May 2007 E-Newsletter

Contents:

• Dear Friends: Meet Baipas from Finland
• Ask Monty: Aggressive Head Shaking
• Monty's Principles for People: 30 to 50% of teachers quit within the first five years
• Monty’s Challenge: Trailering Without Partitions
• Fish & Ride with Monty: June 2007
• Where in the world is Monty on tour next? Click here!
• Upcoming issues

Dear Friends

There are very few places on earth that I have not visited by this stage of my career. On April 4 however I landed in Helsinki Finland and visited that country for the first time I did two demos April 6 and April 7.

The first day was received extremely well and I was rewarded with a standing ovation at its conclusion. The second day presented me with a good starter and a spooky horse demo that received high praise by Finnish horsemen.

After my intermission, Baipas was brought to my round pen. He was a horse with a well known reputation in Finland as he had 10 owners in almost as many months. Baipas was labeled un-ridable. His owner described Baipas as a horse that would buck, rear or do extreme U-Turns all in an attempt to get you on the ground, usually successfully.

What I discovered when I began to work with Baipas was one of the most beautiful Warmbloods I had ever laid my eyes on. In addition to a gorgeous confirmation he moved like silk. I would rate Baipas’ athletic ability extremely high even when compared with world class Warmbloods I have known such as Rembrandt and Bon Fire; both Olympic Gold Medal Winners.

There is no question that I had on my hands an extremely troubled horse and when I put him through my little “get acquainted” tests he indicated that he had been a victim of extreme violence. Baipas displayed incredible intelligence however and responded to my work in a profoundly positive way. In a near future newsletter, I will detail my “get acquainted” tests.

It is true that abuse victims are often found to be looking for a friend even more seriously than just wild, untrained horses are. Baipas was no exception and when he came to believe in me he gave himself over in such a way that the audience fell into a state of utter silence and complete attention. I could feel the strength of the audience wishing the best for Baipas and me.

In the course of about a 40 minute demo I escorted Baipas from a position of total fear and anxiety to complete acceptance. I put Dan Wilson, my English rider, on his back and Bypass gave him as sweet a ride as you can imagine. They cantered on a loose rein on both leads and everyone could feel a sense of accomplishment that had to be unexpected.

When I took Dan down I couldn’t wait to congratulate my owner for bringing Baipas to me. She was however in such an emotional state that the tears streamed down her cheeks. Many said that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I know mine weren’t but I believe that Baipas had two dry eyes that were filled with joy as he discovered that life could be better than what he’d known. At the conclusion of that session I received a 10 minute standing ovation from a Finnish audience that had a reputation for being unemotional.

As I left Helsinki I discovered that the owner had made arrangements to receive counsel in my concepts from Ann Lindberg, the Certified Instructor closest to Finland and Ann will keep me posted on the progress of Baipas. The owner has agreed to spend significant time to become acquainted with her now happy and rejuvenated Baipas.

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May 16 , 2007 Question and Answer

Question: I have a six year old horse that has been alone in a field for two years. She starts shaking her head very aggressively when she sees somebody she knows.

When I walk with her to the stables, she moves her head very quickly left and right so hard it’s difficult to stay on my feet. When she arrives at her stable, the behaviour stops and she starts eating. My question is whether this is dominant behaviour or a way of expressing that she is happy?

Monty's Answer:
It is neither dominant behaviour nor an expression of being happy. It is behaviour that is controlling. She controls you completely with the use of her head. My method of solving this problem is the use of the Dually Halter. It will assist you quickly and effectively. You should watch the Dually DVD to learn how to execute the use of it.

-Monty

Monty's Principles for People

By Pamela Bening-Hale , the talented teacher from Konocti Unified School District

Article : Volume 2, Issue 12, Published : 4/16/2007
'Young' teachers begin teaching with the styles of how they were taught as children, along with how they were raised, and what was learned in college, to create their style of teaching. The new teacher then adds trainings, resources, and practical experiences to evolve as a teacher. Most teachers try their best, yet the students and the system are so challenging that 30 to 50% quit the profession within the first five years.

(Click here for more details)

New and veteran teachers alike try to find mentors, systems and methods to solve the challenges in this profession today. There is an industry for educators to refer to. There is also an industry to address the poverty in the schools. These consultants and companies have 'all the answers' which the teacher can apply as the missing piece of the puzzle for the successful class. Indeed, teachers apply a potpourri of ideas. Some things have worked in the past, but don't work on this group. Other techniques are useful, yet have been forgotten. And so on. It seems once teachers find what works, the students adapt and a new strategy must be tried.

It is difficult for the teacher to feel successful. It is difficult for the students to feel successful.

When I began teaching 26 years ago I could say to the class, "I don't feel well today, could you help me so the day goes well?" They did. But this isn't usually the case today. I find myself digging deep for ideas and patience.

Since I made a promise to myself and the students not to ever yell or raise my voice in anger or discipline, it seems the students are even more willful and defiant. On one hand they like me not yelling and on the other they have a hard time respecting me as yelling is common in homes. My goal is to earn trust, be gentle, listen, and communicate. My role model is Monty Roberts because, truthfully, I don't see many calm adults to the degree of calm that he has achieved.

This brings me to a discussion I had with a teacher about teaching and names of speakers that inspire. He was partial to one we both had training from. During this conversation I realized that the speaker had been more of a disseminator of information and resources. Some suggestions were interesting and useful. I then asked him to turn around. I stood behind him and whispered in his ear: "You can do it. Don't give up on any child. You can help them, they need your example of how to treat one another." and so on. This is how I have experienced Monty Roberts.

