Here are just a few of the comments received from participants in some of Frank's past clinics and training sessions...
 My husband and I attended the Arizona Intensive Clinic. It was a life-changing experience. We have attended other clinics, both in person and via home courses, but we must say that Frank's method is the TOPS, the BEST. Frank is an outstanding teacher with the ability to make all the whys, how-to’s, and friendship of horsemanship clearly understood. Frank's system is UNSURPASSED because of its simplicity, clarity, safety, and gentle loving approach to the horse. His clinic is companionship, not just training. We made wonderful new friends who now network to help each other. The camaraderie we experienced at the ranch was wonderful. The ranch has beautiful scenery, fantastic food, was the best vacation ever. Come to the Arizona Clinic. You will be so glad you did!!!
--Teresa and Michael Lee
"Hi Frank,
We have what might be your youngest convert, Tayla Gannaway, who is using your system on her pony Piglet. Tayla has just turned nine. She is doing all the groundwork, and is practising one rein stops under saddle. Piglet was a brood mare, started at 11 years old. Although a good pony, Piglet was scared of everything, constantly fearful, and Tayla could only be led on the pony, holding onto the saddle. In less than four weeks of using the tools learned from your system, Tayla now catches and tacks up her own pony, works right through the seven steps, and has just started rising trot with, as Tay puts it "look, everybody, no hands!". Wonderful stuff.
You should see our place every weekend, looks like a mini clinic. Have finally, using your system, converted my friend Sam (Tayla's mum), who is a long term showie, and very traditional rider, to a more natural approach. She is getting fantastic results from her mare, who she has always had fear problems with.
Marcus, who of course comes from a typical south american horsey background, is (finally) learning how important gentleness with horses is. Your clinic had such an impact. He now spends time bonding, as you showed us, with every horse he approaches, and boy, what a difference it has made. He is so good now, I let him handle all our horses, and he is allowed to go near the problem horses when they come. Before, he just used to scare them so much, I had to only let him near the quiet ones!
One of our neighbours has also started using your system on her new horse. In this case the confidence problem was the owner, not the horse. And it sure does work just as good with the people as it does the horses. The horse has no problems, but Linda was still fearful, and these exercises have given her so much confidence.
We are all hoping you will do an advanced clinic for us when you come back in november. I can certainly guarantee the numbers.
Am keeping up with Noel and Libby, and am hoping to meet Willem this weekend (finally).
Thanks so much for all you have done for us.
Ciao (or "chau" now, as am learning Spanish!)"
Susan, Australia
"Horses are my passion. I grew up on a ranch and
have ridden all my life. Natural horsemanship seemed like such a logical
extension of my involvement with horses that I began taking clinics 3 years ago
to take my relationship with horses to a deeper level. In a recent clinic with
Frank Bell, I learned (and applied more of what I learned) during the 3-day
event than I received from other instructors during 7 or 10 day clinics. Frank
was born to teach natural horsemanship!"
Cathie Dayton, Writer and
Horsewoman
"I grew up
with horses, but had no idea how much I didn't know! A friend suggested Frank's
approach and I got his foundation 'Discover' video, then 'The Complete System'.
My entire understanding and approach to dealing with horses has changed to being
a dramatically more confident communicator. We're much closer. I didn't
understand that part, before Frank. Most importantly, we're riding 'in
confidence, not fear' and both a lot safer for it!"
Jacki Judd,
San Juan, Capistrano
"I've been
riding horses for sixty-five years and have never seen a training method so
effective as yours. I am amazed at how well and quickly the horses respond to
your method. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with all of us. I am
so happy that I didn't miss this opportunity."
Wanda
White, Peyton, CO
"Remember the
Moose? The horse we bought at the auction and had so much trouble getting him to
'settle down' and you helped us with him for the news show, when the movie came
out? He is now named Whiskey and successfully playing polo Crosse and polo in
grand Junction! He is amazing! I can honestly say that without your help I was
ready to sell him and now he is really making everyone proud. We taught the new
owners some 'Frank Basics' and he continues to apply the principles on a regular
basis to keep him tuned. Just thought you'd want to know. Thanks
again!"
