Newsdate: Monday, July 3, 2023 - 11:00 am
Location: SOLVANG, California
Most people who have an appreciation for horses, whether they own one or not, consistently strive to cause horses to be happy. This may seem to be a tough emotion to measure, but look closely and you’ll find those twinklings of pleasure and signs of complete trust between you and you equine partner.
Horse hugging his owner with his eyes closed.
Horses have unprecedented healing power and they help us learn, lead and live better.
© 2016 by EQUUS New window.
Being a domesticated flight animal, most horses you see these days are not lacking for food or the basic comforts. Horses might look to us for safety when some sound or some ‘thing’ drives up their adrenalin and tempts them to take flight. They measure danger at its highest level when they feel pain. We avoid that above all, if we’re good horsepersons. Deep breaths and licking and chewing indicate that your friend has regained composure.
How do we know what truly makes horses happy and content? Movement means a lot to horses, no matter the breed, age, size or discipline. Healthy horses need movement. Being with other horses creates another level of comfort, naturally relaxed within a herd. And horses are happier around people who can help meet their needs, are fair in their requests and understand their nature.
Since 1989, Monty Roberts has been advocating a better way to be with our horses, whether training, housing, or simply how our bodies move around them. Movement is also about a change or development of the horse industry, progressively improving how we interact with horses. A movement can be away from traditional often harsh treatment of horses.
The Central Coast of California draws many equestrians to the horse and wine country. Since 2018, Monty Roberts and other leading experts have been coming together at his annual The Movement event to demonstrate and share their latest discoveries of horsemanship. The Movement is inspired by a love for horses, the ambition to impact their lives as positively as they impact ours and the belief that together we can drive positive change.
On June 16-18, the 6th anniversary edition featured the gentling of wild horses, groundwork, ridden work across disciplines, riding a Mountain Trail course and Working Equitation. From holistic health and hoof consults, to bodywork for the horse and for the rider, The Movement was a transformational experience for humans and horses featuring Monty Roberts and many outstanding presenters. The annual event is held at the California Horse Center on Flag Is Up Farms, in Solvang, California.
Will Friday demonstrated the Masterson Method at the three day event about health, happiness and horses. Jamie Jennings returned to work with Monty and the team of trainers. Jamie is the well known podcast host of Horses In the Morning show and also Trainer of the Year for the Right Horse Program of the ASPCA. She is also a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor in Oklahoma.
Adding to the fun of learning what makes a horse happy was a line-up of talent, including musician Jared Rogerson whose songs evoke an authentic country experience on horseback.
Horses have unprecedented healing power and they help us learn, lead and live better. Those who made the journey experienced outstanding humans and horses who are changing the world, one heart at a time.
See last year’s trailer here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/themovement2022/
Save the dates for next year, June 21-22-23, 2024. Only 50 spots will be available. Contact instructor@montyroberts.com for more information.-30-
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 and FEI’s Man of the Year. Monty was recently included as Horse and Hound Magazine’s Top 50 Horsemen of All Time. 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.
THE MOVEMENT “A movement started in the horse industry when horse owners began to have a clearer vision of how horses affected humans in positive way. Inspired by how interchangeable the lessons from herd behavior were, I’ve watched trainers, teachers, mothers and managers become better communicators, leaders and influencers for good. This year’s presenters are each amazing in their industries and they all have a vision of a better world, inspired by incorporating horses in their own story. They come to share that vision and build on it with participants who will take home a life-changing plan. Leaders may inspire, but only when people choose to act does a vision become a movement,” said Debbie Roberts Loucks who manages the event.
This unique event helps you better understand problem solving using violence-free training methods. People come and spend time with like-minded people absorbing what non-violent communication can be and enjoy discussions with Monty and students from around the world.
Press release by Debbie Loucks