Monty encourages teachers to see the children with the eyes of possibility, not as failures-- for the teacher or students. He isn’t unique in this: he is powerful in this. He sees each child as: now is their future. He doesn't see the students as test scores or 'get them out of here, they are ruining the class'. He is free from the issues that tire and drain educators. He realizes the challenges, but his eyes are on the target of their personal responsibility and personal power. I want to learn this. I want to be a part of this way of seeing, the new strength and support, for myself and to share with my peers.

Monty wants this for educators and for the students. He donates his time and energy. He isn’t the guru, nor does he come across as one. He is The Whisperer. You too can be The Whisperer!

When teachers whisper, students do listen.

Dr. Nan, our superintendent, adds: "Interestingly, my master teacher when I was a student teacher was a very soft spoken man who never raised his voice and his students listened ever so closely. I always remember him as one of the three most influential teachers in my life, for it was there that I learned early on about quiet strength." © 2007

Konocti Unified School District

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A Chance to Fish & Ride with Monty
June 2007

Last year, Monty and I were given a 50th anniversary gift from our children’s families. It was an extraordinary experience and a dream of a vacation, our first in many years. We enjoyed our time at Clearwater Lodge on the Pitt River so much that while there an idea was born. How wonderful it would be in 2007 share this adventure with friends and call it a Fish & Ride Adventure.

Because of forestry regulations we can only ride out with ten horses at a time, therefore we will be splitting into groups to ride with Monty. Each group will have a trail guide or horse wrangler. We envision riding out with Monty in the morning; stop, possibly to fish for a period of time and then having a picnic lunch nearby on the trail. For those interested, guides can be available to coach fly fishing along the trail in the beautiful streams and rivers. Monty loves to share his casting tips too!

Our daughter, Laurel made contact with one of the fishing guides from the Lodge who has rental horses available for guests who aren’t able to bring a horse. The greatest asset of this area is that there are all sorts of activities available in a setting that can only be described as magnificent.

For those that don’t wish to ride, there is fishing, river rafting, golfing, antique shopping and the area cries out to the artistic inspiration for painters. For those interested in painting or sculpting, artists will be available during the day to do one or two art sessions as arranged. We will also take a trip to Burney for antiquing and/or sight seeing if there is an interest on the part of attendees.

We were there in the middle of June and the fishing, climate and everything about Clearwater Lodge was beyond our wildest expectations. The accommodations and the food prepared by an expert chef were outstanding. Building on our impromptu idea, we tried to pick dates in 2007 that might coincide with classes from Monty’s academy for those who come from long distances.

We have arranged the following schedule. Arrival is Wednesday evening, June 27 through breakfast Sunday morning, July 1. The lodge is located in northeastern California between Burney and Fall River Mills. The lodge lies between Mount Shasta and Mount
Lassen. You can go to their website which is www.clearwaterlodge.com to get further information about the lodge and location. The one catch about this adventure that we can only take the first 20 double or single occupancies that sign up, as the lodge has a limited amount of available rooms.

Most of the available 20 are double rooms, but they also have an annex building as well. That’s where our grandsons, Matt and Adam stayed last June. On the premises are large two and three-bedroom cabins within walking distance from the lodge and possibly something like that could be worked out with Dick Gellen, owner/manager of Clearwater Lodge.

The following is a breakdown of what the actual costs will be:

Single occupancy person: $3,050
Lodge, includes food and room for 4 nights
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
One day riding for one

Double occupancy: $4,100
Lodge, including food and room for 4 nights
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
One day riding for two

Double occupancy: $3,950
Lodge, including food and room for 4 nights
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
One day riding for one

Additional costs:
Full-day rate for fishing guides are $350 for one or two anglers, a third angler is $75. A full day begins at 8 a.m. and goes until dark. This includes lunch and soft drinks.

Half-day rates are $300 for one or two anglers, and a third angler is $50. Morning half days start at 8 a.m. and ends early afternoon. Afternoon half-day rates start after lunch at the lodge and end at dark.

Evening fishing sessions are $150 for one or two anglers, and $50 for an additional angler. Evening fishing sessions start at 7 p.m. and end at dark.

Rates are available for golfing and/or golfing and fishing days, as well as white-water rafting. Just call 530.335.5500 and speak with Dick Gellen, www.clearwaterlodge.com.

Please feel free to call write or email recently how many are interested and what your special interest will be. You can reach Laurel at hotstable@aol.com or telephone 831.682.1121 and me at patr@montyroberts.com or telephone 805.688.4382/688.3368.

Thanks in advance. I am looking forward to a great response to a very special adventure with Monty.
Warm regards,
Pat Roberts

NEW FEATURE!
Monty’s Challenge: Next Week’s Question to Answer

From a statement you made in a recent E-newsletter: Most horses travel better without partitions and even better completely loose, allowing them to turn around as they wish.

I have a 3-horse slant Cimmarron. Would you recommend pulling the partitions? With only two, or only one horse?

Test yourself!
I want all of my students to learn to be better trainers than me! Test yourself each week as I challenge you to answer the question from below by writing to newsletter@montyroberts.com. I mean this. Sit down and write an answer. Don't wait for my answer next week.

If you have been reading my Weekly Questions and Answers for the last six months, you should be in a position to do this.

Why should you bother? Because it will help you focus. There is probably a comparable question in your life that needs answering – or will be. If you can gain insight into how to go about answering a practical question that is loosely related to your problem, this exercise will help you answer your nagging question.Then read my answer. Then read my other answers at this link: Ask Monty. The closest answer to mine each week will be awarded a DVD but more importantly you will learn! That's good for you! That's good for horses!

-Monty

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Look for these upcoming issues!

• Monty as Keynote Speaker for the Pepperdine Law School Graduation
• Monty’s Tips for The Outdoor School leaders
• Upcoming Tours in Sweden and Denmark

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