Monty Roberts was born “in the saddle,” riding alongside his mother as she taught riding lessons. By age four, he won his first competition on a horse named Ginger, sparking a lifelong passion for horses and horsemanship.

Growing up, Roberts’ father trained horses using the traditional methods passed down over 6,000 years—methods often rooted in force and intimidation. Expected to follow in his father’s footsteps, Monty faced discipline through the same harsh measures used on horses. However, he vowed to seek gentler, more understanding methods.

At thirteen, while observing wild mustangs in Nevada during a roundup for the Salinas Rodeo Association, Roberts had a breakthrough. Spending hours watching the mustangs’ body language, he realized that horses communicate silently through subtle, predictable signals. This observation led to the creation of his revolutionary ‘Join-Up’ method—a way to engage with horses that fosters trust, respect, and partnership without force.

Today, Monty Roberts travels the world, teaching his compassionate approach to training horses and people. His methods have earned him global recognition, including an MVO distinction from Queen Elizabeth II, who became an advocate after witnessing his techniques with her horses in 1989. The MSPCA awarded him the George T. Angell Humanitarian Award, honoring his humane approach to horsemanship.

His autobiography, The Man Who Listens to Horses, has sold over six million copies, resonating with those who seek nonviolent communication, whether with horses or people. Monty’s Dually Halter further champions this philosophy, guiding horses to willingly cooperate and understand without fear.

Now in his eighties, Monty continues his journey, sharing his life’s mission: to replace dominance with understanding in both horse training and human connection.