The Cowboy and the Queen

Monty Roberts is a rebel. A real cowboy who challenged the deep-seated traditions of how humans subvert the will of horses to make them useful beasts of burden. It is known as horse "breaking," but Mr. Roberts eschews that term. Under his methods he prefers the term "join-up."

It is no surprise that many in the horse industry have ridiculed, attacked, and slandered Monty Roberts during his life's journey to show the world that violence is not necessary in the process of gentling horses.

His revolutionary techniques caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, and this film tells the story of how they became good friends and partners in the quest to change the horse industry. It is emotional, shocking at times, and inspirational. I saw the film at the Boulder Film Festival and I didn't see a dry eye in the packed theater at the closing credits.

What a wonderful move movie to watch! Monty is a true disruptor of the horse training industry. Through his communication with Horses, Monty is able to gentle the horse so that a rider can be on them within 30 minutes. He even gentles a mustang in the wild. Unbelievable! Once the Queen found out, she thought the same thing- the world must know!

This movie details, the parallel lives of Monty and the Queen from how they eventually met each other and to how they join forces to improve the horse industry.

I hope the world continues to learn more about this so that violent training of horses ends. They are too beautiful and trusting to be treated so poorly, simply because people don't know a better way.

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.

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.

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.