Is Monty Roberts the original 'horse whisperer'?

You may have seen the movie 'The Horse Whisperer', or read the book, and I often get asked whether Monty was involved with that, or whether the book was inspired by him and his work. So I was pleased when he answered the question recently in one of his free weekly emails (click here to sign up for yourself), and wanted to share his answer with you.

Question

There are probably many trainers who claim to be the true or original horse whisperer. The Horse Whisperer movie is said to be not the movie about Monty Roberts´ life but that of another person. That person is said to be Buck Brannaman. Can you please give us an clear answer about that?

Answer 

Please let me address this first question by telling you what actually transpired after I met Queen Elizabeth II in April 1989. Her Majesty requested that I visit 21 separate UK cities. The Queen herself set up the people to host demonstrations in these locations. During my meeting with the Queen that April, she strongly requested that a book be written about my work. I began to write The Man Who Listens to Horses.

During my 21 city tour, a man came to me from the audience, at Duchy College in Cornwall, England. He introduced himself as Nicholas Evans. He said that he was impressed with the demonstration and was motivated to write a book about this experience. I did not take him seriously on that evening. About two weeks later, I received a telephone call while in California. Once more, I was visiting with Nicholas Evans.

In the next few days I was in contact with the Queen, who adamantly asked me not to get involved with a novel. She wanted a book from me, that was truthful, and accurate. I informed Mr. Evans that I was not available for endorsing or advising on a book about my work. He was clearly not happy with me and said that he would contact a man that I knew very well. This man was an American called Tom Dorrance.

Mr. Dorrance communicated with me that he had read the manuscript and was not interested in assisting in the writing of the book nor the production of the movie. He told me at that time, that he was recommending one of his students, called Buck Brannaman, to help with this effort. Later I was to learn that Mr. Brannaman was chosen and did assist in the setting up of the scenes for the movie called The Horse Whisperer.

Later I was contacted by the Disney Corporation who had purchased the rights to the movie. They asked me to attach my name to the book and the movie, as an endorser of the contents. The Queen very strongly advised me against doing that, and so it didn't happen. You should note that I do not whisper to horses anyway, and the man responsible for the term, John Solomon Rarey (1827-1866), worked for the Queen's grandmother, Queen Victoria.

Sincerely,

Monty

The Man Who Listens to Horses

To see Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks on the "Living Legend" Tour - click here for tickets!

Know your own horse

This message is from a reader of my regular free e-newsletter, Debra Jones, and I wanted to share it because the learning point is so, so important!

Hi Sue,

I loved the Gemma Pearson article, and would like to add to it that you should trust your own instincts, know your own horse.

Mason had a bit of an incident a couple of months back where he got caught up in the electric fencing, panicked and tried to jump/ran through a 5 bar metal gate, ending up on the floor with his legs in the air. Vet advised giving him a danilon morning and night and keeping him out rather than in for the next few days to avoid stiffness.

He appeared to suffer no ill effects after the event, and was completely sound, so after a week I started riding him properly again. Roll on about 6 weeks and I took him to a showing show. He was “very naughty” with me in the go round, and was bucking when I asked for the right canter lead. I asked a couple of friends at the side if they thought I should bring him out as the bucking was totally out of character, but they suggested I persevered, said he looked “very naughty” and recommended pushing him on and riding him more forward. I wasn’t sure, but I did stay in the ring, and he was perfectly fine on the left rein.

After the show I thought about what had happened, that my friends had said “he’s just being naughty” and the behaviour that was so out of character, and for my peace of mind I called Juliet Lock and asked to bring his scheduled 4 monthly chiro check forward a few weeks.

I should never have doubted myself, or my horse – Juliet examined him, and found that he had displaced his hock, needed adjustment on both sides of his neck, and was very tight through his right hand side in the quarters area, probably stemming from the failed gate jumping incident those months ago. My horse wasn’t “naughty” he was sore, and being the stalwart that he is had soldiered on until he couldn’t handle it anymore, and told me in the only way he knew how. 

I felt terrible, and racked my brains to see if he’d been trying to tell me earlier, but until that point there really were no signs at all.

Now I know to trust my own instincts, and not rely on people who don’t know me or my horse, and get the professionals in if I’m in any doubt.

Mason responded well to Juliet’s treatment and I’m pleased to say is back on track now.

Debra Jones, Oxfordshire, UK

For more information on Juliet Lock, Chiropractor, click here.

To find your local Chartered Physiotherapist, visit www.acpat.co.uk.

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Bringing a smile to Charlie's face

The Horse Physio is excited to announce that disabled rider Charlie, who rides with the High Riders RDA group, will be able to ride for the next year, thanks to those who attended the Horse Massage for the Horse Owners course today. Massive thank you to Stourport Riding Centre for providing fantastic facilities, and to all who took part for their enthusiasm and energy. I know that your horses will appreciate it! 

Charlie is a 5-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, unable to walk unaided for more than a few steps. He lights up during his riding lessons, and brings smiles to everyone around him.

The Horse Physio has been running Horse Massage for Horse Owners courses for several years now, taught by chartered physiotherapist superman. Sue says "I love teaching this course. I love the knowledge that so many horses will benefit in so many ways. Most of all I think, I love watching and listening to the group participants getting so much from each other as they share their knowledge and experiences". For anyone who is not sure that they could remember all the information, it's available as a book and a DVD as well through www.thehorsephysio.co.uk.

Massage is a gentle therapeutic technique, that anyone can use to help that own horse. Aiming to relieve soreness and release tight muscles, it can help to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. There are courses throughout the UK where you can learn hands on with your horse, similar to those run through The Horse Physio. Some teach you how to help your own horse, others are full-blown qualifications to enable you to massage horses as a career.