✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated June 2026
Gentle Solutions 7-Step Safety System book front cover by Frank Bell with Sylvia Scott
Frank Bell "Dances with Horses, Inc." Frank Bell has taken the mystery out of the natural horsemanship movement that has been sweeping the globe over the last fifteen years
Frank Bell did not discover his talent with horses until later in life. With no training knowledge, at age 35 he succeeded in gentling a rogue that had baffled seasoned horsemen. Keenly interested, he was fortuitously introduced to the budding natural horsemanship movement of which he credits as the grandfathers; Tom and Bill Dorrance. 7 Step Safety System. Equestrians worldwide are now using this practical set of exercises that most importantly heightens their safety.
Over a four-year period in the late eighties and early nineties he worked with hundreds of Argentine thoroughbreds destined for the fast paced world of polo. From breeding and birth to halter breaking and starting this catty breed, he immersed himself in equines.
Time and time again he succeeded in turning out alert, respectful, calm, quiet, capable, soft horses that enjoyed their work and liked the human. Before long difficult horses began finding their way to Frank. Again, he succeeded in 'bringing them back.'
As his reputation grew he realized the need to create a format for the human to understand his successful approach. After a clinic in Jackson, Wyoming in which he encouraged valuable feedback, he established his remarkable
Frank's #1 priority is safety.
If the rider is not riding 'in confidence', he's riding in fear and the horse knows it. When 'The System' is implemented, both parties are on solid ground. A true foundation is established that will carry them through an amazing journey.
Frank's system has been featured in major equine publications, ezines, and TV worldwide. He has been actively involved in promoting and fund raising for handicapped riding, at-risk youth, and inmate wild horse programs.
Frank is one of the original clinicians for the annual Wild Horse Workshop in which the public is invited to learn how to interact with Mustangs. His wild horse mentor John Sharp, is a brilliant horseman in his mid-eighties living and working in central Oregon.
Frank's goal is to pass on his gift through his clinics, audio/video library, and certification of quality trainers. Come join the Gentle Solution Revolution give us a call today.
Gentle Solutions 7-Step Safety System book front cover by Frank Bell with Sylvia Scott
What exactly is the 7-Step Safety System?
The 7-Step Safety System (7-SSS) is Frank Bell's signature ground-and-saddle sequence, designed to take "80% of the risk out of riding" by reconnecting a horse's feet and brain before a rider ever mounts. The seven steps run in a deliberate order: Bonding, Take and Give, Intimacy, The Dance Begins, Desensitizing, Ballet on the Ground, and In the Saddle. As Frank explains it, "My 7-Step Safety System begins with making a lasting first impression by simply giving to the animal. I call it bonding." Each step builds directorship and respect so the horse "eagerly chooses to give back and enjoy performing and engaging with the human."
Natural horsemanship trainer Frank Bell working with two horsesWho is Frank Bell, the horseman behind the method? Frank Bell is the founder of Dances With Horses, Inc. and a pioneer of the natural horsemanship movement, having appeared on FOX Pet News in New York City in July 1998 — months before The Horse Whisperer film reached theaters. His resume spans the Rocky Mountain Training Center in Larkspur, Colorado (head trainer 1994-2000), Windrider Ranch in Ashton, Idaho, and bi-annual clinics at White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. He was named Colorado "Trainer Of The Year" in 1999 and received Special Recognition at the 1997 Narha (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) National Conference.
Portrait of horse whisperer and Dances With Horses founder Frank Bell
The Gentle Solutions Revolution philosophy
Frank brands his approach the Gentle Solutions Revolution™ — a method he says goes "several steps beyond even what Tom Dorrance considered the gentle approach to horse training methods." It rejects the older school of "pain and intimidation" in favor of kindness, bonding, and trust. His invitation to riders is direct: "Join me in enlightening the world to a kinder, gentler way of relating to horses and all living creatures." The result, he promises, is a relationship "based on mutual confidence, trust and deeper understanding."
Frank Bell demonstrating the Gentle Solutions Revolution horse training method
The book and foundation video that teach the system
The core learning tools are the Gentle Solutions 7-Step Safety System! book, written by Frank Bell with Sylvia Scott and priced at $29.99, and the on-demand foundation video Discover The Horse You Never Knew, available to stream for $19.99. Rick Lamb of The Horse Show praises the design of the curriculum: "Frank Bell's genius is in assembling these exercises in an order that makes perfect sense to the horse and rider." The book lays out the sequential exercises in print, while the video demonstrates them with unfinished horses of varied breeds.
