The Monty Roberts Introductory Course of Horsemanship is the first step to gaining an in-depth understanding of Monty Roberts’ concepts. The course is suitable for students of any age (16+), and all levels of equine experience (your instructor will pair you with horses and tasks suited to your abilities). However, as it is a 2-week, intensive course, for those with little or no horse knowledge, we recommend prior participation in a Horsemanship 101 Clinic (or taking the course modular format).

Through demonstrations, practical sessions, and classroom discussions you will be provided with a well-rounded knowledge in the basics of horse care, performance, breeding, feeding and nutrition, with a strong emphasis on horse psychology. As the foundation of Monty Roberts’ work and a prerequisite for the Advanced Course, you will learn the method of Join-Up® as it relates to various environments. You will have the opportunity to build your skills in Dually® halter work, long-lining, herding exercises, horse desensitization and trailer loading.

This course can be taken as a stand-alone tool to improve your communication and relationship with your horse, or as a step towards becoming a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor.

Topics include:

How the Dually® Halter can be used to improve the relationship with your horse

Equus – the horses’ natural communication system, and how we can use it to build a willing, trusting partnership with our horse

Balance lines and driving a horse with your body

Fitting a bridle on a difficult horse

Fly spraying a sensitive horse

Washing your horse – the stress-free way

The full Join-Up® process

How horses learn

Preparing your horse for the first saddle and reins

Tacking up for effective long lining

The benefits and practical uses of long lining

Transitioning from the Dually® Halter to a bridle

Training your horse from the ground

Desensitizing your horse to a variety of objects

Protecting your horse – wraps, boots etc.

Stress-free trailer loading

The Intro Exams – what to expect and how to prepare

And more …

Following this you will return home to continue practicing what you have learned. By sending us videos you can continue to receive our feedback on your work. It is also during this period that you study theory on horse performance, breeding, feeding and nutrition. When we determine that you are ready, you will return for practical and written exams, at the successful completion of which you will graduate from the Introductory Course.