The Cowboy and the Queen

The film tells the story of Monty Roberts, a horse trainer whose revolutionary way of “breaking” horses through gentleness made him a pariah in his industry. Emerging from an abusive childhood in the 1930s and ‘40s, Roberts’ own struggles led to his becoming what would later be known as a “horse whisperer” — a style that sought to change the centuries-old way of “breaking horses” through violence and cruelty. At a moment when he was facing the latest in a series of challenges, Roberts was summoned to England by Queen Elizabeth II to train horses in the British royal family’s stable. The two began a friendship that included Roberts and his wife staying at Buckingham Palace several times each year‚ and a professional partnership through Roberts’ bestselling books, that lasted until the Queen’s death in 2022. At her funeral, Roberts traveled from his home in Solvang, California, to mourn his friend alongside presidents, heads of state, prime ministers, and dignitaries.

While telling the story of this extraordinary friendship, director Andrea Nevins celebrates Roberts’ view that kindness and connection are more powerful than brutality, and that openness and communication can bridge worlds, if given the chance.

IMDb Info