MONTY Roberts, “The Man Who Listens To Horses”, kicked off his South African tour in Johannesburg on Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 May at the Equidome in Johannesburg.
Multiple SA champion jockey, Felix Coetzee, who has spent time with Monty at his Flag Is Up Farms centre in California and applies Monty’s methods in his own work here at home, attended both demos and enjoyed a behind the scenes perspective over the two days.
Felix was invited to observe the selection process as well as attending both Joburg demos. “I’m a huge fan and Monty is so generous with his time and knowledge. It’s incredible to watch how the horses respond to the work. One of the most important aspects for me was watching Monty work with a flighty, spooky horse that he eventually got walking over a tarpaulin very calmly.
“He then put the owner in the round pen and explained how our own breathing and heart rate affects our horses. Because horses are creatures of synchronicity, if you are nervous and flighty, they are too. But if you can get your energy levels and your breathing under control, it has an amazing effect on your horse.”
Felix has already booked for both Cape demos as well and says, “I just can’t get enough of the work and can’t wait to see him in Cape Town.”
Monty’s Cape demos will be hosted at Mistico Equestrian Centre outside Paarl, this Saturday and Sunday (4 & 5 June 2016).