The Monty Roberts International Learning Center offers a variety of shorter courses (to see our longer, more intensive Certification Programs click here). Whichever program you choose, you can be certain that this training will open your eyes to a whole new perspective on your horse’s methods of communication and behavior. Experience what hundreds of students have discovered at Monty Roberts International Learning Center; a wonderful learning environment where you will enjoy the staff, meet new friends and return home with a better understanding of your equine companion. Every horse enthusiast can find lessons below to fit their interests.

Click the course title below to read detailed descriptions of each course. Prices do not include accommodation. Please call (805) 688-3483 to learn more. Visit our policies and forms page for available transportation, hotels, applications, and more.

Monty's Special Training 

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This is your only chance this year to be at Flag Up Up Farms with Monty, watching, asking questions and learning as Monty works with a range of young and remedial horses. By observing this unique and gifted man, you gain first hand knowledge during demonstrations, lectures and discussions.

Monty demonstrates how to communicate with horses in their natural language in various situations during this intensive 5-day class. This learning will provide you with the educational tools you need to address leadership issues, ground manners, teaching to tie, crossing water (and/or obstacles), loading, head-shyness, mounting, bucking, standing for the farrier, kicking, and biting. This exclusive training program helps you better understand problem solving using Monty’s violence-free training methods. “The concept of choice is at the heart of my training system” is one of Monty’s most important mottos.

If you have a remedial horse which you think may be suitable for this class, please contact the MRILC on (805) 688 3483.

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Horsemanship 101

These two days are designed to introduce those of you who have little or no experience with horses to some of our gentle equine companions here at Flag Is Up Farms. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of you who would like to familiarize yourselves with horses while spending time on a beautiful Thoroughbred farm. Whether this is a completely new experience or a fun way to refresh your memory of these magnificent animals, come and spend 2 days learning to approach a horse safely, becoming comfortable around horses in the pasture and in the stall, as well as learning how to groom and tack-up properly. You will be introduced to working with the Dually™ halter to learn ways to apply Monty's force-free training concepts on the ground while learning how to lead a horse correctly.

You will have the opportunity to watch a Join-Up® session conducted by one of our instructors and see for yourself how important it is to become acquainted with the basics of horsemanship. This is an excellent chance to become more comfortable around horses prior to signing-up for one of our Join-Up® courses or the Monty Roberts Introductory Training Program.

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Join-Up

The Join-Up® course is a four-day introduction to the language of 'Equus' and offers you a solid understanding of the signs and reciprocal gestures of the language of horses. Over the four days you will discover the importance of body language, breathing, spatial awareness and the effect of your intentions when in the presence of a horse. Beginning to understand and create a trust-based relationship with your horse will provide a valuable foundation for any equine discipline.

You will learn Monty's concepts through demonstrations, discussions, video and practical hands-on exercises and round pen work. As a student you will be familiarized with the first steps of Monty's Join-Up® process, which teaches humans to communicate with horses using their natural body language. Certified Instructors will demonstrate the introduction of a young horse to his first saddle, bridle and rider to illustrate the effectiveness of Monty's concepts in this important context.

This course is based on groundwork with horses and does not include any ridden exercises. To optimize your learning, the two-day Long Lining course runs directly after the completion of the Join-Up® course, further enhancing your ability to train equine behavior.

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Long Lining

Effective long-lining will bring your horse into balance, enhance their outline, and prepare them both physically and psychologically for further learning. This unique, easy to learn technique combines Monty's Join-Up® communication concepts with the effectiveness of long lining. These two days are designed to provide any horse advocate or owner with the knowledge of why double line training is so valuable and the practical tools to apply this knowledge. Please note that you are required to complete a Join-Up class prior to enrolling in the long-lining class.

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