Wednesday August 5, 2020
Greetings!
Question 

Hi Monty, I’m a new horse owner and I have a 20-month-old colt I’ve never done a Join-Up with. He’s already pretty connected to me. Would it benefit me to do one and should I wait until he’s a little older? 

Thanks, Kevin B.

Answer 

Dear Kevin,
My book, From My Hands to Yours, has a section on what I recommend regarding when and how much to do in the area of Join-Up. If you read that, you will realize that you are already well past the point where I would have done my first Join-Up with them. It is my position that Join-Up done properly will always be beneficial.

Twenty months is a prime time to be sure that the horse is familiar with a partnership with human beings. I recommend the first is shortly after weaning. By twenty months I would be doing 2 to 3 Join-Ups within a week’s time. Get busy and I think you will find it beneficial.

Sincerely,
MONTY'S EQUUS ONLINE UNIVERSITY
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE
SPECIAL EVENTS 
USA
September 11 to 13, 2020: CHA Equine Facility Manager Certification at Flag Is Up Farms in California
THE MONTY ROBERTS INTERNATIONAL LEARNING CENTER
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
September 4 to 6, 2020: Introductory Course Module 04: Preparation for the Intro Exams
September 11 to 13, 2020: CHA Equine Facility Management Certification
September 11 to 13, 2020: Horse Sense and Healing
September 18 to 20, 2020: Introductory Course Module 01: First Steps to Monty’s Methods
September 21 to 23, 2020: Introductory Course Module 02: Join-Up
October 5 to 9, 2020:  Introductory Exams
October 12 to 16, 2020: Monty’s Special Training (English)
What a great tool for training
My horse is very spooky. I have seen a huge difference in just a couple of sessions with the Dually Halter. I look forward to additional progress!

From Greg H., Verified Buyer


Editor's note:
In the face of the challenges posed by the current global COVID-19 situation, Monty Roberts Shop is working to maintain reliable service for you.
 
During this time, we have noted increased delivery timeframes from the US Postal Service for our International Customers due to a reduced number of flights and delays in customs, which at times have been substantial. In light of this, we would recommend Fedex for International Orders as they provide a higher level of tracking & service and also have been more successful meeting their delivery timeframes. 
 
For our Domestic Customers, deliveries may take additional time due to transportation delays, which have been noted, but have not been substantial at this point. If you have a time sensitive order, we would recommend using Fedex or Priority Mail.
 
 

 
Veterinarian, artist and author Madison Seamans is a lifelong professional horseman. The author (Dr. Madison Seamans) and his book: “Never Trust a Sneaky Pony (and other things they didn’t teach me in vet school)” is the result of his true experiences as a veterinarian in equine practice for over thirty years. Riding Instructor, Hannah Brisso, is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Driving Instructor, as well as a riding instructor in hunt seat and dressage and a registered Yoga teacher.

 
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

What is the most subtle evidence of acceptance from a horse? Working with a mustang who I’ve never seen lick and chew, blink, sigh, yawn. Yet I’ve gotten him through haltering and even cinching bareback pad. Do I need to go way back to beginning? I have not done Join-Up...he’s at a rescue and they don’t have the perfect facilities. 
Mary Schmitt