Monty Roberts, the world-renowned pioneer of non-violent horse training methods, has announced a significant expansion of his educational initiatives with the establishment of the Monty Roberts Learning Center – Europe (MRLC-EU). This new European outpost, strategically located in Bavaria, Germany, will operate under the umbrella of the established Monty Roberts International Learning Center (MRILC) in Solvang, California. The expansion signifies a commitment to making Roberts’ globally acclaimed Join-Up® techniques more accessible to a wider international audience, particularly within the European equestrian community.

The MRLC-EU will be spearheaded by Denise Heinlein, a distinguished Advanced Monty Roberts Instructor. Heinlein, who has dedicated years to studying and working alongside Monty Roberts, expressed profound enthusiasm for this new venture, viewing it as the culmination of a long-held aspiration. "I have followed Monty since I was a teenager," Heinlein stated in a recent interview on HorsemanshipRadio.com. "For me to wish for something and work hard for it and then achieve it is a dream come true. I always wanted to learn that little bit extra as I saw Monty do and be able to communicate with these wonderful horses." Heinlein will be instrumental in delivering foundational certification courses at the MRLC-EU, allowing European students to embark on their journey towards mastering Roberts’ gentle training philosophy closer to home.

A Vision for Global Equine Education

The establishment of MRLC-EU is the result of a formal alliance between Monty Roberts and Denise Heinlein, a partnership forged with the shared goal of promoting and expanding the reach of the Monty Roberts International Learning Center’s curriculum. This collaboration aims to democratize access to Roberts’ unique approach to horsemanship, which emphasizes understanding and communication over dominance and force.

For many aspiring equestrians, the cost and logistical challenges of traveling to California for intensive training have presented a barrier. The MRLC-EU in Bavaria offers a more convenient and potentially more affordable pathway to certification. Heinlein explained the practical benefits: "An additional base in Europe will make it easier for students there to afford the certification process by starting at the MRLC-EU and then interning in California." This tiered approach allows students to build a strong foundation in Europe before potentially undertaking advanced training or internships at the original MRILC in the United States, further enhancing the practical application of their learned skills.

The Monty Roberts Methodology: A Legacy of Non-Violence

Monty Roberts’ groundbreaking work is rooted in his observations of equine behavior and his development of the "Join-Up®" method. This technique, born from a deep understanding of the horse’s natural social structure and communication, seeks to establish a partnership based on trust and mutual respect. Roberts famously rejected the traditional, often harsh, methods of horse breaking and training he witnessed in his youth, opting instead for a philosophy that prioritizes the horse’s well-being and encourages voluntary cooperation.

His methods have garnered international acclaim, influencing countless horse trainers, owners, and organizations worldwide. The Monty Roberts International Learning Center in Solvang, California, has been a cornerstone of this educational mission for over two decades. Through a comprehensive range of courses, from introductory modules for novice riders to advanced programs for aspiring certified instructors, MRILC has empowered individuals to transform their relationships with horses. Graduates of these programs report enhanced effectiveness in their interactions with both equine and human clients, fostering an environment of gentleness, trust, and understanding in any partnership.

Expanding the Reach: Foundational and Advanced Training

The MRLC-EU will initially focus on delivering foundational certification courses, providing a crucial entry point for European students into the Monty Roberts training system. Denise Heinlein, as an Advanced Monty Roberts Instructor, will be at the forefront of this educational endeavor. Her expertise in teaching the "language of Equus," as Roberts terms it, will be invaluable in guiding new students.

While the MRLC-EU will serve as a hub for foundational learning in Europe, Heinlein will continue to teach the advanced courses in the United States. Notably, her advanced offerings in California include the unique "Gentling Wild Horses" program, which provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from Roberts and his team in the pure equine language. This dual-location strategy ensures that students can access the full spectrum of Monty Roberts’ expertise, regardless of their geographic location.

A Proven Track Record: Gentling and Remedial Work

Beyond certification courses, the Monty Roberts International Learning Center, both in California and now in Europe, is actively involved in gentling and starting unbacked horses, often in collaboration with adoption partners like "The Right Horse." Utilizing Roberts’ patented humane gentling facility, these horses are introduced to a wide array of stimuli and objects, desensitizing them and preparing them to be safe and willing partners for their future owners. This aspect of the MRILC’s work underscores the practical application of their gentle methods in addressing the needs of horses requiring special care and rehabilitation.