Mark and
Brenda Worrell, Delta, Colorado
"I just wanted
you to know how much I appreciated all your help, patience, and instruction this
summer at King Mountain Ranch. You'll never know how desperately I needed help.
Your training made sense to me. The techniques were easy to learn and convey to
my horse. They seemed to make sense to her too. You taught me how to be firm
without being aggressive, you taught me how to use very small steps to get the
results I wanted, and you gave me the confidence to go home and start working
with the rest of our young family. It is so much easier to work with our other
young horses how that I know your 7 step system. They seem so smart!!!"
Cindy
Covington, Parshall, Colorado
"Just wanted
to say 'thanks' again for the great intensive clinic in Colorado! Your patience,
your simple, systematic approach, and your skill in speaking to the point made
it the most interesting and enjoyable week I've spent around horses in ten
years! The one-rein stop alone is a priceless tool to have on demand, whatever
the horse I happen to be riding."
Eric Olds,
Prescott, AZ
"Frank Bell is
one trainer in this field whose dedication stands above the rest. His 7-Step
Safety System of horse gentling is geared specifically to the safety of horse
and handler. He is not only a seasoned trainer, he also cares deeply about his
work."
Robert
Pliskin, Akron, Ohio
"I would
have to say last week was one of the best weeks of my life! What an incredible
group of people. I cannot wait to begin sharing it with others (people &
horses)."
Suzanne
Martin, Houston, TX
"Thank you
doesn't seem to say enough for all you've given in the last eight days. We came
here as 14 different people and left with the group name of 'Harmony' and one in
our spirits."
Kim Smith,
Bangor, Maine
"Thank you
for a week of memories. A week of love and a week of learning. The mountain has
moved! You've planted a seed that will continue to grow. The seed of a
partnership, of love, and of trust. The dance has begun. May we all be partners
in a better way of life. Thanks for sharing your gift. For that we are grateful.
We can make a difference. With Love and Respect,"
Chris and
Jessy Sidwell, Gunnison, CO
"Frank
Bell's 7-Step Safety System speaks for itself and you go home from his
intensive 7-day Clinic an improved rider with techniques you can share with
others. You'd expect a horse whisperer of Frank's caliber to give you your
money's worth, but a hug too! And a group that ended up calling itself Harmony
at the end?"
Jean
Hennen, Paonia, CO
"I can't tell
you how much we have benefited from your being here. We have so many people
enthused and using what you taught us. Your seven steps are wonderful. Take and
give is the foundation of so much. I've used it for many years, but integrated
into your 7-Steps, it just works so well. I'd say the results have been really
astounding. I feel re-born!"
Chris
Cooper, Anchorage Farms, Bailey, CO
"I want to
thank you both for the best week vacation I've EVER had. Words can truly not
express or define the experience I had. You two are so talented, sharing, fun,
knowledgeable, patient. My relationship with Chica Bonita has improved 20 fold
since I've been back. Amazing how this stuff works, Frank. I still need lots of
practice, b but as I improve, so does our relationship."
Sarah Baas,
Holland, MI
"It's so
wonderful to see training techniques based on a friendship between man and
horse, not harsh gadgets that restrain and confuse our companions. I have ridden
dressage with some of the most renowned instructors in the country, and even
they forget that a horse must want to perform for the rider and not just submit.
Thank you for reminding us of why we enjoy riding and hearing their knickers
when we enter the barn . . . that extra umph in the extended trot, the joy they
bring to our hearts. Kudos to you, Mr. Bell. Hope to see you soon on the East
Coast, until then . . . safe riding to you as well."
