Summer Newsletter 2010

5th July, 2010 - Posted by Frank Bell - 185 Comments

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.

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.

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.

• Buy the finest pad that offers real protection- we recommend and carry Equipedic and Supracor pads and offer discounts on their products.
• Educate yourself about dentistry. Learn to check your horse’s teeth and choose your vet or equine dentist who works on your horses teeth as carefully as we choose our own dentist. Does your horse need a bit? There are other options including bitless bridles, and sidepulls. We can help you remove that bit from your horse’s mouth should you choose.
• 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? Seek a competent saddle fitter to help you if necessary as it can be complicated.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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!

Too Young Too Soon

Is your horse old enough, fit enough, athletic enough to accomplish your goals? Many horses are being pushed too hard too early. National competitions pitting noted horsemen on two and three year old horses, while fun to watch, send a bad message to the horse public. What is the hurry? Thousands of horses are ruined every year in preparation for competition and in competition. How important is that ribbon this year? Did you want to have your horse for the long haul or just to win a couple ribbons or a belt buckle, then discard the horse? Dr. Deb Bennett has written a scientific/factual article on this subject. Here is a link to the paper entitled “The Ranger Piece”:

http://www.equinestudies.org/ranger_2008/ranger_piece_2008_pdf1.pdf

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Control of Mind and Body

Did you know that when a horse shifts into flight mode it is operating in the right side of the brain, the spine is rigid and that horse is leaving NOW? Simply bending brings the horse back into thinking mode = left brain.

Did you know that the engine is the hind end of the horse? The disengagement of the hind end shuts off that engine.

So when we have the horse’s brain operating properly and have control  of the engine/power, then we have a cooperative, thinking, learning student.

My foundation DVD- Discover the Horse You Never Knew explains how to get control of the mind and body of your horse. Without this understanding you are operating in the dark with no lights. . . in a car with no brakes. This is #1 in my book!

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.

7-DAY INTENSIVE- TUCSON, ARIZONA  NOVEMBER 7-14 & 14-21 (Advanced) 2010 The 7-Day we conducted at White Stallion Ranch in April spring was such a success that we’ve scheduled two follow-ups in November. For the first time we’re offering an advanced 7-Day for those who have attended a previous clinic. This week will involve more riding and specifically more riding out into the magnificent country surrounding White Stallion Ranch. These are weeks full 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! MAGIC MOUNTAIN CLINIC JUNE 26 & 27, THREE FORKS, MONTANA Nicki and Joe Archangeli attended the November clinic at White Stallion and were so inspired they organized a clinic at the magical ranch they manage in Montana. We’ll be assembling a big gang returning from that November clinic for this follow up that has been filled since February. Plenty of room for auditors with good questions and a keen interest in learning about Gentle Solutions. See you there. 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. PRODUCTS This is bug season. Our Accredited Instructor Missy Wrynn specializes in insect control for your horses. Protect your horse and you with Nature’s Balance Care healthy organic approved insect control products.  Check out the money saving Insect Kit for Horses which includes the popular Groomer Fly Spray, Face & Body Formula and the Bare Skin Barrier for only $39.95.  Visit Missy Wryn’s Natural Barn at www.NaturalBarn.com for all your insect relief needs. Dances with Horses offers a whole line of products to help in your quest to become the finest of equestrians. Whether a weekend warrior or a keen competitor, our library of DVDs and books can help you better understand and communicate with horses safely. From foals to seasoned horses, there is a solution for most of your challenges in the DVD library. Retraining race horses, crossing water and bridges, starting your young horse or working with your youngster, helping your spooky horse, dealing with feet issues or mounting a horse that won’t stand still. . . we have the answers. Need the best rope halter/lead on the market? How about a 7’ catch string over your shoulder when catching your horse? Our no frills product-line gives you just what you need. Join our video of the month program and receive one DVD each month, both books and our audio CD over the period of a year. Your knowledge base by the end of that year will have taken a quantum leap. Be patient with yourselves and patient with your horses. ALL FOR THE GOOD OF THE HORSE IN SPIRIT, FRANK BELL AND THE WHOLE GANG AT DANCES WITH HORSES

Frank Bell’s Spring Newsletter 2010

22nd March, 2010 - Posted by Frank Bell - Comments Off

SPRINGTIME! 

I hope this finds you thawing out from winter and enjoying longer and greener days. Horses will begin shedding and not have the best appearance during this transitional time. . . so it goes.

                       

A few points about horses and springtime:

• Be sure your horses continue to have unlimited access to good water. Tank heaters are good insurance against colic and dehydration
• Remember that one day can be warm, even balmy. . . the next full blown winter yet again. Continue to provide shelter from the elements
• Probably time to pay attention to your horse’s feet
• Spring worming and vaccinations are a good idea.  This is also a good time to have a thorough dental exam performed on your horse and take corrective action as necessary.  Deterioration in health and body condition of older horses can often be traced to improper dental care so they should receive particular attention.
• Horses can handle cold and they can handle wet, but not both at the same time. If you live in such conditions, shelter is important. When it is cold horses need to eat hay to stay warm. Unlimited grass hay is optimum
• Stallions and gelding develop beans that obstruct urination. Learn how to check for this condition
• Tuning up your tack makes for a great winter/spring project. Clean your blankets, pads, girths, and tack. Both you and your horses will be real happy about this when the riding starts
• Be careful about turning horses used to eating hay all winter onto green grass. This should be done slowly, beginning with a few minutes, then progressively longer as they adapt

 

 

7 STEPS TO TUNING UP YOUR HORSE

 

If you do ride in the spring be absolutely sure to give your horses a good warm-up prior to riding and remember that they are likely to be out of condition due to the winter rest so make the first few rides less physically demanding. Horses are almost always quite frisky in the cold. My safety system culminates in two exercises we call ballet, first on the ground, then in the saddle. These exercises connect brains and feet and use energy constructively while promoting horse/rider safety. My safety system when properly executed will get the horse and rider in the right frame of mind, both on the same page. If you need to regroup at any time we have a logical place to wind down and start anew. Remember that the act of bending the horse and disengaging the hind quarters gets the horse out of gear and into thinking mode = left brain, precisely where we want them at all times.

