The Cowboy and the Queen

US, Feature Documentary, 2023, 84 min

An old-time California rodeo cowboy sat with heads of state at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Many decades before, Monty Roberts had discovered a way to train horses non-violently, but he was rejected by the traditional horse industry and nearly lost his livelihood. Then, in 1989, he got a call from Queen Elizabeth, an avid horseman, who challenges him to prove his methods. By endorsing Monty, she catapults him to worldwide fame and encourages him to write his book The Man Who Listens to Horses, which sold 5 million copies worldwide and became a full-blown phenomenon. Weaving present day footage, exquisite archival, and never-before-seen moments of Her Majesty found in Monty’s cluttered garage, The Cowboy and the Queen is the inspiring story of a true horse whisperer and his magical 30-year relationship with the longest reigning monarch.

Directed by Andrea Nivens

Colorado Premiere