Wednesday February 13, 2019
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Question
Do you think it is possible and realistic to have high level performance sport, or racing, with no whip use at the competition? What about no whip use at all, even at home?
Answer
According to tack shops, the whip is always the number-one selling piece of equipment around the world. It amazes me that we have dealt with horses for approximately 8,000 years, yet failed to learn that the whip is probably the most ineffective tool. If our goal is to create resentment in a horse, then I suppose I would have to change my view, but if cooperation is sought after, the whip is certainly the wrong choice of equipment.
A long time ago I was asked to write an essay on the use of the whip in the racing industry. Bearing in mind that the whip is still a whip, no matter what discipline, and that a horse is still a horse, no matter what his breed or lifestyle. You should realize that when I speak to the issue of the whip, I am dealing with the use of it where the intention is to strike the horse causing him pain.
I understand that there are disciplines where the whip can be used strictly as an instrument of communication. Dressage is a discipline where the whip is often used only with a touch to convey a message. Certain competition driving is conducted in a fashion where the whip is an effective method of communication. Please assimilate the information I am offering with the understanding that my objections refer solely to the whip’s use to inflict pain.
Sincerely,
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MONTY'S EQUUS ONLINE UNIVERSITY
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE
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THE MONTY ROBERTS INTERNATIONAL LEARNING CENTER
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February 15 to 17, 2019: Horse Sense and Healing Workshop
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February 19 to 21, 2019: Join-Up Course
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February 22 to 24, 2019: Introductory Course Module 3
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March 1 to 3, 2019: Prep for Introductory Exams Module 4
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March 4 to 6, 2019: Join-Up Course
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March 7 to 9, 2019: Long Lining Course
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PRODUCT REVIEW: MONTY'S TEXTBOOK
Every time I pick up this book to read/study another chapter, I find something to help me teach or approach my horse in a positive way.
Catherine J., Verified Buyer
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MONTY'S CHALLENGE
Test yourself each week as I challenge you to answer the question below. I mean this. Sit down and write an answer. Don't wait for my answer next week. If you have been reading my Weekly Questions and Answers for the last six months, you should be in a position to do this. Send your answer to my team at:
askmonty@montyroberts.com
Why should you bother? Because it will help you focus. There is probably a comparable question in your life that needs answering... or will be. If you can gain insight into how to go about answering a practical question that is loosely related to your problem, this exercise will help you answer your nagging question. Then read my answer. I want all of my students to learn to be better trainers than me.That's good for you and good for horses!
~ Monty
NEXT WEEK'S QUESTION
Hello Monty,
I have a gelding Standardbred and I have had him for a few months more than two years. He has behaved very well and I got a saddle for my birthday recently and have ridden him a fair bit. But lately he has been trying to bite me but not while I am riding him, when I'm brushing him that's when he usually tries to bite me.
It's not like he tries to bite me really quick, he goes slowly and puts his lips up and half bites with his lips not straight away with his teeth. I was just wondering if you would have any good tips about how to stop this without violence.
Thanks!
Ashley Lacey
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FOR OUR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
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Monty Roberts is running free, resilience-building workshops for veterans, police, fire, first responders and their families. Horse Sense and Healing is a three-day program and it involves working closely with horses. The individuals and horses develop a special bond built upon mutual trust and respect. Join-Up offers everyone an effective tool to rediscover themselves through the eyes of the horse. This self-awareness exercise deals effectively with emotional trauma, anti-social behavior and withdrawal, anger, stress, combat stress and even Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI).
READ MORE
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REDUCING VIOLENCE THROUGH WORKSHOPS
WITH HORSES GLOBALLY
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Dear Team at Flag is Up Farms,
As the Youth Recreation Coordinator for the City of Buellton I wanted to express my gratitude for the first class treatment and instruction the youth received while attending the Join-Up experience. Every student that was there was chosen for different struggles that each are facing currently. One thing that is consistent with every student who attended the program is that their main issues stem from the lack of trust or fear of rejection.
The staff for the program was so professional and loving that every student left each day so excited to come back. After leaving Flag is Up Farms each session, the ride back to the Rec Center got louder and louder because of the great experiences they were having. You can check with Jerry on that one as he witnessed it on the bus after the last session.
This was an amazing experience and we as a Recreation Department and City of Buellton are so blessed to have this treasure in our backyard. One of the moms who picked up their child the last evening said, “ This is the best week we have had as a family since I can remember, and I feel like there is a glimmer of hope for my son again.”
Thank you again for all that you do. Keep up the good work and I hope we will be able to join you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Paul Smith
Buellton Youth Recreation Coordinator
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FIND A MONTY ROBERTS CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
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