Recently, Queen Elizabeth II honored 17 trainers and animal advocates for their efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses.
Certificate awarded to Marty Irby by Queen Elizabeth
I am certain that we will one day see the end of soring, doping, slaughter, and the use of whips and I hope that every horse lover will join me, Monty, and Queen Elizabeth II in eradicating violence and abuse from the equine world.
© 2020 by Animal Wellness Action New window.
For only the second occasion in history, the British Crown has awarded certificates for influential equine protection work. This recognition follows the acknowledgment of eight horsemen and women the Queen recognized in 2012.
The Royal Family had planned to recognize this additional group in-person at Buckingham Palace, but the gathering and in-person presentation were postponed to a later date due to world events surrounding COVID-19.
Monty Roberts, founder of Join-Up® International and world renowned horse trainer, enlisted his Legacy Strategist, daughter Debbie Roberts Loucks to assist him with naming a stellar group of individuals who have worked tirelessly to learn and carry on the gentle and effective concepts that Queen Elizabeth witnessed in 1989 when Roberts demonstrated Join-Up and the introduction of the first saddle and rider to a young filly owned by the Queen’s mother.
Recognizing the value of Join-Up, Queen Elizabeth encouraged Roberts to demonstrate and train more horse persons in these methods, setting him on a life’s mission that continues today, ‘to leave the world a better place for horses and for people, too’.
The recipients are:
Andreas Jacobs for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Ann Marie Marek for her extraordinary efforts to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress through Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Caroline Jennings for her extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses and the development of youth leaders by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Denise Heinlein for her extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses, her dedication to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress and the development of youth leaders by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Ele Milwright for her extraordinary efforts to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress through Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Ian Vandenberghe for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Jake Harris for his extraordinary efforts to assist Monty Roberts in the training of horses by adopting Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Jamie Jennings for her extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses and her dedication to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Jerry Sparby for his extraordinary efforts to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress and the development of youth leaders by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Jim Goddard for his extraordinary efforts to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress through Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Joanna Lowes for her extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses, her dedication to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress and the development of youth leaders by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Kelly Marks for her extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Miguel Lupiano for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses, for his dedication to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress and the development of youth leaders by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Ron Ralls for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Simon Marrier d’Unienville for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses, his dedication to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stressand the development of youth leaders by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Simon Stokes for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives.
Marty Irby for his extraordinary efforts to reduce violence in the training of horses by adopting Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives: “I am deeply honored and grateful to Her Majesty, and my friend Monty Roberts for their recognition – working to help the voiceless horses we all care so deeply about has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life,” Irby said.
“The good news is, after decades of horse abuse, change may come.” Irby added, “The ranks of reformers are swelling: Priscilla Presley, who shared a deep love for the Tennessee Walking Horse with Elvis, and who still maintains walkers on the grounds of Graceland to this day; Monty Roberts, “the man who listens to horses,” and his daughter Debbie Roberts Loucks have been working for years to get the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act signed into law to end this abuse."
"I am certain that we will one day see the end of soring, doping, slaughter, and the use of whips in racing venues around the globe, and I hope that every horse lover will join me, Monty, and Queen Elizabeth II in helping eradicate all violence and abuse from the equine world.”
Roberts gave his perspective on his life’s journey leading to this honor which is to encourage individuals to carry on his advocacy for horses and their training:
“In 1939 at the age of four, I rode and competed in my first horse show. At 85 I have known no other life but that of life with horses. Four universities and two doctorates in behavioral sciences along with major education from the horses themselves, I have won 11 world championships from the saddle."
"I survived a violent childhood and sought to perfect the training of horses in the absence of violence. Queen Elizabeth observed my work in 1989 and directed me to take the concepts to the world. I have demonstrated my nonviolent principles in 41 countries with over 3000 individual horses now.”
Press release by Debbie Loucks