If anyone knows the cycle of violence, it's Monty Roberts. 72 bones broken by age twelve, all by his father, the only method of communication and training of horses he knew at this age was violent, fearful and controlling. With the guidance of his 8th grade teacher and dedication to communicating with horses in a nonviolent way, Monty Roberts broke the cycle of violence that had so dampened his spirit. He began a new unmarked journey in his life at the age of thirteen. Now, at 77 years-old, he has left a path that many not only find admirable, but also a path many have chosen to follow.
You may know him from various movies, published works and as "The Man Who Listens to Horses." As a young boy, Monty was quiet and observant, lending to his keen ability to perceive the nonverbal communication of horses which later led to the development of a silent language he calls "Equus." His love for horses grew from watching wild mustangs in Nevada. He believed that the 'old way' of working with horses was outdated and medieval; it was time to start a new tradition of working with horses in a positive way; the time of 'breaking horses' was over.
After about twenty years of studying and working with horses, winning National Championships in Equitation and working as a stunt double in Hollywood, Monty Roberts founded Flag Is Up Farms in 1966. Here, he continued his success in the Thoroughbred racing industry with his wife, Pat. Flag Is Up Farms is where Monty, his family and horse celebrity, Shy Boy, call home. It is also where "some of the world's most successful performance horses and highest earning race horses" have built their foundation of training.
Over the years, Monty has continued to develop a philosophy of training called "Join-Up," incorporating methods of training that are nonviolent and utilize nonverbal communication. "Join-Up" is the partnership that a horse chooses to develop with the trainer. "The result is a willing partnership in which the horse's performance can flourish to its full potential, rather than exist within the boundaries of obedience." This philosophy of training has reached as far as Queen Elizabeth II and her equestrian team.
Monty's mission in life is "to leave the world a better place for horses and for people." This is a goal most would say he has accomplished throughout his seventy plus years of working with horses, horse people, raising a family and fostering 47 children. Monty would say, "The critics keep me getting up in the morning, doing things better, possessed with doing it right, PEOPLE is the one word answer, not horses."
While Monty could have retired years ago, he chooses to continue on his path of making this world a better place. At 77 Monty continues to travel the globe, speaking to various audiences, sharing his philosophies of training, working with horses, horsemen and children, and most recently, working with veterans and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He has truly "broken the cycle of violence" and renewed not only the spirit of the horse, but his own spirit as well.
To learn more about Monty Roberts, "Join-Up" and Flag Is Up Farms click visit his website (http://www.montyroberts.com/). For your FREE day pass to Monty Roberts' Equus Online University, click this link (www.MontyRobertsUniversity.com/promotions/DAYPASS) and use the promotional code, DAYPASS.
A big thanks goes out to Monty Roberts and his staff for the opportunity for Equine Industry News to have an interview.
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