In a world filled with forceful methods and dominance-based training, a quieter, more profound approach to horsemanship has captured the hearts of equestrians globally. This revolution is led by Monty Roberts, often called “The Man Who Listens to Horses.” For those seeking to build a partnership with their equine companions based on trust, not fear, the vast library of Monty Roberts Horse Training Videos is an indispensable resource. These videos are more than just tutorials; they are a window into the mind of the horse, offering a language that transcends species.
At Equine Excellence, we believe in fostering a bond that honors the horse’s nature. Monty Roberts’ work is a cornerstone of this philosophy, providing accessible, humane, and incredibly effective training solutions. Whether you are starting a young horse, solving a behavioral issue, or simply wishing to deepen your connection, the journey begins with understanding. And what better way to learn than by seeing these transformative methods in action?
Who is Monty Roberts? The Man Behind the Method
Before diving into the videos, it’s essential to understand the man who pioneered this gentle revolution. Monty Roberts grew up in Salinas, California, observing wild mustangs in his youth. It was there, watching the silent, nuanced communication within the herd, that he began to decipher a complex language he named “Equus.” He saw that horses used predictable, observable gestures to communicate, establish leadership, and maintain social order—all without violence.
This was a stark contrast to the traditional “breaking” methods he witnessed, which often relied on pain, intimidation, and force. He dedicated his life to developing a system based on the horse’s own language, a system that would allow humans to become a trusted partner rather than a feared master. His work gained international acclaim, most notably from Queen Elizabeth II, and his autobiography, The Man Who Listens to Horses, became a global bestseller. His core mission is to leave the world a better place for horses and people, a mission clearly visible in every one of his training videos.
The Heart of the Philosophy: Understanding Equus and Join-Up
The entire library of Monty Roberts’ teachings is built on one fundamental concept: communication through the language of Equus. His most famous technique, known as Join-Up®, is the ultimate expression of this philosophy and is a central theme in many of his training videos.
What is Join-Up?
Join-Up is the moment a horse willingly chooses to be with a human, to trust their leadership, and to form a partnership. It’s achieved in a round pen without force, ropes, or coercion. The trainer uses specific body language to mimic the actions of a dominant herd member, causing the horse to move away. Then, by altering their posture to be non-threatening, the trainer invites the horse to “join up” with them.
“Join-Up is that moment when the horse decides that it is better to be with the person than to go away,” Monty Roberts explains. “It is a commitment to a path that two species travel together in search of commonality, friendship and survival.”
Watching a Join-Up unfold in a video is a profound experience. You witness a flight animal, wary and independent, make a conscious decision to turn and face the human, walk towards them, and follow them as a trusted leader. This single act forms the foundation for all future training.
Where to Find Monty Roberts Horse Training Videos
Thanks to modern technology, accessing this wealth of knowledge has never been easier. Monty Roberts has created a comprehensive digital ecosystem to share his methods with the world, catering to different learning styles and budgets.
The Official YouTube Channel: A Gateway to Gentle Horsemanship
For those new to Monty’s work, his official YouTube channel is the perfect starting point. It offers a vast collection of free video clips demonstrating his techniques on a wide variety of horses and issues. You can find introductory lessons on Join-Up, demonstrations of his patented Dually Halter, and inspiring stories of “problem” horses being understood for the first time. These short, digestible videos are excellent for gaining a foundational understanding of his core principles.
Monty Roberts Online University: A Deep Dive into the Method
For the serious student, the Monty Roberts Online University is the ultimate resource. This subscription-based platform contains an extensive library of over 700 instructional videos covering virtually every aspect of horsemanship. The lessons are organized, detailed, and progressive, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
The curriculum includes:
- Fundamental Lessons: Detailed breakdowns of Join-Up, long-lining, and groundwork.
- Problem-Solving: Step-by-step guides for common issues like trailer loading, bucking, biting, and spooking.
