Solvang, California – October 1, 2023 – In a testament to a lifelong dedication to understanding and partnering with horses, legendary horseman Monty Roberts has announced the availability of personal coaching sessions, offering individuals worldwide the opportunity to benefit from his unparalleled experience. With a career spanning over eight decades, Roberts, whose philosophy centers on building trust and employing non-violent training methods, is making his extensive knowledge accessible to horse owners, trainers, and enthusiasts across all disciplines and breeds.

Roberts, widely recognized for his groundbreaking Join-Up® methodology, has spent the last 30 years traveling the globe, sharing his insights. His journey was significantly influenced by a suggestion from Queen Elizabeth II in 1989, who encouraged him to extend his reach and disseminate his unique approach to horse training. This advocacy underscores the profound respect Roberts commands within the equestrian community and beyond.

A Legacy of Gentle Horsemanship

Monty Roberts’ reputation is cemented by numerous accolades, including being named one of the all-time 50 greatest horsemen by Horse & Hound Magazine. His career began at the tender age of four, participating in movie stunts and competing against significantly older riders. This early immersion in the world of horses, coupled with a profound realization that trust is the cornerstone of a horse’s responsiveness, has guided his professional ethos. At 88 years old, Roberts continues to embrace learning and is driven by a desire to impart his wealth of knowledge, accumulated through decades of working with horses of every temperament and background.

His distinguished career includes eleven world championships in the show ring and training countless champions globally. Roberts’ consistent adherence to his vision, emphasizing the power of trust over coercion, has resonated with generations of horse people. His philosophy, encapsulated in the adage, "A good horse trainer can make a horse do what he wants him to do. A great trainer can cause a horse to want to do it," highlights his belief in fostering willing partnership rather than demanding obedience.

Expanding Access to Expert Guidance

The newly announced personal coaching sessions aim to provide direct, individualized support to those facing challenges with their horses or seeking to enhance their training and partnership. These sessions can be conducted via online video consultations, phone calls, or even in-person, depending on the client’s needs and location. Roberts emphasizes that video is not a prerequisite, understanding the diverse technological capabilities of his global clientele. Participants are encouraged to prepare by uploading a short video (3-5 minutes) and photos, along with any specific questions or concerns they wish to address.

Comprehensive Coaching for Every Equestrian Need

The coaching sessions are designed to cover a broad spectrum of equestrian topics, catering to foundational, advanced, and remedial needs in both groundwork and ridden work. Specific areas of focus include:

  • Groundwork: Addressing behavioral issues, fostering stronger partnerships, and understanding the principles of creating a well-behaved and loved equine companion. This segment delves into the root causes of misbehavior and offers practical solutions rooted in Roberts’ gentle approach.
  • Ridden Work: Providing guidance for various disciplines, including specific advice for "spooky" horses, building rider confidence, and refining riding techniques. The emphasis is on "perfect practice makes perfect," reinforcing the idea that consistent, correct application of principles leads to mastery.

The flexibility of the coaching format ensures that individuals can engage with Roberts on their terms. Whether a client needs assistance with a horse exhibiting specific behavioral problems, wishes to deepen their bond with their equine partner, or aims to elevate their competitive performance, Roberts’ tailored advice is designed to yield tangible improvements.

A Testament to Join-Up®’s Efficacy

The effectiveness of Roberts’ methods is underscored by testimonials from satisfied clients. Jeff Wells, whose wife Kristen successfully worked through numerous issues with their new show horse, including building the horse’s confidence and improving Kristen’s riding skills, shared his gratitude: "My wife Kristen has been showing American Saddlebred horses for many years, and with our new show horse, Monty helped Kristen work through many issues to build his confidence and improve her skills as a rider. Simply amazing, and we are very thankful." This anecdote exemplifies the transformative impact of Roberts’ guidance on both horse and rider.

A Global Ambassador for Non-Violent Training

Monty Roberts’ influence extends far beyond individual coaching. His New York Times bestselling book, "The Man Who Listens to Horses," chronicled his life and introduced his non-violent horse training methods, known as Join-Up®, to a worldwide audience. The book served as a powerful counterpoint to the often harsh and abusive training techniques prevalent during his formative years. By rejecting these methods, Roberts not only achieved remarkable success in the show ring, winning nine world championships, but also championed a more compassionate and effective approach to horse handling.

His commitment to the message that "Violence is never the answer" has earned him significant recognition. He was honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Membership in The Royal Victorian Order and became Patron of Join-Up International. Further accolades include the ASPCA "Founders" award, the MSPCA George T. Angell Humanitarian Award, and FEI’s "Man of the Year." His inclusion in Horse and Hound Magazine’s Top 50 Horsemen of All Time solidifies his status as an equestrian icon.

Pioneering Online Education and Humanitarian Efforts

Roberts was also a pioneer in online equine education with the launch of Equus Online University, an interactive platform dedicated to violence-free training. This initiative democratized access to his methodologies, providing a comprehensive learning resource for individuals globally.

The principles of Join-Up® have found application beyond the equestrian world, influencing human-to-human interactions in corporate settings and farms. A significant aspect of Roberts’ work involves humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Horse Sense & Healing program. Launched in response to the therapeutic effects observed in veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, this program leverages the calming and trust-building power of horses. Building on this, Lead-Up International was established in 2017 to combat community violence by fostering peaceful leadership in vulnerable youth through equine-assisted therapy and non-verbal communication.

Availability and Contact Information

Individuals interested in consulting with Monty Roberts for personal coaching sessions are encouraged to reach out. Appointments can be scheduled for 30-minute or 60-minute durations.

To arrange a session or inquire further, interested parties can:

For general information about Monty Roberts and his methodologies, please visit: www.montyroberts.com.

Monty Roberts remains available for select interviews, offering a unique opportunity for media outlets to delve deeper into his life, his revolutionary training methods, and his ongoing contributions to animal welfare and human well-being.

Photos are available upon request.