Wednesday April 15, 2020

Greetings!
Question 

Dear Monty,
 
I suppose you receive letters like this all the time being the amazing person you are but I just wanted to let you know how much of an impact you’ve on my life.

Similar to you, I’ve always loved horses. My grandad had a small holding in a little coal mining village in Wales, where again similar to you, I was riding horses before I could walk. When I was 10, I had an accident and it knocked my confidence completely. I had this love of horses and longed to that connection again but was so full of fear. Looking back, it was a blessing in disguise, as my mother gave me your book to read.
 
There I was a young child reading about you, your upbringing and your relationship with horses and to this day, it’s been the best book I’ve ever read and one that has had the biggest impact on my life. Not only did reading your story enhance my confidence and understanding of horses but of people too. I then went on to watch the horse whisperer film and all I could do was think that, that film was because of you. I explored Join-Up and started exploring horse behaviors. And I started riding again and met the horse that helped me too, Sonny!
 
You really are an inspiration to me and I want to thank you for that! Basically, it’s been a dream of mine since I was 10 to meet you and see your work in person and tell you all of this. I watch ALL your YouTube videos and TV programs and I’ve read your book another 100 times since. Finally, thank you for confirming to me that the connection I feel with horses is true. I feel lucky to have felt it. Thank you for everything! How can I be a better student still?

Lauren Thomas
Your biggest fan x


Answer 

Dear Lauren,

Your letter makes me feel as I am still growing up and makes me want to meet you some day. Your words cause me to feel a though you should be awarded the #1 position of all that I consider to be my life’s goal. I remember so well at the age of 11 during one of the most trying times with my father. I recall a meeting with my most influential teacher in primary school and I told her that my life’s goal was to leave the world a better place for horses and for people too.

You epitomize a person that leads the world in this goal of mine. Anytime I am available I will be asking all of my assistants to invite you to receive a free ticket or if it's possible to meet you in person. It sounds as though you consider me to be a gift to you. Please believe me when I say you are a gift to me. You represent exactly the gift that I would wish everyone in the next generation to be.

Stay healthy, be safe.

Sincerely,
MONTY ROBERTS' ONLINE UNIVERSITY
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE
UPCOMING EVENTS    
USA
June 21 to 23, 2020: The Movement 2020 at Flag Is Up Farms in California
USA
September 11 to 13 , 2020 CHA Equine Facility Manager Certification  at Flag Is Up Farms
THE MONTY ROBERTS INTERNATIONAL LEARNING CENTER
July 6 to 17, 2020: Introductory Course of Horsemanship
July 11, 2020: Kids' Course
July 18, 2020: Horsemanship 101
July 24 to 26, 2020: Horse Sense and Healing
August 3 to 7, 2020: Monty’s Special Training (English)
August 8 to 10, 2020: Introductory Course Module 01: First Steps to Monty’s Methods
August 11 to 13, 2020: Introductory Course Module 02: Join-Up
August 14 to 16, 2020: Introductory Course Module 03: Long Lining
August 17 to 28, 2020: Gentling Wild Horses
TEMPLE GRANDIN & MONTY TOGETHER IN JUNE
Editor's note: Monty and I wanted all to know that we communicated with Temple Grandin and she is confirmed for June, virus or not! She says she will FaceTime from home if need be. She is indomitable! We are monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and federal, state and local agencies to help ensure the actions we're taking are in line with the latest CDC recommendations and guidance. 

Debbie Roberts Loucks


What's so special about The Movement?
From Ryan S., The Movement 2020

"Bucket List" event
I have seen Monty twice, and in my opinion this event should be on your bucket list. Every few centuries a revolutionary comes along who changes the way we see, think and the way we act. Monty is one of those people.

 
ONLINE PRODUCT REVIEW
From Chelsea S., Verified Buyer

Extremely pleased
My very sensitive horse does not even like the light cue taps from the dressage whip. He shuts down mentally. So when we have issues of him balking, the giddy up rope provides the perfect, non-violent instant negative consequence he needs.

 
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

I am 78 and worked with horses in the 1950s and 60s. I hated the methods of training. I decided to look at YouTube and see what is going on today and found everyone is using a creation of your method. I bow before you and say "where were you when I needed you?" You changed a whole industry. It is exciting to watch you work. I love horses too.


#Sequestrians, a rare opportunity to hang out with a legend in the horse world, forget about viruses and enjoy chatting about horses. Hosted by Certified Monty Roberts instructor Jamie Jennings of the Horses in the Morning podcast, Monty answered horse and training related questions live from callers.