Monty Roberts, who trained horses through trust, dies at 91

Summary

Monty Roberts, a renowned horse trainer, has passed away at the age of 91. Internationally acclaimed for his innovative approach to training horses, Roberts emphasized trust and communication, diverging from traditional methods. His techniques were grounded in understanding horses’ non-verbal cues. In a 1997 interview with Fresh Air, he discussed his philosophy and practices.

Details

Monty Roberts, the internationally celebrated horse trainer known for his gentle methods, has died at the age of 91. He is remembered for defying traditional horse-breaking tactics and instead promoting an approach centered on building trust between horse and trainer. His pioneering work transformed perceptions of horse training, highlighting the significance of recognizing and responding to non-verbal communication in equine behavior. Roberts’s innovative practices have left a profound and lasting impact on the equestrian community and beyond.

Roberts gained widespread recognition for his ability to communicate with horses in ways that resonate with their natural instincts and emotional states. His developed methods allowed him to bond with horses without employing force or aggression, emphasizing patience, empathy, and understanding. Interviewed in 1997 by Fresh Air, he elaborated on his reliance on horses’ non-verbal language to connect with them intimately. His techniques represented a significant shift in horse training, advocating for stronger, more compassionate relationships between humans and animals in this collaborative process.

Born into a lineage of horse trainers, Roberts grew up immersed in the equestrian world, where he honed his techniques over decades. His work trained thousands of horses and shaped the philosophies of many trainers who followed in his footsteps. Roberts’s writings and workshops, including his book