The Cowboy and the Queen

Maybe I missed it, but this documentary needs a "graphic" warning. By my recollection, about 60% of this documentary is graphic recounting/depictions of what amounts to horse (and child) abuse/torture (NOT the work done by Monty, obvs). I guess I've lived a sheltered life, I knew about the mistreatment involved with soring, racing, and transport, but I did not appreciate the full depths of human depravity toward horses until I watched this. This is NOT for children. I'm middle aged and I'm still nauseous more than 24 hours after watching this. A rodeo is not something I would ever have attended anyway, but thanks for confirming my beliefs as to the horror of what really goes on (at least in the states where tripping is still legal-CO, WY, and UT looking at you-though the treatment of the steers and other animals is horrific and it's not just the horses). And I'm sorry, Monty, but your father was a psychopath. Yes, abusers were often abused, but people have a choice (as you yourself prove). You can't be an apologist for abuse. Otherwise, this is a lovely documentary and I wish there were more like it.

Monty Roberts is a rebel. A real cowboy who challenged the deep-seated traditions of how humans subvert the will of horses to make them useful beasts of burden. It is known as horse "breaking," but Mr. Roberts eschews that term. Under his methods he prefers the term "join-up."

It is no surprise that many in the horse industry have ridiculed, attacked, and slandered Monty Roberts during his life's journey to show the world that violence is not necessary in the process of gentling horses.

His revolutionary techniques caught the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, and this film tells the story of how they became good friends and partners in the quest to change the horse industry. It is emotional, shocking at times, and inspirational. I saw the film at the Boulder Film Festival and I didn't see a dry eye in the packed theater at the closing credits.

The way to put a saddle and bridle on a horse many years ago was called: "Breaking a horse." And that is exactly what happened. The result many times was a horse that was a danger to itself and to humans.

All that started to change slowly but surely when Monty Roberts learned from observation of wild Mustangs in the Nevada dessert the language of the horse. When he tried to convince his father and others there was a better, faster, easier and non violent way to put a bridle and saddle on a horse he was met with scepticism and ridicule.

One person from an unlikely place, the Queen of England, read about Monty's methods in two horse magazines. The Queen of England told one of her staff members to find, contact and invite Monty to Windsor Castle to see for herself if what Monty is doing is trickery or communication with horses. When the Queen was convinced that Monty has a profound understanding of horses and their language she knew what has to be done.

The movie: The Cowboy and the Queen, tells us about the highlights of the journey to make the world a better place for horses and for people.

Nowadays you hear more and more people in the world of horses speaking about: "Starting a horse."

If there is one animal that needs an apology from us humans, it is the horse.

Thanks to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Monty Roberts everyone can now communicate and understand horses if they love horses and are willing to learn.

I will give this movie an A plus. It is in time, in tune and will speak to many hearts in time to come.

The Cowboy and The Queen is an awesome, uplifting, emotionally touching film. I am a hug fan of Horseman Monty Roberts. When I heard about this film being made I knew I had to see it. It is a look a wonderful beautiful friendship spanning many years. The life of Queen Elisabeth and Monty Roberts are told and intertwined and very well edited together. Monty and Queen Elisabeth the 2nd are true inspirations for all of mankind not only how to treat horses but how we should treat each other as well. I absolutely loved this film. I was very deeply touched by it. I highly recommend this film to others. If you are a follower of Monty Roberts and his methods you should see this film.

A beautiful film, sharing Monty's story and the influence the queen has had on his journey and he on hers.

Growing up with horses, the movie shares insights into the critics of Monty's work and how he overcame them.

Travel through time as the film maps the world events that shaped both their lives in the UK and California.

A story of following your heart, and always doing the right thing.

An insight into the ways he works with horses and training methods.

In recent years the methods have also shown to be successful at helping adults overcome post traumatic stress.

An uplifting film for all to watch.