Monty to appear at college

An internationally-famed horse trainer who inspired a Hollywood film is set to take centre stage at a Penkridge college.

Horse whisperer Monty Roberts will appear at Rodbaston College on Saturday to wow the crowds with his skills in communicating with troubled equines.

The Californian, who was the inspiration for the novel and subsequent film The Horse Whisperer, is regarded by many as one of the world's greatest horse trainers. He uses non-violent training techniques which have revolutionised the horse world.

Mr Roberts said: "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."

As the son of a horseman, Monty says he found he had a gift for understanding horses at an early age.

Seeing the pain and suffering many were subjected to, in efforts to train and 'break' them, he vowed to find a better way.

It was whilst tracking wild mustangs in Nevada, as a boy, that he observed communication between the horses in their body language; a silent language he calls 'Equus'.

Audiences will be treated to a demonstration of this language as Monty trains owners and horses to face their fears and learn to trust each other.

He will also be getting back into the saddle to show how his methods can be transferred to ridden work.

He said: "My greatest accomplishment was learning to be gentle.

"Without that, I would have accomplished nothing."

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 or from www.intelligent horsemanship.co.uk