Tributes are pouring in from around the world after the passing of renowned horse trainer and author Monty Roberts.

Roberts died Friday, July 31 at his home in Solvang, California, reportedly due to complications from an autoimmune disease. One of the best-known pioneers of natural horsemanship, he spent a lifetime developing and teaching gentler, more humane alternatives to the physical, even violent horse-training methods of the past. Some traditional horsemen rejected his methods. Yet Roberts demonstrated time and again an undeniable ability to observe, “read” and partner with his equine trainees.

As he is quoted as saying on montyroberts.com, “For centuries, humans have said to horses, ‘You do what I tell you or I’ll hurt you.’ Humans still say that to each other—still threaten, force and intimidate.

“I’m convinced that my discoveries with horses have value in the workplace, in the educational and penal systems, and in the raising of children. At heart, I’m saying that no one of us was born with the right to say ‘you must’ or I’ll hurt you, to any animal or to another human.”

‘Join-up’ and more

The rodeo-riding son of an old-fashioned horse trainer, the former Marvin Earl Roberts Jr. had a troubled relationship with his father, whose harsh methods he came to dislike. Believing there had to be a better way to train horses, the young Roberts learned to “listen” to them at an early age. His goal became to partner with horses rather than try to force them into submission.

Roberts’ popular Join-Up® technique is based on building trust and communication with a horse using non-verbal cues in a language he called “Equus.” It became a core method taught at his equestrian academy, his online university and countless tours featuring live demonstrations.

His 1996 autobiography, “The Man Who Listens to Horses,” was a worldwide bestseller. It chronicled his journey from child rider to Hollywood stunt double and a pivotal experience studying mustang interaction in Nevada. It also described the founding of Flag Is Up Farms (now the California Horse Center), where he trained horses and taught his methods for years. Roberts is the subject of four documentaries and had his own show on Horse & Country TV.

Roberts’ influence upon modern horse training is considerable. It even included a famous friendship with Britain’s horse-loving Queen Elizabeth II, who was keen on his methods. In 2011, the late monarch appointed Roberts an honorary Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in recognition of his work with horses associated with the queen and his contributions to equine welfare.

Roberts has mentored generations of horsemen who have adopted his kinder, fear-free approach to horse training.

True leadership

“It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my father, Monty Roberts, on July 31, 2026,” wrote Roberts’ daughter, Debbie Roberts Loucks, on social media.

“For the world, he was known as the man who listens to horses. To me, he was simply Dad, a man of extraordinary kindness, unwavering integrity and an unshakable belief that trust could accomplish what force never could.

“For more than eight decades, he dedicated his life to changing the way people understand and work with horses. His mission reached far beyond horsemanship. He believed that true leadership is built on communication, patience, empathy and respect, lessons that have touched the lives of countless people around the world.

“Our family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship and support you have shown him throughout his remarkable life. Your letters, visits, stories and shared experiences have meant more than you could ever know. Together, you became part of a worldwide community united by a common belief: that both horses and people thrive when they are treated with kindness and understanding.

‘His legacy lives on’

“While our hearts are broken, we also find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on every time someone chooses compassion over force, listens before asking, and seeks a better partnership with their horse,” Loucks continued.

“As his daughter, I have always known that one day I would be entrusted with carrying his life’s work forward. That responsibility is one I accept with humility, gratitude and determination. Together with our family and our dedicated team, we remain committed to preserving and sharing the philosophy that meant everything to him.

“One of the most meaningful ways to honor and continue Monty’s legacy is to learn the gentle methods he devoted his life to teaching. We hope you’ll join us at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center in beautiful Solvang, California, or continue learning through his online [university].

“With heartfelt gratitude,

Debbie Roberts Loucks

Monty Roberts 1935-2026.”

Roberts is survived by his wife Patricia, the couple’s three children (Loucks, Marty and Laurel Roberts), and three grandchildren.

Landing page image from Monty Roberts’ social media