Course Structure
The Monty Roberts Introductory Course of Horsemanship is a foundational program designed to establish non-violent communication between horse and human. It introduces students to the core principles of trust, observation, and equine psychology, forming the groundwork for safe, effective, and humane horsemanship.
This page is for students who wish to enroll in Individual Module 5: Long Lining with the Use of Body Language. This module introduces long lining as a foundational communication tool.
The single-module option is ideal for students who are unable to commit to the full Introductory Course block. It offers the same high-quality instruction as the full program, allowing students to learn at their own pace while building essential foundational skills.
The Introductory Course is traditionally taught as a complete course block consisting of six required modules. While all modules are required to qualify for the Introductory Exam, individual module enrollment is available for students seeking focused learning or gradual progression.
Monty Roberts Introductory Course of Horsemanship — Individual Module 5
Module 5: Long Lining with the Use of Body Language
(2 Days · 200 Credits)
This module introduces long lining as a communication-based tool that develops balance, coordination, and understanding from the ground. Students learn how to guide the horse using soft contact, clear intention, and effective body language rather than physical pressure.
Emphasis is placed on feel, timing, and spatial awareness, helping students maintain connection while supporting the horse’s movement and balance. Long lining is presented as a foundation for future riding and as a versatile training method that promotes softness, fitness, motivation, and cooperation.
The full Introductory Course includes the following modules:
Module 1: Learn Monty’s Observation Skills Developed from His Lifetime of Studying Horses
(2 Days · 200 Credits)
Start your journey by learning the basics of handling, approaching, and observing horses. Build awareness of your body language and how to be safe around horses. Understand how horses perceive the world and how to create a calm and respectful first connection. Recognize the Language of “Equus” and how horses talk through gestures and body language.
Module 2: Structuring Successful and Safe Horse Training Sessions
(2 Days · 200 Credits)
Learn Monty Roberts' world-renowned method of communication based on “Equus,” the language of the horse. Understand the use of Monty’s famous Dually Halter and how it can help you educate your horse. Learn how horses learn and how to set your horse up for success by using your own body language supportively. Covers learning theories, how to structure lessons, and how to meet your horse’s needs.
Module 3: Safely Prepare Horses for Real-Life Situations
(3 Days · 300 Credits)
Help horses gain confidence around new stimuli and motivate them to respond again when they lost their sensitivity. This module teaches timing and reinforcement techniques. Includes exposing horses to objects, sounds, and situations in small steps to gain their trust using respectful methods that promote curiosity over fear.
Module 4: Join-Up® — Read Horse Behavior and Adjust Accordingly
(2 Days · 200 Credits)
Students experience Monty Roberts’ world-renowned Join-Up® process, learning how to read horse behavior accurately and adjust their approach to create a willing, trust-based partnership. Build a voluntary partnership based on trust, without force or fear. This module teaches the impact of your body language, how to position yourself, the use of your intention, and being present with your horse.
Module 5: Long Lining with the Use of Body Language
(2 Days · 200 Credits)
Get introduced to long lining with a soft connection and clear intention. Learn how to guide the horse from the ground using feel, timing, and coordination. A foundation for future riding and communication. This module teaches the beginning of using long lining as a multifunctional tool to promote balance, softness, fitness, motivation, and cooperation.
Module 6: Effective Trailer Loading the Gentle Way
(2 Days · 200 Credits)
Develop strategies for safe and stress-free trailer loading using the Dually Halter and your knowledge of body language. Learn how leadership, preparation, and timing create positive experiences for your horse without force or struggle. This module teaches how to set up scenarios to support your horse, break lessons into small steps, and achieve loading a willing horse.
For students working toward instructor certification, the course block format—which combines all six modules into a single block—is recommended, as it enables faster completion of the course. This course block is offered as The Introductory Course of Horsemanship.
To qualify as a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor, students must complete the mandatory courses and accumulate sufficient points to progress.
Progress Tracking & Credits
Students are evaluated throughout the course to determine eligibility for the Introductory Exam. A minimum of 975 credits is required to qualify.
Additional credits may be earned by repeating modules or through one-on-one training sessions with a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor.
Introductory Exams must be taken within one year of the final day of the Introductory Course. Required training videos must be submitted prior to sitting for the exam.
Monty Roberts Online University
Enrollment includes a three-month subscription to Monty Roberts’ Online University, supporting continued learning and reinforcement of Monty’s methods. Current Online University members will have their subscriptions extended at the end of the course.
Booking Information
After reserving your place, a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor will contact you to confirm enrollment, provide required paperwork, and answer any questions regarding participation.
Accommodations: Not provided onsite; however, we partner with hotels in Solvang and Buellton. Please refer to the Transportation & Accommodation Worksheet for details.
Contact
Monty Roberts International Learning Center
P.O. Box 1700
Solvang, CA 93464
Phone: 949-632-1856
Fax: 805-688-9709
Email: instructor@montyroberts.com