- Starting Young Horses: A complete, violence-free guide to a horse’s first saddle and rider.
- Advanced Ridden Work: Lessons focusing on creating a willing and responsive partner under saddle.
- Guest Instructors: Expertise from other top professionals in fields like dressage, reining, and show jumping.
For a minimal monthly fee, the university provides an education that can transform your relationship with your horse. There is often a free day pass available for new users to explore the content.
Key Techniques You’ll See in His Videos
As you explore the monty roberts horse training videos, you will encounter a set of core tools and techniques that are central to his non-violent approach.
Using the Dually Halter
One of the most common tools you’ll see is the Dually Halter. This patented training halter is not a tool of force but of communication. It’s designed to protect the horse’s sensitive poll area and teaches a horse to lead willingly and to stop resisting pressure without pain or fear. Videos clearly demonstrate how to fit and use the Dually correctly, making it an invaluable tool for groundwork and everyday handling.
Solving Common Problems
Many videos are dedicated to addressing specific behavioral challenges that horse owners face. From the horse that refuses to enter a trailer to one that pulls away when tied, Monty’s approach is always the same: find the root cause of the fear or resistance and communicate a solution in the horse’s language. His trailer loading videos are particularly famous, often showing a “hopeless” case walking calmly into a trailer in under an hour.
As esteemed equine behaviorist Dr. Sarah Miller notes, “Roberts’ methods are so effective because they reframe the conversation. Instead of asking ‘How can I force this horse to comply?’, he asks ‘What is this horse afraid of, and how can I show him he is safe?’ It’s a fundamental shift from coercion to cooperation.”
A person sitting in a clean, organized barn aisle watching a Monty Roberts horse training video on a tablet, with their own horse looking on curiously from its stall.
Is Monty Roberts’ Method Right for You and Your Horse?
The beauty of Monty Roberts’ training philosophy is its universality. It’s not discipline-specific; it’s horse-specific. The principles of trust, respect, and communication are beneficial for any horse, from a trail companion to a high-performance athlete.
This approach is particularly powerful for:
- Nervous or Anxious Horses: The non-violent methods help build confidence in horses that have been subjected to rough handling in the past.
- Young Horses: Starting a horse with Join-Up creates a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime, preventing many common behavioral problems from ever starting.
- Owners Seeking a Deeper Connection: If you believe your relationship with your horse can be more than just one of command and control, these methods will open up a new world of partnership.
The journey into the world of Monty Roberts is more than learning a set of techniques; it’s about adopting a new perspective. It’s about choosing to listen rather than to demand. By exploring the extensive library of monty roberts horse training videos, you are not just learning to train your horse; you are learning to understand them. You are choosing to build a bond that is stronger than any lead rope—a bond built on the silent, powerful language of trust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the basic principle of Monty Roberts’ training?
The core principle is communicating with horses using their own natural body language, which he calls “Equus.” His methods are entirely non-violent and are designed to create a willing partnership based on trust and respect, rather than fear and dominance.
Is the Join-Up method difficult to learn?
While the concept is simple, achieving a true Join-Up requires practice, patience, and the ability to read a horse’s subtle cues. The online videos provide detailed, step-by-step guidance that makes the process much easier to learn and apply correctly.
Can these methods be used with any horse?
Yes. Monty Roberts has successfully used his methods on horses of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds, from wild mustangs to domestic sport horses. The principles of Equus language are universal to all horses.
What is the Dually Halter and why is it used?
The Dually Halter is a special training headcollar designed by Monty Roberts. It works by applying gentle pressure to the noseband, teaching the horse to yield to pressure without engaging its flight response or injuring its poll. It’s a tool for communication, not force.
Is the Online University worth the subscription cost?
For anyone serious about implementing these methods, the Online University is widely considered an invaluable resource. With over 700 videos covering a vast range of topics from fundamentals to advanced problem-solving, it offers a comprehensive and affordable education in gentle horsemanship.
