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Another summer is upon us, and for many of us this is the most active riding season. You and your horses are hopefully legged up and fit for your riding goals. A few reminders about summer and horses.
- Be sensible about your horse’s level of fitness. Long uphill walking and trotting will get you there more efficiently than cantering and galloping. Is your horse physically capable of what you are expecting/asking. Be fair!
- Be certain your horses have unlimited access to clean water and shade
- Design a sensible insect program (more below)
- Provide unlimited access to salt, minerals, and adequate shade
SPRING, SUMMER, & FALL INTENSIVE CLINICS
I’ve just completed a very busy spring of clinics with wonderful changes and significant successes. Virginia 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 accredited instructors who came from near and far, 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.
Onto Hartmeyer Stables in Muncie, Indiana where Marry Morrow organized a true barn burner of a weekend as our gang of fifteen riders and numerous spectators descended upon this wonderful steeped-in-history facility. Denny Taylor brought his eager entourage of a dozen equestrians in from his neck of the woods in that great state as well. The energy was off the charts as learning and true changes took place. Becky Strassner flew in from Texas. She had been seeking accreditation for several years, so I put her right to work on some extremely challenging horses. With true grace and confidence Becky took control and handled these horses and owners so deftly that I accredited her on the spot!
Later, taking over Pizza Hut, our gang watched as Big Brown easily won the Kentucky Derby going away!
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. |
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One of the procedures I’ve added to my clinics prior to riding is searching for back pain, which unfortunately occurs with too many horses. Simply running your index finger, supported by your thumb, down either side of the spine about 3” from the center or using a nickel on edge in the same spot, will predictably locate problem areas as the horse flinches or ducks out from that pain. And don’t sugar-coat it. Use enough pressure to find out. Circular massage and T-touch, Linda Tellington Jones healing techniques, can help sometimes in minutes, though many horses are in need of professional attention. Chiropractors, equine massage therapists, and dentists are thriving for very real reasons. Seek help if in doubt, but learn to locate problems. And if you’re considering an equine career, consider the above-mentioned professions. They pay well and are a wonderful compliment to training horses.
In my opinion, the pad between the horse’s back and your saddle is the most important piece of equipment you need to own. Don’t skimp here. We use and recommend Supracor pads and Synergist saddles. These manufacturers truly care about your horse’s protection and comfort and yours as well. We can help you find the right saddle and pad and save your money in the process; just let us know your desires.
We have become increasingly aware of the importance of regular dental care for horses. One of our newest Accredited Instructors, Mike Grigsby has mastered this fascinating profession and has enlightened me to the danger of bits and poor-conditioned teeth. Horses acting out, rearing, and unwanted backing are often crying out for help and can be downright dangerous. Mike recalls two incidences in which horses went over backwards killing their owners because of bit interference with sharp tooth points. Imagine a metal object in your mouth that when pulled back creates extreme pain on gums, cheeks, tongue, etc.
Many vets have good dental experience and training, but not always. Some are quite inexperienced with high quality equine dental care. So do your homework. Have your vet or dentist show you how to feel for points and get acquainted with your horse’s mouth, incisors, wolf teeth, etc. This is important and often the difference between a happy, well nourished horse and just the opposite.
Our knowledge of gastric ulcers is expanding as I write.
Jim Rea writes, “90% of thoroughbred race horses, 60% of performance horses and about 12% to 15% of the general horse population have gastric ulcers and that while stress is a contributor the incidence of ulcers is almost entirely related to FEEDING PRACTICES.
In a natural environment horses eat 16 to 18 hours a day, with their heads down. Their stomachs only hold about 2 to 2 1/2 gallons. I have read some horses have a stomach as small as 1 gallon or as large as 4 gallons. Since they need anywhere from 1 1/2 % of their body weight to a high of about 3 1/2 % (for lactating mares) they naturally graze the better part of the day. In calculating the amount of food horses need, I use an average of 2 1/2% of their body weight. Grazers graze most of the time and predators eat and fast, until the next prey animal comes along. Horses also don't have a mucus layer that protects the bottom of the stomach, so when the stomach empties the gastric juices don't have anything to digest other than the stomach wall. In addition, horses don't have a gall bladder, so they have a continuous flow of bile and acid into the stomach and can't adjust the acid balance. We affect the acid balance by feeding nutrient dense feeds, grains in particular. The higher incidence of ulcers in race and performance horses, I believe, is because their diet, which is rich in grains and processed feeds, consumed in a short period of time leaving the stomach empty for long periods, which increases the amount of acid in the stomach, which in turn begins to digest the stomach walls.
