The International Society of Equitation Science Committee Reports

A comparison between the Monty Roberts technique and the conventional UK technique for initial training of riding horses

Solvang, CA (September 26, 2011) – On the 30th of August 2011 the scientific paper authored by Drs. Veronica Fowler, Mark Kennedy and David Marlin entitled ‘A comparison between the Monty Roberts technique and a conventional UK technique for initial training of riding horses’ was accepted for publication in Anthrozoös. Anthrozoös is a quarterly, peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal reporting the interactions of people and animals, a journal which has enjoyed a distinguished history as a pioneer in the field since its launch in 1987. Prior to appearing in print in Anthrozoös the study will be presented at the International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) having been accepted by the scientific committee and also presented at the Centre for Animal Welfare & Anthrozoology, Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Cambridge both in October this year.

Comment from Dr Veronica Fowler on the results of the study: This study describes a comparison of the efficacy of the Monty Roberts horsemanship technique in comparison to a UK conventional training technique for the initial training of horses. Initial training of young horses, in particular the first time a horse is saddled and ridden has been recently reported in the scientific literature as a significant stressor in terms of the impact on the welfare of the horse. It is therefore vital that we fully evaluate the techniques which are practiced around the world to identify those which have the potential to cause compromised welfare and suffering during foundation training of horses.

Our study reports that horses trained using Monty Robert’s methods had significantly lower maximum heart rates (bpm) during both first saddle and first rider when compared to a UK conventional training method. Monty Roberts trained horses did have significantly lower heart rates during first saddle and first rider backing process (i.e. heart rate reduced between first saddle and first rider), a finding which has never previously been reported in the scientific literature. Thus the heart rates observed from Monty Roberts trained horses during first saddle and first rider are currently the lowest reported for any training regime reported in the literature to date.

The use of the round pen and in particular the technique of Join-up have been frequently criticised and reported in the literature to be another significant stressor due to the perceived opinion that this environment and method overtly activates the flight response. Our study could find no evidence that the use of the round pen or, indeed the technique of Join-up, was fear inducing and thus a significant stressor to the horse based on heart rate alone. In fact, we found that the heart rate of horses during this technique were considerably below the maximum heart rate for horses of this age and breed.

Following 20 days of training (30 minutes/horse/day) the study horses undertook a standardised ridden obstacle and flatwork test and a ridden freestyle test. Heart rates recorded during these tests for both training regimes were not significantly different; however Monty Robert’s trained horses scored significantly higher in all three tests as determined by a panel of judges who were unaware of the study or the trainers involved in the study. Our manuscript therefore provides peer reviewed scientific substance to indicate that that the Monty Roberts training technique is highly efficacious in terms of the effect on the welfare and performance of the horse undergoing foundation training.

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MONTY ROBERTS AVAILABLE FOR SELECT INTERVIEWS: Horse Sense and Soldiers recently aired on Discovery Military highlighting the therapeutic effect that horses and Monty Roberts’ Join-Up® have on PTSD. The New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned horse trainer Monty Roberts is available for interviews during his upcoming appearances.

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. Rejecting that, he went on to win nine world’s championships in the show ring. Today, Monty’s goal is to share his message that “Violence is never the answer.” Roberts has been encouraged by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as well as the ASPCA “Founders” award and the MSPCA George T. Angell Humanitarian Award. He recently launched his Equus Online University; an interactive online lesson site that is already being considered the most effective educational tool for horsemen on the web.

Dr. Veronica Fowler spent nine years at University gaining a BSc (Hons) in Animal Science (University of Reading), an MSc in Equine Science (Hartpury College) and a PhD in Infectious Diseases of Animals (Royal Veterinary College). Dr. Fowler now works as a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at the Institute for Animal Health and as an Equine Science consultant specializing in equine behavior, welfare and physiology.

Dr Mark Kennedy BSc, PhD, started his career by leaving school to train as a riding instructor. Having gained equestrian skills he continues to use, Mark decided to embark on a path of academic study of the horse, culminating in his Doctorate from the University of Cambridge. Mark’s first love and professional interest continues to be the horse. Now based at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, his research focuses on the effect of accepted and novel management practices on equine behaviour, welfare and reproduction. As Chief Executive Officer of Anglia Equine Consultancy he has recently launched an Equine Reproductive Behaviour Consultancy.

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.

Photos available upon request

Contact: Debbie Loucks Monty and Pat Roberts, Inc./Join-Up® International; (949) 632 – 1856; [email protected]