HorseWorld pays tribute to Patron, Monty Roberts who has passed away aged 91

It is with great sadness that everyone at HorseWorld has learned of the passing of our Patron, Monty Roberts, at the age of 91.

Monty was much more than one of the world's most respected horsemen. To millions, he was The Man Who Listens to Horses; a pioneer whose compassionate, non-violent approach transformed the relationship between horses and people across the globe. His belief that trust, patience and understanding achieve far more than fear or force inspired generations of horse owners, trainers and equine professionals, and his legacy will continue to shape horsemanship for many years to come.

Monty's remarkable career was also shaped by an extraordinary friendship with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, forged through their shared belief that horses should be trained with patience, kindness and respect. After first demonstrating his gentle methods at Windsor in 1989, he went on to work with the Royal Household's horses for more than three decades. The late Queen became one of his greatest champions, encouraging him to share his philosophy around the world, while in 2011 she honoured him with an Honorary Membership of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his personal service to the Royal Family. Reflecting on their friendship after Her Majesty's death, Monty described her as "the wind beneath my wings", acknowledging that her belief in his work helped him take his message of compassionate horsemanship to millions across the globe.

HorseWorld was incredibly honoured when Monty accepted our invitation to become Patron in 2012, during our Diamond Jubilee year. Following his visit to our Bristol charity, he recognised something that resonated deeply with his own life's mission.

Reflecting on his time with us, Monty said:

"As I observed HorseWorld's work it became clear that its main goal is to improve the lives of horses and children. By now a great portion of the horse world knows that these two subjects are the prime motivations of my life."

Those words have remained incredibly special to us over the years.

During his visit, Monty spent time learning about our rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work, as well as HorseWorld Discovery, our alternative learning programme that helps young people overcome challenges by building confidence, trust and resilience through horses. It was clear that he recognised the unique bond between horses and people, and the remarkable difference that relationship can make.

Desi Dillingham MBE, Chair of HorseWorld, said: "Monty changed the way the world thinks about horses. He taught us that the greatest strength isn't found in force, but in trust; that real leadership begins by listening. Those values have always been at the heart of HorseWorld, which is why it meant so much to have Monty as our Patron. They are reflected not only in the way we rescue, rehabilitate and care for horses, but also in the way those same horses help vulnerable young people rebuild confidence, trust and hope through our Discovery programme. We will always be grateful for his friendship, his encouragement and the inspiration he gave us. His legacy will live on every time a horse is treated with kindness and every time a young person discovers what they are capable of because a horse first believed in them."

Many of our supporters will also remember Monty's return visits to HorseWorld in 2017 and his 2019 UK tour in when he gave a demonstration at Hartpury College with our much-loved mule, Mowgli. In true Monty fashion, he introduced Mowgli to his very first saddle and rider using the quiet, patient methods that became his hallmark. Watching Mowgli relax, learn and trust was a privilege and a wonderful reminder of the philosophy Monty dedicated his life to sharing.

Monty's daughter, Debbie, beautifully wrote that her father believed "true leadership is built on communication, patience, empathy, and respect"and that his legacy lives on "every time someone chooses compassion over force, listens before asking, and seeks a better partnership with their horse." Those words capture perfectly why his work mattered so deeply, not only to horses, but to people too.

Everyone at HorseWorld sends our heartfelt condolences to Debbie, Monty's family, friends and the worldwide community whose lives he touched.

Thank you, Monty, for believing in HorseWorld, for championing kindness above all else, and for showing the world that listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Your legacy will live on in every horse treated with compassion, every young person whose confidence is rebuilt through horses, and every partnership founded on trust rather than force.