09/03/2026
Monty Roberts recently passed and have been surprised and disheartened there hasn’t been much attention around this groundbreaking horseman who devoted his life to sharing a kinder form of horsemanship, seeking connection and trust with a horse as the foundation of training.
Monty Roberts was my introduction to new and diverse approach to horses and what was possible. His books “The Horse Whisperer” and “Shy Boy” inspired me and to experiment with “Join Up” with the horses I had. Guess what, it worked! Utilizing hard wired, instinctual communication that horses use with each other. It’s brilliant!
At the end of the day Monty sought a kinder approach to training that took into account what the horse was also trying to communicate.
I use aspects of Monty’s “Join Up” method to this day. When I longe a horse or work them loose in the arena I’m not chasing them around a circle in an effort to tire them out…I’m looking for signals the horse is turning its attention towards me, communicating a desire to connect.
I love to experiment with somewhat unorthodox methods, and find out what works for me and more importantly what works for the horse in a given situation. If something isn’t working, you CAN change course and try something else. There isn’t a cookie cutter approach with horses. They are such unique individuals and just like ourselves affected by nature and nurture. To grow as a horseman (and a person) I believe you must open your mind to the possibilities that there is more than one prescribed method or approach. More than there being just a “right” and a “wrong” way of accomplishing a desired result. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone or sphere of experience to see what else is possible. In remembrance of Monty Robert’s.
