Status Updates From The Man Who Listens to Horses

Decided to watch The Horse Whisperer again and noticed the strong influence Monty has with the writing. When we see Redford working with Pilgrim hand gestures and gentleness Monty has relied upon for years are evident

No getting around the fact this is a wonderful story. A memoir of sorts, Monty has worked with over 250 corporations educating them about the power of listening!

As the title suggests this is a story about the power of listening, a skill few if any consider. Whether man or beast, humans seek to push their agenda on others failing to understand another perspective. Part Cherokee, Monty learned the Indian ways from his grandmother that forever changed his view. To quote Steven Covey, seek first to understand then to be understood

It's easy to see how Monty embraced being gentle, listening and understanding whether with people or animals. His brutish father the reason. Not long after his film experience he witnessed his father display hatred issuing a George Floyd type beating of a man who was attempting to rob a bar. The impression left on him as a child opened the door to compassion for all living things

Born in the Salinas valley, 100 miles south of SF, Monty grew up around horses. At age 7, a film studio signed a deal with his father where he'd be the double for actors in western movies. Disliking his father's approach with animals, he soon realized he could communicate with them. "a good trainer can hear a horse speak. A great trainer can hear him whisper"

It's quite interesting to be educated about animals form of communication which in ways is similar to ours. Some label people are called psychologist due to education in behavior. Monty does not break wild horses, he starts them. He doesn't kick them, he speaks Equus. He observes from a distance and allows the bond to form. Watch the Redford film and observe the technique!

The prologue is incredible as is the background of Monty Roberts and his remarkable ability to communicate with animals. Having evolved his father's approach he's worked with over 10K horses horses. For those who read "Horse" or enjoyed the Redford film, The Horse Whisperer, you'll want to read this book! Monty is what's referred to as a gentler, since he has learned that this is what God intended