As a young horseman the author learned by watching wild horses how they communicate with each other, and incoporated that into his horse training. He said he used these methods to get mustangs in the wild herd to accept him, but nobody really believed it. He always had the dream to go out and gentle a wild horse in situ, then bring it back to prove to everybody what he could do. Finally did that as an older man, this book has the story documented in photographs (there was also a film made). They cut a previously adopted wild mustang out from the group and then Roberts followed him on horseback for three days straight (swapping his own mount each day) until the mustang finally quit fleeing and showed signs of submission. Then he was able to approach it, introduce the tack, and ride it back to the ranch. The horse was trained to work cattle and lived on the ranch for almost a year. Then Roberts decided to give the horse a chance to take back his freedom. Would he prefer to live with the wild horses again, or stay with humans? . . . when the mustang herd was in view they released him to see what he would do. This was all captured on film as well.

It’s a great story. And the photographs are very nice, although feel a tad old in quality nowadays. I really enjoyed reading this book and got through it in just a few sittings, but some parts were a bit confusing or disappointing to me. For one, the author doesn’t actually ride the mustang himself at first. He’s the one who pursues it in the wild until it relents, and puts the first rope and bridle etc on. But then another man gets on the horse and rides it back to the ranch. He didn’t explain why. And then there’s a large section in the middle of the book that’s not about Shy Boy at all. It’s about how the author worked with a racehorse that was terrified of starting gates. Which was interesting, but felt a little off track. I would have rather read more about Shy Boy’s adjustment to living in captivity. This book contains a lot of material that is already in his other books, about his methods and his personal history, if you've read those it feels a bit repetitive. So- I did like this book, it just wasn’t quite what I had expected all the way through. ( )

This book describes one man's journey to bring awareness to the historically cruel relationship between humans and horses. Monty's patient and understanding way to connect with wild and troubled horses show the potential for a different future and style of horse training. We follow Monty on his journey to show how his technique works by taming a wild mustang that would become known as Shy Boy. The book has beautiful photographs of the process throughout its pages so you feel like you are there in the Cuyama Valley, California watching this story unfold. If nothing else, this book asks the reader to consider if there is a different way, moving forward. Can we cultivate stronger better relationships with people, animals, and the world around us if we are kind and patient. Monty and Shy Boy show us, yes, we can. ( )

read by the author, okay ( )

This time Monty Roberts brings the reader on a remarkable journey - putting his money where his mouth is, Roberts risks losing a beloved equine companion when the media, traditional trainers and detractors pressure him to prove the long term validity of his 'join up' methodology and philosophy. In turns heartwarming, inspiring, amusing and thought provoking, Roberts proves that the relationship between horse and human can be one of genuine caring, mutual respect and voluntary partnership that crosses the boundaries of language and species. ( )

Shy Boy is a book of Monty Robert’s account of taming a wild mustang. He begins by explaining how he came up with the idea, plan, and funding for such a project. He describes how he separated Shy Boy from the herd and worked with him on the open range. The last part of the book is about when Shy Boy comes back to his farm and he trains Shy Boy. At the very end, he sets Shy Boy free, but Shy Boy comes back to the farm and chooses Monty over freedom. The book is very well written in its detail and explanations. The best part of the book is the pictures that document every aspect of the journey. The photographs are beautiful and make Monty’s story come alive but you can see it happening step by step. ( )