Monty Roberts Introductory Course of Horsemanship, Flag is Up Farms, Solvang, CA

Course Structure

The NEW Monty Roberts Introductory Course of Horsemanship is a restructured program covering six key topics. This course is taught as one complete block. In the future, we plan to introduce a modular format for students unable to attend the full program at once.

To qualify as a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor, students must complete the mandatory courses and accumulate sufficient points to progress.

Monty Roberts Introductory Course of Horsemanship (Mandatory) The Introductory Course consists of six core modules:

Module 1: First Steps (200 Points)

Horse Behavior and Welfare — Learn Monty’s observation skills developed from a lifetime of studying horses. Start your journey with the basics of handling, approaching, and observing horses. Build awareness of your body language, stay safe around horses, and understand how they perceive the world. Recognize the language of “Equus” and begin creating a calm, respectful first connection.

Module 2: Groundwork — Structuring Successful and Safe Training Sessions (300 Points) Learn Monty Roberts’ world-renowned method of communication based on “Equus,” the language of the horse. Explore the use of Monty’s famous Dually® Halter to educate your horse, and discover how horses learn through supportive body language. This module introduces learning theory, lesson structure, and how to set horses up for success.

Module 3: Sensitizing & Desensitizing — Safely Preparing Horses for Real-Life Situations (200 Points) Help horses gain confidence around new stimuli and restore responsiveness when sensitivity is lost. This module teaches timing and the role of reinforcement. Students practice introducing objects, sounds, and scenarios step by step, promoting curiosity over fear and building trust through respectful methods.

Module 4: Join-Up® — Reading Horse Behavior and Adjusting Training Accordingly (200 Points) Discover how to read subtle equine signals and communicate through the horse’s natural language of movement. Develop voluntary partnerships based on trust, not force. This module emphasizes body language, positioning, intention, and presence, deepening connection with the horse.

Module 5: Long Lining — Combining Technique with Body Language (300 Points) Be introduced to long lining with a soft connection and clear intention. Learn to guide the horse from the ground using feel, timing, and coordination—foundations for future riding and communication. This module demonstrates how long lining becomes a multifunctional tool for balance, softness, fitness, motivation, and cooperation.

Module 6: Trailer Loading — The World’s Most Effective Gentle Method (200 Points) Develop safe and stress-free trailer loading strategies using the Dually® Halter and body language. Learn how leadership, preparation, and timing create positive experiences without force or struggle. Students practice breaking lessons into small steps, ultimately loading a willing and confident horse.

Total Points in the Introductory Course: 1,400 points

The Introductory Course Exam Upon completing the modules, students must take the Introductory Course Exam (4 Days):

Day 1: Practical assessment — demonstration of horsemanship skills with live horses.

Days 2–4: Written examinations covering theory, principles, and application.

This comprehensive exam ensures students can integrate both the theoretical and practical aspects of horsemanship.

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