Western Hearts Ranch

09/06/2026

❤️‍🩹 Happy trails, Sherman. ❤️‍🩹
From all of us at Western Hearts Ranch, thanks for blessing us with your sweet heart and quirky personality. We know you're bashing around cowboy heaven.

08/24/2026

So happy to see her progress in just 3 short sessions!
These horses teach us so much when we show them we are willing to listen.

08/24/2026

❓Guess WHO:
which is our Zena and which is pregnant Valerie? 😂 Who knew Zena was already as big as an almost 100% Friesian pregnant mare!

08/17/2026

Meet Valerie - here for some saddle training and some loving. She'll go home after but don't worry, she'll be back because she's carrying a secret:
🐣Due April, 2027🐣

08/03/2026

**Legendary Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts Dies Aged 91**

The horse world has lost one of its most influential figures. Monty Roberts, the legendary horse trainer known around the world as the original "Horse Whisperer," has died at his California ranch at the age of 91.

Roberts dedicated his life to transforming the relationship between horses and humans. His revolutionary **"Join-Up"** training method focused on trust, communication, and understanding rather than fear or force. His belief that horses respond best to kindness and clear body language changed the way countless trainers, owners, and riders worked with their animals.

Born into a horse-training family, Roberts began riding and performing as a child before becoming a successful rodeo competitor. His experiences observing wild mustangs in Nevada shaped the philosophy that would define his life's work. He believed horses communicate through a silent language, and that humans could earn their trust by learning to understand it.

His talent extended beyond training. Roberts had an exceptional eye for horses and famously purchased an overlooked yearling at Keeneland for $40,000 before selling him the following year for $175,000. That c**t became **Alleged**, who went on to win the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice, in 1977 and 1978.

Roberts also helped rehabilitate difficult horses that others believed were beyond saving. One of his most famous success stories was **Lomitas**, a talented German racehorse whose dangerous behaviour had led to him being banned from racing. After working with Roberts, Lomitas returned to the track, winning some of Europe's biggest races before being named Germany's Horse of the Year.

His reputation reached far beyond the racing world. Queen Elizabeth II became fascinated by Roberts' methods after seeing his work and invited him to demonstrate his techniques. Their friendship lasted for many years, and Roberts frequently visited the Royal Mews and Windsor Castle. In 2011, he was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his services to the Queen's racing establishment.

Away from horses, Roberts also worked in Hollywood. As a young man he helped train actor James Dean to ride and even doubled for Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of *National Velvet* after she suffered an injury.

His 1996 autobiography, *The Man Who Listens to Horses*, became an international bestseller, introducing millions of readers to his philosophy of gentle, relationship-based horsemanship.

Throughout his career, Roberts remained a passionate advocate for horse welfare. He spoke out against the use of the whip in racing and consistently argued that horses should be trained through understanding rather than punishment.

Perhaps his philosophy was best summed up in one of his most memorable quotes:

*"Horses can't think into the future and scheme against us."*

Monty Roberts leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that forever changed the way people understand and communicate with horses. His influence will continue to be felt by generations of horse lovers around the world.

06/06/2026

🧡AVA'S CELEBRATION OF LIFE🧡
Western Hearts boarders and family, please consider coming if you are able.

Celebration of Life for Ava Leitze will be Sunday June 7th from 3pm-6pm at Rock Church in East Peoria.

06/05/2026

Capo’s first pedicure aftermath! Self care is soooo exhausting!

05/29/2026

Your ranch family is praying for you, dear girl. You ARE SO STRONG!
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me with Your rod and staff to comfort me."
🧡🐎🧡

Time.
It’s free, but it’s priceless. You think you have an infinite amount of it. It can be a thief, but it’s also a gift. You waste it. It moves too fast or it can feel like it’s not moving at all. In the end, all you do is wish that you just had more of it.

Yesterday’s procedure failed to give us the results we had hoped for.
We have decided to go home. To spend our time together as a family, and help comfort and ease Ava from this earthly life into the next one. Where she will be surrounded by family and everyone who loves and adores her.
We invite everyone to visit once we get home to celebrate her and her courageous fight.
We love you AvaStrong!

05/26/2026

What a weekend for Sherman and Smooth As Whiskey!!

Sherman competed in the Illinois Appaloosa Association and Whiskey participated in the HOI fun show!!

It was Whiskeys first time competing and mama Sue McKay Neff said he did great!! So proud of these boys 🤍❤️

05/26/2026

🇺🇸Happy Memorial Day to everyone! And happy 4th birthday to Zena (one day belated).🇺🇸
Okuma has some growing to do to catch up with her full sister!