The only time of the year feral horses eat a nutrient dense diet is in the spring when the mares are lactating and the stallions are breeding. As the summer wears on the nutritional content of the forage declines. Horses evolved on the great plains and became extinct in North America about 10,000 years ago. So, if you look at the vegetation on the plains, that's what horses evolved to eat. When we feed them nutrient dense feeds over a short period of time we sure don't do them any favors.
I feed my horses hay that is relatively low in protein, around 7%, which is available to them 24/7.
With respect to Gastro Guard, I think we are better off to change our feeding practices rather than give them another potion. One thing you might try is Forco. Frank uses it on his older Anglo Arab and has had spectacular results. Forco is not horse food. Forco is microbe food which feeds the microbial population in the horses’ digestive system virtually from the throat to the anus. Horses are not very efficient converters and Forco helps to enable their digestive system to more efficiently process any nutrients we present to them.”
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CONTROL GIVES YOU THE CONFIDENCE TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY. AND THAT IS WHEN QUALITY HORSEMANSHIP BEGINS TO EMERGE . . . HENCE . . . THE 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 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 |
Time after time I talk about a relaxed, soft mouth. The importance of this sign of cooperation and relaxation cannot be underestimated. 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 into the upper 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.
And the next time you are uptight, angry, nervous . . . simply lick your lips. All that negative energy melts away. |
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Years in the making, my book on the remarkable set of exercises that I teach throughout the world is available. We have captured the story of how this all happened in Gentle Solutions: Frank Bell’s Seven Steps To A Safer Horse. From my earliest memories of horses, to the accident that nudged me into creating my safety system, the book unfolds to enlighten and educate readers. This is not just a how-to read. We’ve added interesting stories as well as pertinent prey/predator information and a clear explanation of eye changing, a problem little understood and the underlying nemesis of far too many horse problems. The book ends with a story of bonding with an unfamiliar horse on the banks of the Missouri River in Montana. Graymare literally followed me right down this deep fast river after only several minutes of attention. I think you will find this a good read with plenty of substance and education.
Gentle Solutions Book |
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Video of the Month
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
Insect Control
Our accredited instructor from Estacada, Oregon, Missy Axton-Wryn is in the bug business. Quite seriously, Missy produces and sells some of the finest natural products available. Without using harsh chemicals, Missy provides a sensible, natural alternative. Please access her site at
www.NaturesBalanceCare.com
Forco Nutritional Supplement
I’ve had fits keeping weight on Lakota Breeze, my 23 yr. Anglo/Arab. 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: http://forcocolorado.com/
Consulting
We’ve assembled a fabulous team of nineteen Accredited Instructors.
Each instructor’s additional talents are listed along with a link explaining that specific skill. 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. |
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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 the 7 Steps seem to be the drawing cards. While there are numerous programs to choose from, no one has made it more understandable. You see, after watching all the greats in the early part of the movement, I had to reduce the scattered concepts into something I could get my brain around. And it worked! |
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We’re overjoyed to announce the addition of Becky Strassner to our growing team of Accredited Instructors. Becky has been a student of the horse since childhood and has a well-rounded knowledge-base, specializing in Western riding, barrel racing and pole bending, retraining and rehabilitating, and pre-purchase assistance. Living in Elgin, Texas, Becky is located just east of Austin, a wonderful area for horses and equestrians of all disciplines. Her website is: www.naturalhorseway.com Our team of Accredited Instructors welcome and congratulate Becky as our nineteenth member.
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 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. This is about teaching this proven logical set of exercises so that horses and riders travel in confidence, instead of fear. This is about having a simple plan before riding that dramatically heightens horse/rider safety. This is about turning safety into an artful dance called “Ballet in the Saddle” as the duo performs this graceful dressage maneuver that uses the horse’s energy constructively while promoting again . . . safety. Join us.
I invite each of you to explore our Accredited Instructor Program. Horses and humans need help, and anyone, I repeat, anyone can do this. My dream is to leave my 7 Steps and Gentle Solutions in barns, stables, and riding programs throughout the world. At whatever level you choose to participate, share the knowledge, share the wealth.
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Remember - Your success is our success |
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| All the Best from the whole gang at Dances With Horses.
Safe Riding. |
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Frank Bell & Dances With Horses
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"Control leads to Confidence leads to quality Communication"
Frank Bell's 3-C's |
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