Queen Elizabeth’s Beloved Friend Monty Roberts Dies At 91 After Extraordinary Legacy

Longtime friend of Queen Elizabeth has died at the age of 91 after inspiring millions through his revolutionary approach to horse training. The equestrian world is mourning the loss of Monty Roberts, the internationally acclaimed horse trainer and friend of late monarch.

Roberts passed away on July 31 at his home in Solvang, California. His daughter, Debbie Roberts Loucks, announced the heartbreaking news, saying it was with “profound sadness” that the family shared the passing of a man whose compassion touched both people and animals across the world.

Widely known as “the man who listens to horses,” Roberts transformed traditional training methods by replacing fear, punishment and force with trust, patience and communication. His groundbreaking philosophy earned admiration from horse owners, trainers and animal lovers around the globe.

Throughout his career, Roberts challenged practices that had been accepted for generations. He demonstrated that horses could willingly accept a saddle and rider in less than 30 minutes through understanding rather than intimidation, changing perceptions within the equestrian community.

His remarkable life story reached an even wider audience through his bestselling memoir, The Man Who Listens to Horses. The book sold millions of copies worldwide and introduced his unique training methods to readers far beyond the world of horse riding.

Roberts first developed a connection with the British Royal Family in 1989 when he was invited to Windsor Castle by the Queen Mother to showcase his innovative approach to horse training.

The demonstration left a lasting impression, and Queen Elizabeth II soon became one of his strongest supporters. What began as professional admiration developed into a close friendship that would continue for more than three decades.

During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Roberts made numerous visits to royal estates, where he shared his knowledge and continued discussing horse behaviour with the late monarch, who had a lifelong passion for horses and breeding.

Roberts frequently acknowledged the Queen’s unwavering encouragement, crediting her support with helping him spread his message around the world. He often said her endorsement opened doors that allowed him to share his philosophy in dozens of different countries.

Their friendship remained strong until Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. Roberts travelled to the United Kingdom to attend her state funeral, joining countless mourners in paying tribute to the monarch he deeply admired.

Reflecting on that emotional day, Roberts later admitted that he had promised himself he would remain composed as the Queen’s coffin entered Westminster Abbey. However, he said the overwhelming grief made that promise impossible to keep.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary career that transformed the relationship between humans and horses while leaving a lasting impact on countless lives through education, compassion and understanding.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the world, Monty Roberts will be remembered not only as one of history’s most influential horse trainers but also as a trusted friend of Queen Elizabeth II whose legacy of kindness and respect will endure for generations.