Real horse whisperer rides into town

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998 | 2:17 a.m.

A different kind of magic comes to Las Vegas at the Big Tent on the corner of Flamingo and Valley View across from the Gold Coast, Dec. 4-12, when the real "Horse Wisperer," Monty Roberts, presents his unique skills of equine communication. This amazing demonstration of what Roberts calls "joining up" is exhibited as he tames and rides a wild horse in a single session. Through the language of Equis and positive reinforcement, Roberts is able to convince an untamed equine to take a submissive role and accept a saddle and rider in 30 minutes. This unusual demonstration, which runs from 2 to 4:30 p.m. each day, contradicts all traditional approaches to horse training and is done with absolutely no cruelty or force.

Roberts' process of talking a horse into tameness launched him into the international scene as Queen Elizabeth invited him to Windsor Castle to demonstrate his amazing talents in 1989. Since that time, he has been the subject of numerous documentaries and articles throughout the world. Now in his middle sixties, Roberts began his career at age 3, assuming the role of equine prodigy for his father's riding school. Serving as a model for childhood accomplishment, his father used him as his calling card for school recruitment. By 1957, Roberts was a national rodeo champion.

What both disturbed and motivated Roberts from the beginning was the cruelty and fear inflicted upon horses during the breaking process. Convinced that there was a better way, he dedicated his life to studying and perfecting the amazing process of "joining up" by speaking the horse's own language.

Roberts, who has raised three of his own children and 47 foster children, strongly believes that the same concepts that are applicable to horse training also apply to child rearing, and even personnel management through effective communication and positive reinforcement. Many corporations have utilized the skills of this amazing trainer through an array of executive and management seminars that Roberts himself has conducted.

Demonstrating the unimaginable, he exhibits how an unbroken horse willingly accepts a saddle and a rider in one half hour. This presentation is a must for horse enthusiasts, parents, children and everyone seeking an afternoon of amazement. For additional information or to reserve tickets, call 1-888-U2 MONTY.