The Cowboy and the Queen

A beautiful film, sharing Monty's story and the influence the queen has had on his journey and he on hers.

Growing up with horses, the movie shares insights into the critics of Monty's work and how he overcame them.

Travel through time as the film maps the world events that shaped both their lives in the UK and California.

A story of following your heart, and always doing the right thing.

An insight into the ways he works with horses and training methods.

In recent years the methods have also shown to be successful at helping adults overcome post traumatic stress.

An uplifting film for all to watch.

"The Cowboy and the Queen" is a heartfelt documentary that explores the remarkable bond between Monty Roberts, a renowned horse trainer in Solvang California, and Queen Elizabeth II. Directed by Andrea Nevins, the film delves into their 30-year friendship, united by their shared love for horses and dedication to humane training techniques. Monty Roberts, often called the "Horse Whisperer," revolutionized horse training through his nonviolent "Join-Up" method, which caught the attention of the Queen in the late 1980s. Her admiration and support played a crucial role in helping Roberts gain global recognition.

The documentary goes beyond merely chronicling their relationship; it also offers a rare glimpse into the Queen's personal side...one that is not often seen publicly. The film artfully juxtaposes Roberts' grounded, rural upbringing with the Queen's royal background, showcasing how their mutual respect transcended cultural and societal boundaries.

What makes the documentary compelling is its focus on the transformative power of kindness and mutual understanding. Whether it's training horses or connecting with each other, Monty Roberts and the Queen shared a profound belief that empathy is far more effective than coercion. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed in the film, providing a testament to how two people from vastly different worlds can find common ground through shared passions.

Having seen first hand these gentling and starting techniques at Robert's annual "The Movement" and volunteering at his Horse Sense & Healing courses at Flag is up Farm, I have witnessed the profound positive impact they have had on not only the horses, but the many veterans and first responders who attend. Best documentary I've seen in many years!

The way to put a saddle and bridle on a horse many years ago was called: "Breaking a horse." And that is exactly what happened. The result many times was a horse that was a danger to itself and to humans.

All that started to change slowly but surely when Monty Roberts learned from observation of wild Mustangs in the Nevada dessert the language of the horse. When he tried to convince his father and others there was a better, faster, easier and non violent way to put a bridle and saddle on a horse he was met with scepticism and ridicule.

One person from an unlikely place, the Queen of England, read about Monty's methods in two horse magazines. The Queen of England told one of her staff members to find, contact and invite Monty to Windsor Castle to see for herself if what Monty is doing is trickery or communication with horses. When the Queen was convinced that Monty has a profound understanding of horses and their language she knew what has to be done.

The movie: The Cowboy and the Queen, tells us about the highlights of the journey to make the world a better place for horses and for people.

Nowadays you hear more and more people in the world of horses speaking about: "Starting a horse."

If there is one animal that needs an apology from us humans, it is the horse.

Thanks to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Monty Roberts everyone can now communicate and understand horses if they love horses and are willing to learn.

I will give this movie an A plus. It is in time, in tune and will speak to many hearts in time to come.

Maybe I missed it, but this documentary needs a "graphic" warning. By my recollection, about 60% of this documentary is graphic recounting/depictions of what amounts to horse (and child) abuse/torture (NOT the work done by Monty, obvs). I guess I've lived a sheltered life, I knew about the mistreatment involved with soring, racing, and transport, but I did not appreciate the full depths of human depravity toward horses until I watched this. This is NOT for children. I'm middle aged and I'm still nauseous more than 24 hours after watching this. A rodeo is not something I would ever have attended anyway, but thanks for confirming my beliefs as to the horror of what really goes on (at least in the states where tripping is still legal-CO, WY, and UT looking at you-though the treatment of the steers and other animals is horrific and it's not just the horses). And I'm sorry, Monty, but your father was a psychopath. Yes, abusers were often abused, but people have a choice (as you yourself prove). You can't be an apologist for abuse. Otherwise, this is a lovely documentary and I wish there were more like it.

I'm not a horse person nor am I necessarily a royalist. And this documentary completely blew me away. Monty is such a fascinating man. The film parallels his life with the Queen beautifully. What I thought was going to be a story about two friends, proved to be so much deeper. This is a subtle, feel good watch that builds to an emotional powerhouse of a film. Even better, Monty's non-violent philosophy provided some great lessons I feel will translate to me in my personal life. Important to note, there is some horse violence which at times was tough to watch. I was familiar with horse breaking - honestly, everyone is to an extent. But I had no idea how brutal it really was. Difficult to see but important in understanding what Monty and the Queen sought to change. Do yourself a favor and just watch it! I'm so happy I did.