Monty Roberts, trainer and ‘horse whisperer’, dies at 91

Monty Roberts, the renowned horse trainer and author whose groundbreaking methods transformed horse handling around the world, has died at the age of 91.

Roberts passed away on August 1 at his California farm, leaving behind a legacy shaped by a lifetime spent working with horses.

He visited Australia on several occasions and forged a close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II, who became interested in his training methods and invited him to demonstrate his techniques.

Roberts began his career as a child stunt rider at just four years old and later competed successfully in rodeo events. His approach was heavily influenced by observing wild mustangs in Nevada, experiences that formed the foundation of his belief in communicating with horses through trust rather than force.

He was also recognised as a gifted horseman and bloodstock judge. Among his most notable achievements was purchasing a yearling for US$40,000 at Keeneland before selling the colt for US$175,000 the following year. That horse went on to race as Alleged, the dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner in 1977 and 1978.

Roberts also played a key role in the rehabilitation of German champion Lomitas, whose behavioural issues had threatened his racing career before the colt returned to win multiple Group 1 races and earn German Horse of the Year honours.

A passionate advocate for equine welfare, Roberts was an ardent opponent of race-day whip use.

“It is my opinion that the best jockeys would still be the best jockeys, and in fact, true horsemanship skills would come to the front if we were to eliminate whipping,” he wrote in his book, From My Hands to Yours.