Desert Rose Ranch Arabians

Our good friend and mentor Frank Bell recently paid us a visit here at the Desert Rose Ranch where we enjoyed swapping a few lies and working with some horses. It was also our pleasure to meet his friend Marie Gough and we look forward to linking up with both somewhere down the trail.

Frank,

I just wanted to take a moment and let you know how happy we are about the training “we” have received from Bob Claymier using your technique and materials. We bought your Getting Started package so when we take our mare home we’ll be all set up to continue with training. We are novice horse lovers and this has been an awesome experience with the Seven Step Program. I feel so much closer to our mare than I thought I would ever be. Your program is terrific and Bob Claymier is a great trainer using it.

Thanks so much.
Judy Brewster

To: Frank Bell - frankbell@horsewhisperer.com
Cc: Bob Claymier
Subject: Great job by Bob Claymier

Dear Frank,

I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know what a wonderful job Bob Claymier did with my 7 year old Arabian mare. I bought her last fall from a breeder and sent her directly to a trainer in MD to start her under saddle.

The person had her for 3 months and did a fine job of accustoming the horse to being under saddle in an indoor arena. I am primarily a trail rider, however and had asked her to take the horse out more, but it didn’t happen. I have trained several green broke horses to the trail so was not worried about this one.

In the spring, I began taking her out with my seasoned 10 year old gelding and she was nervous, but otherwise was doing fine. One day, while on the WO&D trail, some heavy equipment above us on adjacent trail was turned on just as we were passing underneath. It was a cherry picker with a person in the bucket using a chain saw to cut tree tops off, the branches then falling to the ground, and a wood chipper chopping up the branches. My gelding, whom a friend was riding, jumped forward, but immediately came to a stop when she checked him with the reins. My little mare, however was inconsolable. I am familiar with the one rein stop, and immediately implemented it. It didn’t work in this instance. She just went around and around, sideways backwards, forwards, over the creek bank and back up again. We went every direction but up. It was one of the wildest rides I have had. The idiot construction workers who finally noticed the problem they had created, thankfully, shut the equipment off, and my mare came to a stop. I was sideways in the saddle with no stirrups. I completely lost my confidence and did not get back on her again

After several months of not doing anything with her, I decided to give her one last chance before selling her as a brood mare. I found Bob when looking for Arabian breeders in Virginia. My thought was someone who knows the Arabian breed would have the best chance of working with my mare. I noticed he was one of your certified trainers, and having heard good things about your training methods, decided to give Bob Claymier a try. He worked primarily on desensitizing her to obstacles and loud noises, and giving her lots of love and reassurance in the process. He also worked with me to show me what he was doing, and how to work with her when she came back home. He had me take her out on a trail ride where he “terrorized” us on that ATV of his! The little mare handled all just beautifully, and when something did frighten her, I put her into the one rein stop. This time, she actually came to a stop right away, turned her head to me for reassurance and petting, and relaxed. It was just amazing.

I have had her out on six trail rides since she arrived back home, and have put her training to the test. We have been up and down very steep hills, one with the whole down hill area terraced with RR ties, a muddy ditch at the bottom, with a narrow foot bridge right next to where she had to cross. She managed the terraces fine, but was nervous about the ditch and bridge. I was too, as I feared she was going to take a big jump over it. I stopped her, took a few deep breathes, turned her head towards me, petted her forehead, then asked her to go over it. She very calmly WALKED over the ditch. I was just thrilled.

I haven’t run into any cherry pickers with chain saw wielding men in them yet, but the parking lots we park the trailer in are filled with bikers, loose dogs and running children. So far she has been good with all. Bob did such a good job with her I am taking my orphan foal (now a yearling) to him this week. It is time she is weaned from me and learns to respect a human’s space.

Anyhow, I just thought you would like to know the good job one of your trainer’s is doing for you, and spreading YOUR good words of wisdom.

Sincerely,
Jeannie Jirucha
Virginia U.S.A.

(Training Provided: 30 days of training was provided for her mare to prevent spooking and bucking. We also analyzed her with the aid of a veterinarian to determine if she had physical issues. At training end, the mare was performing well on trail rides)

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me. Bob, thank you for sharing the passion you have for horses and your incredible talent to train. It was the most amazing experience in my life. You have confirmed my quest in life. Linda, thank you for your warm loving being. You made me feel like part of the family and I will never forget that.

