It is with deep sadness, that on Saturday 1st August Monty Roberts, died aged 91.
To the rest of the world he was known as the Horse Whisperer in the never changing famous blue shirt, but to all his instructors he was also a mentor and friend.
I have had the privilege of getting to know him, working and living side by side at the California Horse Centre for 15 years, where he imparted his knowledge, wisdom and unparalleled “feel” for a horse with his unique sense of humour and stories. When I set off on my path of becoming a horse trainer, I never aimed to be an instructor, it just kind of happened and I still clearly remember the day he offered me the opportunity to stay at the farm and learn, not just about horses, but myself too.
Over the years he and his family treated me like part of the farm family for which I am very grateful. I was at the farm earlier this year and despite his advanced age, he was still entertaining the students with his stories and answering all the questions they had.
I have spent my career helping thousands of horses all over the world, and no matter what the “problem” was, I have never encountered a horse who proved Monty wrong with his view that whatever the issue, from the horses point of view it’s always a “people problem”.
His philosophy of complete non-violent horse training, trust based partnerships and his lifetime of knowledge now belongs to us, his instructors, and I will continue to teach and train horses to my best ability to continue Monty’s philosophy into the future to reach as many people as possible, and whilst I will no longer see him in the famous round pen, every time someone chooses understanding over intimidation, partnership over dominance, and kindness over force, his life’s work continues.
I look forward to being back at his home in October to continue his lessons to the next generation of horse trainers and owners and my thoughts and condolences go out to his immediate family especially Pat and Debbie, and to all of my extended family at the farm.