Topic-specific training videos for real-world problems
Beyond the foundation program, the Dances With Horses Video Library offers on-demand titles at $19.99 each, each targeting a common challenge: Communication in the Saddle with Frank Bell, Spooking/Shying, Trailer Loading, Solving 7 Common Horse Problems, Mounting the Difficult Horse, Problem Foot Handling, Retraining the Racehorse, Water and Bridge Crossing, and Starting the Young Horse. The system is built to prepare any horse to be ridden — "a young horse, problem horse or seasoned campaigner" — across both English and Western disciplines.
How to learn the system or book a consultation
The full library and book are available through horsewhisperer.com under Dances With Horses, Inc. For one-on-one help, Frank offers telephone consultations at $95.00 per hour, payable by PayPal or Venmo. General inquiries go to Jim Rea at or, and to Dawn Perrine. The brand also maintains a presence on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Vimeo.
What is natural horsemanship and how does it build a safer horse?
Natural horsemanship is an approach that earns a horse's trust and cooperation through groundwork and communication rather than force, producing calm, respectful, willing horses. Frank Bell built the 7 Step Safety System around this idea — a practical set of exercises that equestrians worldwide now use, most importantly to heighten their own safety with their horse.
How can groundwork make me safer in the saddle?
Groundwork establishes a foundation of trust before you ever mount, so both horse and rider are 'on solid ground' instead of reacting out of fear. Frank Bell teaches that if a rider isn't riding in confidence they're riding in fear and the horse knows it; his 7 Step Safety System puts safety as the number-one priority so that confidence is built first.
Can a difficult or 'problem' horse really be turned around?
Often, yes — with the right approach focused on communication and trust. Frank Bell has spent decades doing exactly this, from starting hundreds of Argentine thoroughbreds for polo to 'bringing back' difficult horses that found their way to him. His 7 Step Safety System grew out of formatting that hands-on success into steps a horse owner can follow.
Who is Frank Bell and what is his background with horses?
Frank Bell discovered his talent with horses later in life, gentling a rogue horse at age 35 that had baffled seasoned horsemen, then immersed himself in the budding natural horsemanship movement he credits to Tom and Bill Dorrance. He developed the 7 Step Safety System after a clinic in Jackson, Wyoming, and his work has been featured in major equine publications, ezines, and on TV worldwide.
How can I learn the 7 Step Safety System?
Frank Bell shares the 7 Step Safety System through clinics, an audio and video library, and certification of quality trainers, so you can learn it in person or study it at home. It is designed to give any rider a repeatable routine for building a safe, trusting partnership with their horse.
Is the 7 Step Safety System suitable for everyday riders, not just professionals?
Yes — it was created specifically so the everyday human could understand and apply a professional horseman's approach. Frank Bell built the 7 Step Safety System as a practical set of exercises for equestrians of all kinds, and he has long supported handicapped riding, at-risk youth, and inmate wild-horse programs with this same gentle method.
How do I contact Frank Bell about clinics or training materials?
You can reach Frank Bell about the 7 Step Safety System, clinics, and his audio/video library by phone at 800-871-7635 or by email at [email protected].
What are the seven steps in Frank Bell's 7-Step Safety System?
The seven steps, in order, are Bonding, Take and Give, Intimacy, The Dance Begins, Desensitizing, Ballet on the Ground, and In the Saddle. They progress from establishing trust on the ground through increasingly sophisticated training, culminating in advanced riding techniques such as the one-rein stop. Frank designed the sequence so each step prepares the horse for the next.
What is the goal of the 7-Step Safety System?
The system is built to take roughly 80% of the risk out of riding by reconnecting a horse's feet and brain before the rider mounts. It establishes directorship and respect while building a relationship 'based on mutual confidence, trust and deeper understanding.' The exercises prepare any horse to be ridden safely, whether it is young, a problem horse, or a seasoned campaigner.
Who created the 7-Step Safety System?
It was created by Frank Bell, founder of Dances With Horses, Inc. and a recognized pioneer of the natural horsemanship movement. He appeared on FOX Pet News in New York City in July 1998, before The Horse Whisperer film was released. He developed the system over decades of professional training across Montana, Colorado, Idaho, and Australia.
What is the first step, bonding, about?
Bonding is about making a lasting first impression by giving to the horse. Frank describes it this way: 'My 7-Step Safety System begins with making a lasting first impression by simply giving to the animal. I call it bonding.' He notes that 'taking the time to love on the horse pays big rewards only minutes later as the horse eagerly chooses to give back.'