You both have made a huge impact in my life and I just wanted to thank you! I have just recently sent email to Frank Bell about my experiences, and of course the great gift you shared with me. I really miss being the “barn buddy” and am looking forward to becoming that again. In the mean time have a wonderful day!

Kathy
Miller Place New York, U.S.A.

(Training Provided: Two week tutorial of Frank Bell’s 7 Step Safety System)

 Bob has become a “Discovery Farm” participant for the Arabian Horse Association. The purpose of this affiliation is to promote understanding and interest in the Arabian horse breed.

As his first effort, Bob hosted parents and members of the Warren County 4H Pony Club on 12 November where all aspects of the Arabian horse were discussed.Topics included the history of the Arabian dating back 3500 years; how it genetically developed into the endurance athlete it has become today; the fact that virtually all light breeds of horses in the world (with few exceptions) trace their lineage to the Arabian – example – all Thoroughbred horses originated from three Arabian stallions imported into England to cross with local stock; the fact that George Washington owned an Arabian in the Revolutionary War and U. S. Grant owned two stallions during the Civil War; up to more modern days when General Patton saved many horses in Poland during WWII and returned them to what was then the Front Royal Army Remount Station.

Bob owns a great great grandson of an Arabian stallion (Witez II) that was included in the mix. Bob then demonstrated several of his own purebred and partbred Arabian horses to the group that included his new babies, 2 and 3 year olds plus his 16 year old parade and show horse Hali that is related to Witez II. The show was ended with Bob having one of his young horses bow for the crowd. While the weather was an extreme challenge (requiring us to congregate in the barn), the group was very attentive and came away with a greater appreciation of how the Arabian has impacted modern horses.

Bob’s Uncle Bruce Hix visited the Desert Rose Ranch this year to celebrate his 90th birthday. Many family members also attended who live locally and from as far away as Oregon and California. His Uncle is an amazing guy in that he still walks 2 ½ miles every day regardless of weather (and he lives in snow country in Oregon) and jumped on one of Bob’s horses from the ground without assistance while here. He also drove a pony and cart much like he would have done back in the 1920’s and 30’s. His Uncle also bought Bob’s first horse for him that he could call his own and that was at about age 6 or 7- it can truly be said that Uncle Bruce started Bob’s life long interest in horses. It is hoped that the good family genes don’t end with his Uncle.

We have planted two small vineyards here at the Desert Rose Ranch, totaling about an acre, and we picked our first experimental crop in 2006. The first vines planted in 2004 are called “Norton” and were the original Virginia wine grape. These grapes are being reintroduced back into the state after becoming nearly extinct as a result of Prohibition. The Norton is a very powerful grape that is nearly impervious to the normal diseases prevalent on the east coast related to molds and mildews. Because of its strong character, we are considering making Port from this grape and we produced a small batch this year as an initial trial. Our second vineyard planted in 2006 is Cabernet Franc and is a grape fast becoming Virginia’s signature red variety. We have yet to determine whether we will expand the vineyard into a larger family operation but we do expect to have a small marketable product perhaps in 2008. Stay tuned for future updates on this part of our operation.

May 19 - 22 2006

Bob participated in a Frank Bell clinic at the Hilltop Ranch located near Syracuse NY. Despite challenging weather conditions of wind, rain, hail and snow (all in one weekend), it was a most successful clinic with nine riders and many more spectators. The clinic was organized by instructor candidate Kathy Barbarite who apprenticed with Bob last year at his facility. She did an outstanding job of putting all facets of the clinic together and its success can be attributed to her hard work. Many of the participants stayed at the HillTop Ranch which resembled a true old west setting. Two of Bob’s clients – Gretchen Pugh and Chris Longo - who board at his facility took their horses to the clinic and instructor candidate Lori Johnson came up from North Carolina to participate as well. Bob led an afternoon discussion to better understand the genetics of the horse and herd interaction which can help an owner better communicate with their horse. Read more about the NY clinic here.

