMEMBER, AND COMPARE
- RAY HUNT |
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Remember - Your success is our success |
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Frank Bell & Dances With Horses |
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Horse and rider private training at
Windrider Ranch
Ashton, Idaho
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“Empower yourself
. . . Empower your horse
with Frank Bell's 7 Step
Safety System”
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