On the premiere episode of "Backstage Pass," Roberts offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, as well as his uncanny insights into his renowned techniques.  In the first of his "Backstage Pass" offerings, Roberts gains the confidence of Lauki, an Icelandic horse, who had previously been fearful of humans.

Upcoming episodes of "Backstage Pass" will highlight Monty's techniques with Rosie, a wild mustang that has never been saddled, which was filmed in Solvang, CA (air date, Monday, Feb. 22), and Monty's communication with Milo, who had a history of shunning potential riders, filmed in England (to be aired on Monday, March 1).

“Monty has been a pioneer in his innovative and humane training methods and a respected and well known figurehead in the Equestrian world.  HRTV is very proud to have him be a part of our network,”  said Jim Bates, executive vice president and general manager of HRTV.  “We are pleased to present Backstage Pass to the HRTV audience.”

"I am teaming up with HRTV to create the best Equestrian programming on television," said Roberts.

Roberts gained notoriety by developing a method of communicating with horses using their natural body language and a technique he calls Join-Up®. Founded on a consistent set of principles, communication, and trust, Monty’s methods assert that violence is never the answer.

He has written six internationally published books to date: The Man Who Listens to Horses, Shy Boy: The Mustang that Came in from the Wild, Horse Sense for People, From My Hands to Yours, The Horses in My Life, and Ask Monty: the 150 Most Common Horse Problems Solved.  The Join-Up message has inspired new ways of thinking outside of horse training as well. Today it is being applied successfully by corporations, governmental agencies, school administrators, at-risk-youth, violent offenders and many others.

Recently, Monty released the Monty Roberts Equus Online University; on-demand streaming video lessons that animate Monty's teaching and provides direct, searchable access to videos, advice and information about horses and horse training from Monty Roberts and other leading professionals.

HRTV, which carries horseracing from many of the sport's top venues, will add a wide-variety of Equestrian programming, highlighting both major international and US-based competitions, as well as documentaries and
instructional shows, in the months ahead.  New Equestrian programming will debut on Monday evenings, both in the morning and primetime on Tuesdays, and on Sunday mornings.

About HRTV

HRTV (www.hrtv.com) is a 24-hour, television-based multimedia network dedicated to the "Sport of Kings," horseracing, featuring live racing action from many of the sport's greatest racetracks. Passionate horse fans are also entertained and informed by HRTV's award-winning documentaries, original programming, in-depth analysis and equestrian lifestyle programming. The live stream of HRTV is available on a subscription basis at www.hrtvlive.com to high speed internet users worldwide.  The HRTV television network is presently available via cable, telco video and satellite in over 18.5 million US homes.

About Monty Roberts
Monty Roberts first gained widespread fame with the release of his New York Times Best Selling book, The Man Who Listens To Horses; a chronicle of his life and development of his non-violent horse training methods called Join-Up®. Monty grew up on a working horse farm as a firsthand witness to traditional, often violent methods of horse training and breaking the spirit with an abusive hand. Today, Monty's goal is to share his message that "Violence is never the answer." Roberts has received the ASPCA "Founders" award and the MSPCA George T. Angell Humanitarian Award.

                      
Join-Up philosophies can be seen at work with both humans and horses across the world, from farms to major corporations. To learn more about Monty Roberts or the many applications of his Join-Up training methods, visit www.montyroberts.com or call Debbie Loucks (949) 632 - 1856.

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Contacts: Scott Cooper, HRTV, occcooper@aol.com,  

              Debbie Loucks, Monty Roberts, 949-632-1856