ONE of the world?s premier horse trainers will make a flying visit to West Devon tomorrow (Friday). Monty Roberts, the real horse whisperer, is coming to The Grange in Okehampton for one night only as part of his ?The Horses in My Life? tour. Monty was the inspiration for the novel and subsequent film The Horse Whisperer, and is regarded by many as one of the world?s greatest horse trainers. Without inflicting pain or fear the softly-spoken Californian uses his non-violent training techniques which have revolutionised the horse world; Roberts? methods allow him to accomplish in 30 minutes what can take ?traditional? horseman three weeks. He will work with some of the neighbourhood?s most troubled equines to overcome their fears or worries using a language they?re guaranteed to understand ? their own. Whether it?s putting on their first saddle, bridle and rider or loading them into a horsebox, it?s all achieved with communication, compassion and care. ?For centuries humans have said to horses ?you do what I tell you or I?ll hurt you?. I?m saying that no one has the right to say ?you must? to an animal or another human,? said Mr Roberts. The son of a horseman Monty found he had a gift for understanding horses at an early age. Seeing the pain and suffering so many were subjected to, in efforts to train and ?break? them, he vowed to find a better way. Audiences will be treated to a unique demonstration of this language as Roberts tours the country helping owners and horses to face their fears and learn to trust each other. Tickets for the demonstration, which cost £20 in advance or £25 on the door, can be purchased from the Intelligent Horsemanship Association on 01488 71300 .
