Monty Roberts Equus Online University | Monty's Horse Training Post: Another Join-Up question

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Watch Monty's horse training videos to learn how he demonstrates communication through horse training techniques that the amateur and professional alike consider to be the trainable skills of a horse whisperer yet Monty calls it horse gentling.
Monty's horse training techniques are non violent with intelligent natural horsemanship. In addition to video instructions, Monty has written many books related to natural horsemanship. Monty trains safe horses for nervous riders called Willing Partners. Monty trains world class race horses for sale.
“I am very proud to be a part of Her Majesty’s horse training and her passion for their welfare. I believe she is the leading monarch for the advocacy of horses in the world. She is a thought leader in this field. Her Majesty's horses are trained using the Dually Halter, making a difference in the training of sensitive animals by giving the horse the choice to partner in the training.” ~ Monty
“I communicate with a horse in what I call the Language of Equus; a silent language of gestures that is discernible, predictable and effective. Now you can learn from my videos, audio and notes to help you understand the horse as I do. This language is really quite simple, but simplicity becomes its greatest strength.” ~ Monty
Monty Roberts is a renowned horse trainer known as the man who listens to horses and the original horse whisperer. Monty's horse training instructions are accepted worldwide.
Monty has helped thousands of people globally through his Monty Roberts Online Videos to learn how to Join-Up with horses, training young horses, spooky horses, horses that bite. His mustang , Shy Boy , is his most famous horse.
Join-Up methods help horse and trainer to establish a bond of communication and trust. “You must somehow understand that we as horsemen can do very little to teach the horse. What we can do is to create an environment in which he can learn.” ~ Monty
Monty says, “We hear that ‘actions speak louder than words,’ but generally we do not live by it too successfully.” Now Monty has taught thousands of people worldwide how to build trust in animals through our actions and body language.
Monty’s principles really amount to common sense and immense patience. He believes that children and horses have the same behavioral patterns. They are both naturally “flight” animals. "If you frighten them and resort to confrontation, you’ll lose their trust." ~ Monty
"Simple one-on-one reassurances and praise reap long term dividends that can all be undone with the quick slamming of a book on a desk or shouting back." ~ Monty Roberts
"No one of us was born with the right to say 'You must or I'll hurt you' to any other living thing, animal or human". ~ Monty Roberts
"My life's goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it, for horses and for people too". ~ Monty Roberts

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Horse Behavior and Training

Another Join-Up question

By:

DAL

Date:

2019-May-02 at 01:43PM

Where my horse is, the round pen has two gates and we use either one. One goes connects the round pen to the arena, and the other gate opens to the main open area where people can drive cars.

Which one is 6:00? Do I just pick one, or does it have to be the gate we used on that day or something else?

JoHewittVINTA 2019-May-02 at 07:06PM

Hi DAL & welcome to the Uni. Interesting question. I think the reason Monty uses a clock face is to simplify the round pen for people - for the horses it's pretty simple. They know where they came in, doesn't matter if it was the same as yesterday or not to them. Their nature is to move towards the 'gate' they came in by & it's easier to maintain momentum once the horse is moving. So, your answer is :- Your start point is opposite your entry point. Release the horse & use body language to encourage forward movement, increasing your efforts so that the horse continues past the entry gate forming a circle. Then continue as described in the Join up lessons. Hope this helps. Cheers, Jo.

DAL 2019-May-03 at 12:50PM

Thank you, Jo.

DAL 2019-May-04 at 01:48AM

I've had this horse for a good while, and have tried to get join-up before, and it never worked. Horse would just stand there like - "Yeah, you're okay, but I'm good. thank you."

Tonight, she did it. She joined-up and started following me around. Wow, just wow - and thanks again.

JoHewittVINTA 2019-May-04 at 11:08AM

Really well done! You've just started the most exciting journey, TOGETHER. The responsibility you've adopted is to be her leader, her rock. It's actually quite a daunting commitment but I have a tiny piece of advice to help you. Whether or not you realise it, life beyond you & your horse will affect your relationship - when you are caused to feel sad, angry, anxious. Cause yourself to adopt a habit, take a moment, every time you first approach your horse, to focus on " THIS IS OUR PARTNERSHIP TIME ". Take a couple of deep, slow breaths & remember that moment when she took those first steps to follow you. In other words, separate everything else in your life from your time with her. Take the time to share your feelings with her. Of course she won't understand that another driver nearly caused an accident, your family doesn't understand you, your partner is being a rat or your boss is a pure ---- but she will get your emotions! You'll feel all the better for sharing & she will be your rock. Remember, Join up is a set conversation so use it sparingly. Your body language is constantly communicating so doing your favourite tunes in the yard whilst grooming may have unexpected ongoing effects. Have fun & keep in touch. Cheers, Jo.

bahila73 2019-May-25 at 02:54PM