The equestrian world has lost one of its most influential and beloved horsemen with the passing of Monty Roberts, whose compassionate approach to horsemanship transformed the lives of horses and inspired generations of riders, trainers and owners around the world.
According to tributes shared by those closest to him, Monty Roberts died on 1 August 2026 at his beloved Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang, California, with his wife, Patricia, by his side. He was 91.
Born on 14 May 1935 in Salinas, California, Monty devoted his life to understanding horses, challenging traditional training methods and proving that trust could achieve what force never could. His pioneering Join-Up® method changed the way millions of people viewed horse behaviour, leaving an extraordinary legacy that continues to shape modern horsemanship.
Long before terms such as horse welfare and positive training became commonplace, Monty was encouraging people to see the world through the horse’s eyes. By observing wild mustangs and the subtle ways they communicated within their herds, he developed a philosophy built on patience, empathy and mutual respect, one that resonated far beyond the equestrian world.
His message reached an even wider audience through demonstrations across the globe and the publication of The Man Who Listens to Horses. The bestselling memoir introduced countless readers to his remarkable story and inspired a new generation to build partnerships with their horses based on understanding rather than fear.
A special bond with Queen Elizabeth II
In the UK, Monty became widely admired through his longstanding friendship with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Their shared passion for horses developed into a relationship spanning more than three decades after the Queen invited him to Windsor to demonstrate his methods.
It was Her Majesty who encouraged him to write The Man Who Listens to Horses, a book that would become an international bestseller. In recognition of his contribution to the Royal Studs and his lifelong dedication to improving horse welfare, Monty was appointed an Honorary Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 2011.
A lasting influence on Thoroughbred racing
Monty’s influence also reached deep into the Thoroughbred industry, where his quiet, thoughtful approach helped some of racing’s most talented horses realise their potential.
Among his most celebrated successes was Lomitas, the gifted German racehorse whose career appeared in jeopardy because he refused to enter the starting stalls. Working alongside Gestüt Fährhof, Monty patiently earned the horse’s trust, enabling him to return to racing and fulfil the exceptional promise so many believed would otherwise have been lost.
Lomitas went on to become one of Germany’s finest racehorses before enjoying an equally distinguished career at stud, with his influence continuing through generations of Thoroughbreds.
That remarkable achievement marked the beginning of a friendship with Gestüt Fährhof that lasted more than 30 years. Every summer, Monty returned to Germany to help prepare young Thoroughbreds for their racing careers, working with generations of yearlings, including future champion Silvano. His contribution to one of Europe’s leading breeding operations remains immeasurable.
A legacy built on trust
Like many pioneers, Monty’s methods prompted debate in some quarters. Yet even those who questioned his approach recognised the profound influence he had on the conversation around horse welfare and humane training.
His clinics, books and educational programmes inspired horse owners across every discipline, from leisure riders and Pony Club members to Olympic athletes, racehorse trainers and international professionals. For many, he changed not only how they trained horses but how they understood them.
More importantly, he reminded people that the strongest partnerships are built on trust.
As tributes continue to arrive from around the world, friends and colleagues have remembered not only Monty’s remarkable understanding of horses but also his warmth, generosity and willingness to share his knowledge with anyone eager to learn.
For many, Monty Roberts was far more than a world-renowned horseman. He was a teacher, a storyteller and an advocate for horses whose quiet belief in kindness reshaped the relationship between horse and human.
His legacy lives on in every horse handled with patience, every partnership built on trust and every person inspired to listen a little more closely.
Everyone at Everything Horse extends their deepest sympathies to Patricia, his family, friends and the countless people around the world whose lives were enriched by knowing Monty. His influence on the equestrian world will never be forgotten.
Feature image: Monty Roberts desensitizes a horse afraid of water. Photo credit: 2007 Mariska de Hoogt