What is the Gentle Solutions Revolution?
The Gentle Solutions Revolution™ is Frank Bell's trademarked training philosophy that emphasizes kindness over the older methods that relied on 'pain and intimidation.' Frank says it goes 'several steps beyond even what Tom Dorrance considered the gentle approach to horse training methods.' His invitation is to 'join me in enlightening the world to a kinder, gentler way of relating to horses and all living creatures.'
Is there a book that teaches the system?
Yes. The Gentle Solutions 7-Step Safety System! book was written by Frank Bell with Sylvia Scott and is priced at $29.99. It lays out the sequential exercises in print so riders can study the full progression. Rick Lamb of The Horse Show praised it, saying 'Frank Bell's genius is in assembling these exercises in an order that makes perfect sense to the horse and rider.'
What is the best video to start with?
The recommended starting point is the foundation video Discover The Horse You Never Knew, available on demand for $19.99. It demonstrates the 7-Step Safety System with Frank riding several different unfinished horses of various breeds, much of it filmed at clinics in front of an audience. It is described on the site as 'The Place To Start.'
How much do the training videos cost?
The on-demand horse training videos by Frank Bell stream for $19.99 each. The library includes the foundation title plus topic-specific videos for common challenges. They are delivered as download-on-demand through the website.
What topics do the other videos cover?
The Dances With Horses Video Library includes Communication in the Saddle with Frank Bell, Spooking/Shying, Trailer Loading, Solving 7 Common Horse Problems, Mounting the Difficult Horse, Problem Foot Handling, Retraining the Racehorse, Water and Bridge Crossing, and Starting the Young Horse. Each targets a specific real-world problem riders face. They build on the foundation laid by the 7-Step Safety System.
Does the system work for both English and Western riding?
Yes. Dances With Horses offers training, books, videos, and equipment for both English and Western riding. Frank states that whatever equine discipline you choose 'will be greatly enhanced when you understand the theory, techniques, and timing behind' the 7-Step Safety System. The system is a foundation underneath any riding style.
Is the system suitable for problem horses?
Yes. The 7-Step Safety System is described as a versatile sequence that prepares any horse to be ridden, 'whether a young horse, problem horse or seasoned campaigner.' Several library videos, including Mounting the Difficult Horse, Spooking/Shying, and Retraining the Racehorse, target specific behavioral problems. The bonding-first approach is intended to rebuild trust with difficult animals.
Can I get one-on-one help from Frank Bell?
Yes. Frank offers telephone consultations at $95.00 per hour, with payment accepted via PayPal or Venmo. As of recent listings, he was also doing worldwide consulting. This lets riders get personalized guidance on their specific horse and situation.
How do I contact Dances With Horses, Inc.?
You can reach Jim Rea at 303-596-0160 or by email at [email protected]. Dawn Perrine can be contacted at [email protected]. The official website is horsewhisperer.com, and the brand is active on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Vimeo.
What awards has Frank Bell received?
Frank was named Colorado 'Trainer Of The Year' in 1999 while at the Rocky Mountain Training Center. He received Special Recognition at the 1997 NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) National Conference. He has also been acknowledged by therapeutic riding programs including Sonrisas Therapeutic Riding in San Angelo, Texas, and Rock 'N' Win Equitherapy in Tallahassee, Florida.
How is Frank Bell's method different from other trainers?
Frank credits influences like Tom Dorrance, Sally Swift (author of Centered Riding), and Linda Tellington-Jones, but says his Gentle Solutions approach goes beyond even Dorrance's gentle methods. Where many programs offer loosely connected tips, his genius is in ordering the exercises so they make sense to both horse and rider, per Rick Lamb of The Horse Show. The emphasis throughout is on bonding and confidence rather than dominance.
What results do riders report from the system?
Riders describe profound shifts in confidence and relationship. Doris Hatch of Massachusetts said, 'I used to ride with a tinge of fear and uncertainty. Horses knew it. Now, I ride every single horse in confidence.' Bill Dapper of Tennessee added, 'Frank's 7-steps completely changed my understanding of not only my horse, but all horses. The sequence and response of using his system is truly masterful.'
Where can I buy the book and videos?
The Gentle Solutions 7-Step Safety System! book ($29.99) and the on-demand videos ($19.99 each) are available directly through horsewhisperer.com, the official site of Dances With Horses, Inc. The videos stream as download-on-demand, and the book ships as a printed title. The site also organizes everything in its Education Center and Dances With Horses Video Library.