Emily
Dettl, Baltimore, MD
"I wanted to
send you a quick thank you for the amazing experience you provided for my horse
and me. It was a total blessing to see you work with Favor. Your skills are
impressive and your touch is very special. I know that there are few
coincidences in life and that there are angels in our midst. I felt that I was
visited by an angel yesterday. I thank you."
Scoot
Crandall, Ft. Collins, CO
"I attended your demonstration in the Woodside, California area and I found it to be a really remarkable experience.
To watch horses go from being almost out of control and then in 20 minutes be a docile as a kitten can't be described as anything but remarkable. Your years of careful study and dedication to the art has obviously been put to very good use.
What you contribute makes a difference to many people and also to the quality of their relationship with the animals they love.
Best wishes for the continued growth of your efforts to touch our spirits and let us all, man and beast be the best we can be."
Tish Payne, Palo Alto, California
"...A week ago Sunday, you gave the 3+ hour session for everyone to
watch, and you looked at and worked with 4 horses. It was a real eye-opener. I
watched intently. (Becky said later she yelled at me 4 or 5 times from the edge
of the stands and finally had to have someone bump me to get my attention.) I
paid very close attention and I made many detailed mental notes. I saw the
repetition and the gentle nature of correction and praise over and over and I
saw how the horses responded. That was the convincing thing for me the horses
responded!
When it was over, I went home and did what you did, except I was
alone and working with my horse, Amos. He had not been under a saddle since
December. (I got hit by a car while riding my bicycle to work and couldn't ride
Amos for a long time.) I used the calming techniques and patience you showed me
at the clinic and Amos started responding. It was great. I thought he would
break loose any time but he was very calm and seemed to understand for the first
time.
Bear in mind that I have never hurt Amos nor have I ever been
mean to him. I just haven't known how to communicate with him. That has led to
frustration for him and for me. But this time, it was different. I spent about
an hour and 15 minutes on the ground with him and he was so soft and compliant,
I thought I would get on him and see how he did with me in the saddle. I used
the same techniques you showed us earlier that day with the one-rein-stop and
the walking in circles one way, then the other. Over and over I did it and Amos
was just as gentle as could be.
Becky came home and saw me on Amos and I thought she was going
to be mad because I had not been on a horse in such a long time. But once she
saw how Amos was acting and how gentle I was leading him around, she was all
smiles. She was very impressed.
I guess I have rambled on and on here to say: what Becky and I
saw and did with you last week had a profound impact on us. We are both very
changed in our ways of handling horses and understanding of horses. What you
taught us has only made me want to know more. If you are ever in our area again,
or within 100 miles of here, please keep us on your mailing list, email list,
newsletter, alias, or whatever you have so we can continue to learn more about
our horses and how to talk to them. We are truly impressed, interested, and in
earnest about this technique..."
David and Becky Bishop
"Just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with the training
of my horse, Scandi. It was at the point where I questioned whether or not I
should replace her with another horse of a calmer disposition. With your
expertise in working with Scandi, she is now a completely different horse. I
have total confidence in her and therefore enjoy riding so much more."
Sue Christ
"Thank you for demonstrating your training techniques at the
Colorado Wild Horse Inmate Program on June 22nd. I personally observed inmates
putting the techniques to use the following day. Both staff and inmates felt
your time was very worthwhile. The fact that you rode the horse you started and
took on our toughest horse went a long way towards establishing your credibility
with the inmates...
Francis Ackley, Natural Resource Specialist
United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
"Although I have told you in person just what a wonderful job you
did working with Sam, I felt the situation called for a thank you in
writing.
I rode him again today, and he is a different horse than the one
I sent to you for training. He is much calmer and infinitely more confident.
However, the biggest change in him is in his improved suppleness. He was very
stiff to the left and the two weeks you spent working with him has probably
saved me at least a hundred hours of dressage and innumerable voltes to the
left.
I think that apart from the fantastic results you achieved with
your method of training, I appreciate the gentleness, love and understanding you
utilized. To me, and I am sure to a sensitive introvert like Sam, the method is
even more important than the results.
