Question for Monty Roberts
Monty Roberts working with a young girl on horse training techniques.
'Somewhere you must have read that ‘my life’s goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it for horses and for people too. It is your exact response that leads me to believe that this goal is working.'
© 2019 by Patty Wilding
Hi, Monty. I hope you are doing great. I write to you to let you know that your book “The Man Who Listens to Horses” touched me deeply. I spend daily almost four hours on the car driving back and forth from my home to my winery, so I decided to make good use of that time and bought the audiobook.
I found myself crying and laughing while driving listening to the story of your life. I think you are someone really special and your life and work are amazing. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Your book and videos have changed the way I see horses. I was terrified of them. So much that I couldn’t ride or get close to them without being extremely scared.
I started riding about a year ago to get over that fear. I craved horses, wanted to be near them, touch them, smell them, feed them, groom them but I couldn’t because of fear. I started reading about horse behavior to understand their body language and that is when I came across your book. It has changed my life. I only wish I had read it when I was fifteen, not now, thirty years later.
After reading it and watching the videos of your Online University I can partially understand and predict the horses reactions. I can enjoy being around these beautiful and noble creatures and I can ride without being totally stiff. Still working on that to be true.
Also, since I started riding again I have befriended a horse trainer who uses your method and learn a lot as well through him. I have fallen twice, my fault, of course. I have bought a Criollo breed mare and intend to buy more. My life is now filled daily with horses and I couldn’t be happier.
Thank you again, Ana
Monty’s Answer:
Thank you for this extraordinary letter. It is your response to my work, shared by many, that has made my life acceptable to me. Somewhere you must have read that ‘my life’s goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it for horses and for people too.’ It is your exact response that leads me to believe that this goal is working for many people in many parts of the world. This should be shared by millions of people because so many need it.
Sincerely,
Monty
MONTY ROBERTS first gained widespread fame with the release of his New York Times Best Selling book, The Man Who Listens To Horses; a chronicle of his life and development of his non-violent horse training methods called Join-Up®. Monty grew up on a working horse farm as a firsthand witness to traditional, often violent methods of horse training and breaking the spirit with an abusive hand. Rejecting that, he went on to win nine world’s championships in the show ring. Today, Monty’s goal is to share his message that “Violence is never the answer.” Roberts has been encouraged by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the award of the Membership in The Royal Victorian Order, as well as becoming Patron of Join-Up International. Other honors received were the ASPCA “Founders” award and the MSPCA George T. Angell Humanitarian Award. Monty is credited with launching the first of its kind Equus Online University; an interactive online lesson site that is the definitive learning tool for violence-free training.
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Join-Up philosophies can be seen at work with both humans and horses across the world, from farms to major corporations. To learn more about Monty Roberts or the many applications of his Join-Up training methods, visit www.montyroberts.com
Press release by Debbie Loucks