NEW Introductory Course Module 4: Join-Up Read Horse Behavior And Adjust Accordingly (2 Days)

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 4: Join-Up® — Read Horse Behavior and Adjust Accordingly. This module introduces students to Monty Roberts’ world-renowned Join-Up® process. 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 4 Module 4: Join-Up® — Read Horse Behavior and Adjust Accordingly (2 Days · 200 Credits) In this module, students experience Monty Roberts’ world-renowned Join-Up® process and learn how to create a voluntary partnership based on trust rather than force or fear. The focus is on reading horse behavior accurately and adjusting one’s approach in real time. Students learn how intention, positioning, energy, and body language influence the horse’s response. By observing subtle behavioral cues, students develop the ability to communicate clearly and calmly, allowing the horse to choose connection and cooperation. This module strengthens awareness, presence, and emotional consistency in the human–horse relationship. 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 (2 Days · 200 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 (3 Days · 300 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 This course is part of the updated MRILC Instructor Certification pathway, developed following the April 2024 and May 2025 Instructor Meetings in collaboration with instructors and MRILC management. How Credits Work Students earn credits through graded module performance and required assignments. Credits determine eligibility for exams and progression. Introductory Exam Eligibility To qualify for the Introductory Exam, students must: Earn a minimum of 975 credits Submit 5 LMS videos demonstrating proficiency in: Balance Line & Driving Position Line Handling Skills Join-Up Invitation Outside Turns A Complete Long Line Session Each video is reviewed by your instructor. Written Exam Given at the end of the final Introductory module Study materials are provided upon enrollment Timing Requirement Students must take their exam within one year of completing the final module. After 12 months, students must: Retake the course modules Re-earn required credits Resubmit required LMS videos Only then will they be eligible to sit for the exam again. If a student does not earn sufficient credits, they may submit additional instructor-requested LMS videos (up to 20 credits per video), practice with Certified Instructors, or complete one-on-one training sessions to earn additional credits. Click here to view the Full Instructor Certification Pathway & FAQ 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