When you have been around horses as many years as I have and
seen some of the cruel and even barbaric training methods that are employed by
some so-called horse trainers, it is most gratifying to find someone whom you
can trust to treat your horse with kindness and understanding and be more
interested in helping the horse than impressing the owner with quick
fixes.
In any event, I just wanted to let you know that you are
appreciated and to let you know you have my support and admiration."
Janet Beitlich
"Thank you very much for the 'expert and professional' work that
you did with my mare, 'Gumbo Annie.' I previously had a great deal of respect
for your 'touch' with horses, but after you took the time to work with her and
actually got her to load on to a two horse trailer I fully understood that you
have a true 'GIFT.'
I have been around horses all of my life. I have crossed paths
with many trainers and many horse-people who have called themselves
'professionals.' Frank, you truly are a professional. You have the ability to
deal with horses on a one-to-one basis, and they understand that you truly do
love and care about them and they trust you! I have worked with my mare for 2
years trying to get her to load, without any success. I have spent a great deal
of money having other 'professionals' try to work with her. My horse is
high-strung and very nervous around trailers. In the past, she would simply NOT
load and would rear continually while we tried to load her.
When you worked with her last week, she was like putty in your
hands, relaxed and confidentshe trusted you. I had never seen her react that
way before, especially to a man. You succeeded in getting her to load after
working calmly and KINDLY with her. Now, after your 'touch', Annie is happy to
travel in her trailer and just walks right in!
Thank you for all your expertise and for taking the time to help
me with this problem, that NO ONE could solve before you. There are those that
claim they understand horses and how they think and work, but Frank you are
truly THE Horse Whisperer in the truest sense of the word. Please continue to
take your 'GIFT' of understanding and love to other horses and their owners. I
know you will have continued and great success in all your work with the horses
who so desperately need your 'touch'!"
Katherine M. Douglass
"Soaring Fastneasy, as a three year old Arabian filly, was being
conditioned to race. The trainer was having a hard time as the filly learned to
drop a shoulder, jump sideways, dump the rider and run back to the barn. The
trainer became very intimidated by the filly and didn't want to ride
her.
I put the filly with Frank Bell who rode her, worked with her
and got along with her. He taught "Easy" to load and not be afraid and was able
to ride her on trails without her dumping him and running back to the barn.
Frank Bell rode her about two months before she went to the race trainer at the
track.
Easy had an excellent year at the track, ending up third leading
money winner in the country for 3-year-old fillies."
Jane Teutsch, Soaring Eagle Ranch
 "Frank Bell worked with my horse Raphael de Colorado, a Paso Fino, for
about six weeks. Raphael is a three year and nine month old gelding. Frank said,
and I agree, this was the most bothered, 'spookiest' horse he had ever come
across.
After about six hours of desensitizing or 'sacking out', as some
people call it, Frank got on him and rode him in a round pen for a while. Then I
was able to get on and do the same. He needed a lot more work to get him to bend
to both sides and a lot more time desensitizing until he was ready to ride in
the arena.
Frank spent about 30 hours working with this horse and me. The
training process is a complete learning experience for both the horse and the
owner-rider. It is a gentling and calming process and not a rough or abusive
system that he uses.
If you have a horse that needs to be trained or started under
saddle I would recommend Frank over any other trainer. He is gentle with the
animals and has a talent for observing and correcting the smallest
fault."
Jerry Leiser - Leiser Ranch
"I watched my rogue horse who reacted to everything, trusted no one,
and bucked everyone off, melt in Frank's hands. This rogue gained tremendous
confidence in himself and in Frank. The bond that developed between the two was
incredible. In every situation the horse wanted to please and looked to the
handler/rider for safety and relaxation. Gentle persuasiveness and cooperation
created a quiet, confident horse who believed his abilities were limitless.
There's no manhandling with Frank's techniques. I hope I too can learn to
develop the same rapport with my horses that Frank develops with his."
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