I’ve built a career worldwide with this logical sequence of exercises that is explained in a very straightforward manner in my DVD entitled “Discover the Horse You Never Knew” AKA = Safety First.

 

CLINICS

 

Jim Rea and I will be conducting our spring 7-Day Intensive April 18-25 at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. We completed our fall 7-Day Intensive on November 22 and it was a week to remember. With participants coming from Australia, Germany, and all over the USA we had a wonderful week of equine education and adult camaraderie.

As a grand finale we had fourteen riders performing perfect figures of 8, side by side, in a display of amazing precision on ranch horses that at the beginning of the week were quite challenging. Our gang was so proud they insisted on a rematch the next day and were even more precise! That accomplished, I handed each a piece of baling twine and they deftly rode their horses all over the huge arena with a mere piece of string!

Team penning, barrel racing, breakfast rides into the desert and a wild bobcat that made several guest appearances all added to the excitement of this week not to be forgotten.

You deserve to indulge yourself to a week of all things equine, so come join us.

 

I’ve been conducting clinics and privates in Australia and New Zealand, then will be back to the States for a spring tour beginning with White Stallion, then up to Moab, Utah to Sorrell River Ranch, then Three Forks, Montana for a late June clinic at Mountain Magic Ranch. All information about clinics including our Accredited Instructors’ clinics are posted at: Clinic link

 

                       PRODUCTS WE BELIEVE IN

 

I’m not one to endorse every product that comes my way. I only recognize the products that make a real difference to the horse and rider. I believe and use the following quality products:

• Supracor and Equipedic pads. Save 15% ordering from Dances With Horses- (DWH)
• Leather Therapy restores, reinvigorates, and actually strengthens leather products 
• Synergist Saddles are custom designed for horse/rider, are lightweight, and designed by endurance riders to offer optimum comfort for all parties. Mention DWH when ordering
• Forco is a pre-biotic supplement that improves the bio-flora in your horse’s systems so they get the most from their feed and maintain their weight. Hard keepers benefit dramatically
• Arborwear makes tough equine-friendly clothing preferred by both Jim Rea and me
• Those of you that are considering breeding horses this spring should consider purchasing accredited instructor Bob Claymier’s “Complete Guide to Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training”.  This 3 DVD 4 hour set is likely the most comprehensive guide available and takes one through selecting the right mares and stallions all the way along to weaning the foal produced on the other end.  Additional information can be found at – www.desert-rose-arabians.com.       

                          

THE HORSES THAT TOUCHED MY HEART

My new book, The Horses That Touched My Heart is flying off the shelves with great success. Come with me as I interact with dozens of interesting horses- one very fast polo horse named Moonstruck that carried Prince Charles. Another, The Stall Climber. . . trying to do the impossible. You’ll laugh and cry as I discover Owyhee has eaten my entire garden early one morning in Idaho. You’ll ride with me through the mystical red rocks of Colorado as Magnifico takes me for our final ride before he returns to the track a winner! You’ll feel a tug in your heart as Ambella is reincarnated in the rolling hills of Wyoming on the Fort Washakie Northern Arapaho Indian Reservation. And my final ride into Yellowstone on my beloved Lakota Breeze. . . join me.

 

From the Whole Gang at Dances With Horses- Wishing you and yours a great early season with your horses.

 

 

Remember-  The Long Way is the Short Way. . . Your Success is our Success,

 

 

In Spirit,

 

 

Untouchable Stud Colt

16th October, 2009 - Posted by Frank Bell - Comments Off

Dear Frank,

Long story short…I rode horses all my life.  Broke my first stud colt at 13.  Did the unthinkable, got more interested in boys and stop riding.  Now I’m 43 and going back to something I love.  Here is the problem bought a 5 yr old mare…she just needs some work and practice. The problem would be the 10 month old stud colt that has never had a halter on. I can’t even touch him.  The day that I decided to buy him I took some sweet feed, he would eat it out of the bucket but when I would try to touch him, he wasn’t going to have any of that…on top of that the idiot that I’m buying him from (I was totally concentrating on the colt) came out in the field and  thought it was funny to sneak up on him and run his finger down his ribs.  You can imagine how that worked out with me trying to build a little confidence with the colt.  With my colts when I was younger I always starting them from birth…so I’m not completely sure where to begin with this horse.  By the way the mare is not the colt’s mother.  Just really need a starting point.  I’ve always believed in slow and easy wins the race. 

Karin Ward,
Arkansas (more…)

Autumn Newsletter

11th October, 2009 - Posted by Frank Bell - Comments Off

Fall greetings!

I hope this finds you and your horses enjoying a wonderful fall as summer winds down and the finest riding season is upon us. In the west where I reside, we’re enjoying cool nights, sometimes even freezing, with days in the mid-70’s making for perfect riding weather.

Remember that the cool mornings can have horses feeling pretty frisky. It is always a good idea to take that ‘fresh’ out of them prior to riding. My safety system is designed precisely for this exact situation. A few minutes of groundwork can pay huge dividends later on the trail. Warming up with some Ballet on the Ground, followed by Ballet in the Saddle gets the horse’s mind into the game because they have to focus and place their feet accurately. This wonderful warm -up exercise is being used by horsemen worldwide with great success and the culmination of my 7 Step Safety System.

A few points as winter looms: (more…)