Equine Communication Methods Expected to Aid Volunteers in Dealing with Frightened Animals
Santa Ynez, CA (June 20, 2005) – Monty Roberts, referred to by some as the Horse Whisperer, is an internationally acclaimed horse trainer, equine behaviorist, and best-selling author of The Man Who Listens to Horses. On June 26, 2005 he will provide a specialized clinic for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s Animal Rescue Reserve. The ARR is a volunteer-based program of the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s Investigations Department. The ARR’s team of trained experts is dedicated to assisting people during disasters and emergency situations by safely evacuating their horses, livestock, and domestic pets. The ARR asked Monty to present a training session this June at the Monty Roberts Equestrian Academy in Solvang, California in order to demonstrate his unique skill set and expertise in equine behavior and communication. “It would be my pleasure!” Monty said. “The ARR provides a valuable service to the community. I hope that this clinic will provide their volunteers with a stronger understanding of what motivates horses’ behavior so that they are able to use my methods to save more horses’ lives.”
The ARR is recognized as part of San Diego County’s official Disaster Team. Each month, the ARR’s 40-member volunteer team receives training on techniques to save and care for animals that are in jeopardy by wildfires, floods, mud bogs, deep canyon ravines, and other life-threatening situations. Volunteer members must pass a six-month probation period, as well as a background check in order to qualify for service. During the devastating 2003 San Diego “Cedar” wildfire, ARR, with the help of other organizations, rescued over 3,000 horses, in addition to other miscellaneous livestock and domestic pets.
“The Animal Rescue Reserve greatly appreciates the training that Mr. Roberts is offering us,” said Zachary Shalit, Chief of Investigations for the San Diego Humane Society and Commander of the A.R.R. “During our rescues, we come across horses and livestock that may be upset or traumatized by the situation and consequently can be difficult to evacuate. The new techniques Mr. Roberts provides us with will be very useful in working with these animals and in modifying their behaviors so that we can better assist them.”
The special clinic in equine behavior and communication for the San Diego Humane Society’s ARR will take place on June 26, 2005 at 11am at Monty Roberts Equestrian Academy in Solvang, California. To learn more about the San Diego Humane Society’s Animal Rescue Reserve, visit, www.sdhumane.org/programs/. To learn more about Monty Roberts or his Equestrian Academy, visit, https://www.montyroberts.com or call (805) 688-6288.
ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND SPCA
Serving San Diego County since 1880, the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA provides vital services to animals and people alike through sheltering and adopting animals, providing positive reinforcement behavior training for adoptable animals and for owned animals through public training classes, investigating animal cruelty and neglect, providing adult and youth education programs, sharing animals through pet-assisted therapy and rescuing animals in emergency situations.
A private nonprofit organization that receives no public or government funding, the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is supported solely by contributions, grants, bequests, investments, proceeds from the society’s antique consignment store in La Jolla (Glorious Antiques) and some fees for service.
ABOUT MONTY ROBERTS
Monty Roberts first gained widespread fame with the release of his New York Times Best Selling book, The Man Who Listens To Horses; a chronicle of his life and development of his non-violent horse training methods called Join-Up®. Monty grew up on a working horse farm as a firsthand witness to traditional, often violent methods of horse training and breaking the spirit with an abusive hand. Today, Monty’s goal is to share his message that “Violence is never the answer.” Join-Up® philosophies can be seen at work with both humans and horses across the world, from farms to major corporations. To learn more about Monty Roberts or the many applications of his Join-Up training methods, visit https://www.montyroberts.com or call (805) 688 – 6288.
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Press Contact: Allison Mahan
(858) 603 – 1681
