Iconic ‘horse whisperer’ who caught the eye of Queen Elizabeth with his ‘extraordinary kindness’ and talent dies aged 91

LEGENDARY trainer and renowned ‘horse whisperer’ Monty Roberts has died at the age of 91. An icon of the sport because of his almost supernatural ability to communicate with the thoroughbred, Roberts’ methods caught the eye of the late Queen Elizabeth II and they soon became big friends. The late Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla attend a horse whispering demonstration by Monty Roberts at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace Credit: Getty The legendary trainer has died at his California ranch aged 91 Credit: Getty Based in the US, Roberts became a transatlantic hit when he bought an unwanted yearling for $40,000 (£30,000 in today’s money) and sold him a year later for £175,000 (£130,000). Shipped to Ballydoyle to be trained by Vincent O’Brien, that horse turned out to be dual Arc de Triomphe-winning superstar Alleged who won back-to-back renewals of the French contest from 1977. Alleged – who Roberts instinctively saw talent in – was named best European horse two years running and was later syndicated for $16,000,000 when standing at stud. He would go on to be grandsire of Willie Mullins’ 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter. Roberts was around horses all his life but started working life as a ‘child stuntman’. From the age of four he was on horseback and won many rodeo competitions. Legendary horse whisperer Roberts had huge early success with the racehorse Alleged Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd Alleged would turn out to be grandsire of 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter Credit: Reuters That innate understanding he had with the horse led to his famed ‘whisperer’ reputation. One of the greatest and most famous successes he had with that was his transformation of the unruly horse Lomitas. Most read in Horse Racing Prone to planting at the start and refusing to race entirely due to a fear of the starting stalls, Roberts worked his magic to turn the horse into a champion on the track. It was this kind, nurturing nature – against a backdrop of violence from his father – that captured the attention and imagination of her late Majesty. Roberts, who died at home in California, attended the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee. And he was appointed a member of the Royal Victorian Order for services to Her Majesty’s racing establishment. Describing their close bond and friendship, Roberts said: “It should be noted that my relationship with Her Majesty included numerous personal visits and over 200 telephone conversations. “It keeps coming back to me that Queen Elizabeth II was ‘the wind beneath my wings’. “In no way could I have reached the entire world without the endorsement of Queen Elizabeth II.” Confirming his death, his daughter Debbie wrote on Instagram: “It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my father, Monty Roberts, on July 31, 2026. “For the world, he was known as the man who listens to horses. “To me, he was simply Dad, a man of extraordinary kindness, unwavering integrity, and an unshakable belief that trust could accomplish what force never could. “For more than eight decades, he dedicated his life to changing the way people understand and work with horses. “His mission reached far beyond horsemanship. “He believed that true leadership is built on communication, patience, empathy, and respect; lessons that have touched the lives of countless people around the world. “Our family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship, and support you have shown him throughout his remarkable life. “Your letters, visits, stories, and shared experiences have meant more than you could ever know. “Together, you became part of a worldwide community united by a common belief: that both horses and people thrive when they are treated with kindness and understanding. “While our hearts are broken, we also find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on every time someone chooses compassion over force, listens before asking, and seeks a better partnership with their horse. “As his daughter, I have always known that one day I would be entrusted with carrying his life’s work forward. “That responsibility is one I accept with humility, gratitude, and determination. “Together with our family and our dedicated team, we remain committed to preserving and sharing the philosophy that meant everything to him.” Comment now