Bob’s mare’s and two new foals were recently featured in the May issue of The Arabian News on pages 144 & 145. The article included pictures of each mare and foal along with a nice description of them as well. Much thanks goes to Galen McBride who is always very generous about the information she provides the publication on Bob’s activities.

We had two beautiful black foals born here at the Desert Rose Ranch this year. One is a purebred Arabian and the other ½ Friesian & ½ Arabian. Both are sweepstakes nominated colts and sired by the stallion “Diadhem” and owned by Gloria Davis. We plan to sell the ½ Friesian so look for him soon on the “For Sale” page of our website. The purebred will be kept and evaluated to see his potential as a breeding stallion. We plan on re-breeding both mares – plus our Percheron mare – back to Diadhem this spring since these foals turned out so nice.

We are in the process of collecting tape footage for a video that we hope to market that would discuss practical tips on breeding, mare care during pregnancy, a live foaling or two including imprinting, foal training, and finally weaning. This will be an effort of at least a year in the making so look for a product some time in 2007.

Bob discussing the genetic makeup of the horse and how we use those traits to communicate in their language.

     Frank Bell Clinic Testimonials

I must thank you for setting me on my way to a better more confident and loving relationship with my horse. I used your techniques yesterday for the first time and saw such a huge difference in my horse. It was amazing. I know I will no longer have to fear this 1600lb giant trampling me! You guys are great!
Kathy Kilcoyne - Brandy Lane Farm Kennels LLC

Thanks again to all of you for organizing it. I’m still on a high from it — maybe the best horse experience I’ve ever had. I’m gonna have a great week!
Pam Murphy

I would also like to offer my deepest thanks and respect to  Frank, Sylvia, Bob & Linda, Chaz, Page, Rahaib, Melanie and to all of you, who helped make this a great event. You all are some wonderful people and I’m privileged to have shared our time together.
Brian Sparry

I had a fabulous time, wish I could of stayed for Monday!  I feel like this clinic has refined my techniques a lot more and I especially enjoyed working with Hollie’s gorgeous buckskin paint King who I think came a long way between Saturday morning and Sunday evening. Thanks for a great Event!
Jacqui

The best weekend I’ve spent in a long time. Thank you for lending me your fabulous gelding.  I learned so much and now I can continue practicing on my own horses. I can’t wait to ride the first one with just a piece of baling twine. I know I can do it. Thanks for all you did to make the clinic a success for us and the horses.
Diana

Just wanted to drop a line and say “thanks” for all of your hard work. The clinic was great, and my Mom & sister couldn’t have enjoyed it more. We really had a blast!
Missy Craig

Thank you and your family for all of your hospitality. Everyone went out of their way and we greatly appreciate it. God be with you and your family.
Grace and Sam Saadat

Bob participated in a Frank Bell clinic at the Hilltop Ranch located near Syracuse NY on 19 through 22 May .  Despite challenging weather conditions of wind, rain, hail and snow (all in one weekend), it was a most successful clinic with nine riders and many more spectators. The clinic was organized by instructor candidate Kathy Barbarite who apprenticed with Bob last year at his facility.  She did an outstanding job of putting all facets of the clinic together and its success can be attributed to her hard work.  Many of the participants stayed at the HillTop Ranch which resembled a true old west setting.

Two of Bob’s clients – Gretchen Pugh and Chris Longo - who board at his facility took their horses to the clinic and instructor candidate Lori Johnson came up from North Carolina to participate as well. The clinic included a saddle and bridle fitting discussion; Bob led an afternoon discussion to better understand the genetics of the horse and herd interaction which can help an owner better communicate with their own horse; and an “animal communicator” gave demonstrations of her ability to read the horses thoughts.

Chas Frame who has long pursued the goal of becoming an accredited instructor was advised that he has now officially joined the group – congratulations Chas!  Chas brings much to the program as he is also a horse massage therapists and successfully worked on several horses with sore areas in the back, neck and legs.  The evening sessions were lively as well perhaps aided by a case of wine provided by Frank – all in all – a most enjoyable and beneficial clinic”.

Photo left to right:
Bob Claymier, Kathy Barbarite, Frank Bell, Chas Frame.