The center also addresses remedial issues with horses, working through behavioral challenges and helping them overcome past traumas or misunderstandings. This commitment to rehabilitating horses reinforces the core philosophy that violence is never the answer and that patience, understanding, and effective communication can unlock a horse’s true potential.

Upcoming Opportunities and the Future of Equine Education

The announcement of MRLC-EU arrives alongside exciting opportunities for hands-on learning at the original MRILC in California. A highly anticipated event, "Monty’s Special Training," is scheduled for July 10-14, 2023. This immersive five-day program offers participants a unique chance to observe Monty Roberts and his team of Certified Instructors working with a diverse range of young and remedial horses. Through demonstrations, lectures, and discussions, attendees will gain firsthand insights into the practical application of Roberts’ discoveries, which have profoundly impacted the international equestrian world. This course is designed to be beneficial for both novice and advanced students, offering a masterclass in ethical and effective horsemanship.

The Monty Roberts Learning Centers offer courses and concepts year-round, catering to a broad spectrum of learners. Whether individuals are seeking to improve their relationship with their own horses at home, pursue professional certification, or simply deepen their understanding of equine behavior, Roberts and his dedicated team provide tailored programs to meet these goals.

Monty Roberts: A Global Ambassador for Humane Horsemanship

Monty Roberts’ influence extends far beyond the realm of horse training. His journey, chronicled in his New York Times bestselling book, The Man Who Listens to Horses, has inspired millions. Growing up on a working horse farm, Roberts was exposed to traditional training methods that often involved harsh discipline and the breaking of a horse’s spirit. He chose a different path, one that led him to achieve nine world championships in the show ring while advocating for a non-violent approach.

His commitment to this philosophy has earned him numerous accolades and endorsements. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II recognized his contributions with the Membership in The Royal Victorian Order and by becoming Patron of Join-Up International. He has also received honors such as the ASPCA “Founders” award, the MSPCA George T. Angell Humanitarian Award, and FEI’s Man of the Year. Horse and Hound Magazine included him among its Top 50 Horsemen of All Time, a testament to his enduring impact on the equestrian world.

Roberts has also been a pioneer in online education, launching Equus Online University, an interactive platform dedicated to violence-free training. This initiative further democratizes access to his teachings, providing a comprehensive learning tool for a global audience.

Beyond the Arena: Join-Up® in Human Development

The principles of Join-Up® extend beyond the equine world, demonstrating their efficacy in human development and organizational leadership. Roberts’ work has been applied in diverse settings, from farms to major corporations, fostering improved communication and trust-based relationships.

A particularly impactful application of his methods is seen in the "Horse Sense & Healing program" for veterans and first responders. Inspired by the documentary Horse Sense and Soldiers, which aired on Discovery Military and highlighted the therapeutic benefits of Roberts’ work for individuals suffering from PTSD, this program leverages the unique bond between humans and horses to facilitate healing and recovery.

Furthermore, Lead-Up International, launched in 2017, utilizes equine-assisted therapy and non-verbal communication to empower vulnerable youth. By building trust-based relationships and fostering peaceful leadership skills, Lead-Up International aims to reduce violence in communities, showcasing the profound and far-reaching impact of Monty Roberts’ philosophy.

Accessibility and Future Engagements

For individuals interested in learning more about the MRLC-EU, courses in Bavaria can be explored via Denise Heinlein’s Facebook page. Information regarding eligible adoption horses and internship opportunities at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

Further details about Monty Roberts’ courses, including the calendar of events, are available on his official website, www.montyroberts.com, or by calling +1 805 688 6288.

Monty Roberts remains available for select interviews, offering insights into his life, his methods, and his ongoing mission to promote a more compassionate and effective approach to horsemanship and human interaction.

Media Contact:
Debbie Loucks
Monty and Pat Roberts, Inc./Join-Up® International
(949) 632-1856
[email protected]