Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts, who revolutionized training with non-violence, dies at 90

Monty Roberts, the renowned horse trainer celebrated as the "Horse Whisperer," has died at his Flag Is Up Farms in California at the age of 90.

Roberts gained international fame for his non-violent approach to horse training, a method he believed healed the "spirit" of horses rather than breaking it. His daughter, Debbie, announced his passing on July 31, remembering him as a man of "extraordinary kindness, integrity, and the conviction that trust could achieve what force never could."

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Violence broke the spirit of the horses. I chose another path.

Throughout his career, Roberts dedicated over eight decades to transforming how people understood and interacted with horses. His philosophy extended beyond equestrian circles, emphasizing that true leadership is built on communication, patience, empathy, and respect. These principles touched countless lives worldwide.

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For more than eight decades, he dedicated himself to changing the way people understood working with horses. His mission reached beyond riders. He believed that true leadership is built with communication, patience, empathy, and respect, lessons that touched the lives of countless people around the world.

His signature method, known as "join-up," involved a silent language of kindness. This approach caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, who invited him to the United Kingdom to demonstrate his techniques. Documented presentations at Balmoral Castle showcased his ability to train horses without coercion, earning him the respect of the British monarch and many others.

Roberts's journey with horses began with his beloved mustang, Shy Boy, who died shortly before him. He often said Shy Boy taught him to listen. He last visited Argentina in the previous year for the "Nuestros Caballos" exhibition, where he was invited by the Polo Horse Breeders Association. Santiago Ballester, the association's president at the time, highlighted Roberts's universal method and the organization's commitment to animal welfare.

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Shy Boy taught me to listen, I don't want him to be alone.

Roberts's stated mission was to leave the world a better place for both horses and humans. He traveled extensively with his wife, Pat, and daughter, Debbie, forming a supportive team that championed his vision of compassionate horsemanship.

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We worked hard to bring him, so everyone could see him, his method is universal.