What are the hours?

We generally start at 9 am and finish around 5 pm (however working with horses can be unpredictable and the days may be adjusted accordingly). The classroom will be open from 8.30am, where there will be tea and coffee available.

What about breaks and lunch time?

Most clinics will have a morning break of 10-15 minutes, and lunch break will be 1.5 hours.

Are there places to eat locally?

There are a number of food outlets within a couple of miles of the farm, to suit a wide range of budgets. There are is also a large supermarket and drug store in Buellton. There are a kettle, microwave and fridge in the classroom for students to use if you prefer to bring lunch.

What is the weather like?

The farm is located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley where the nights and mornings are quite cold, and as the fog breaks it warms up a great deal. Therefore day to night temperatures vary greatly and we suggest multiple layers of clothing. Temperature range is 50-100 degrees in summer and 30-75 degrees in winter. Rain gear is recommended in winter.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothing and suitable protective footwear are recommended. Safety helmets are required at all times when working with the horses. If you do not have a helmet we have helmets you can borrow. You are welcome to record your sessions if you wish to bring a video camera; many students find it very helpful to review their work each day. All tack and equipment for the horses is provided.

Do I need my own horses in order to do the courses you offer?

All the horses needed for the courses are provided by the Learning Centre. A number of people have successfully completed various courses even though they do not own a horse. It may be possible to bring a horse if you would like, depending on his suitability. Please contact us to find out more.

What is the nearest airport?

Santa Barbara and Santa Maria are the nearest municipal airports, approximately 30 minute drive from the Farm. The nearest international airport is LAX, Los Angeles.

Can I be collected from the airport?

MRILC is unable to offer transportation. There are bus and taxi services from LAX and Santa Barbara airport. Please see transportation for more details.

What transport is best to get around while I am there?

There are several car rentals. Hertz Buellton and Hertz Santa Barbara offer a discount to MRILC students. Bicycle rental is also available in Solvang.

Is accommodation included?

See accommodation for a list of various hotels, B&B’s and camping places in close proximity to the farm. No accommodation is included with the courses.

Will Monty be teaching me?

Monty’s Special Training is the only course in which Monty himself teaches. All other courses are run by Monty Roberts Certified Instructors. Due to Monty’s tour commitment he is often away from the farm. When he is at the farm he will usually do Q&A sessions or conduct demonstrations if there is a class here.

Do we ride as part of the clinic?

Currently none of the courses on offer include riding. Although ridden problems are discussed during the courses, the main focus during the courses is education from the ground.

Is it possible to volunteer or do a work placement in return for learning?

No, unfortunately we cannot offer this. There are a number of equine rescues which we work with who always need volunteers; contact us for more information.

Can I do the courses in my own country?

There are Monty Roberts Certified Instructors in various parts of the world; go to Instructors to find one near you. MRILC in California is the only place where the Advanced course and Monty’s Special Training are available.

Are there age restrictions on the classes?

This depends on the class, please contact us to discuss it. Students under 18 years of age must be dropped off and picked up each day by a parent/guardian. The guardian may be present during all practical components of the class, if they wish. The guardian will not be required to pay to supervise in this way. If the guardian wishes to be present during the theoretical part of the class, they must pay 30% of the full price.