Joanna Lowes

Horse trainer, rider and assistant to Monty Roberts

Jo has spent over five years developing her understanding of horse behaviour and training alongside Monty Roberts. As his international assistant and tour rider she has travelled with him to countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Hungary, as well as regular tours around the UK and Germany, assisting with a wide variety of events and private clients. From wild mustangs to valuable young racehorses, Jo has an intensely varied experience in a range of disciples, from many areas of the world.

"A good horse trainer can make a horse do almost anything. A great trainer can cause the horse to want to do it"

Thanks in great part to Monty, the world of horse training has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. That is not to say we have all the answers yet, nor have we changed enough. It is however painfully obvious that traditional methods using pain or force do not yield the same results as a horse trained through trust, with incremental steps and utilising a varied toolbox.

Do you need help with your horse?

Or want to learn more about communication, behaviour and training? For help with almost any remedial issue with your horse, general training advice, or to expand your own knowledge please feel free to drop me a message below.

Join-Up©

The cornerstone of Monty's concepts, a horse who chooses to be with you and finds a reward for making the right decision will naturally become more willing and cooperative. Violence and force are absolutely unnecessary in the training or handling of horses.

Starting

Jo has been involved in the starting of a vast array of horses, from native ponies to highly strung warmbloods, mustangs and young racehorses. A logical and progressive process is followed recognising the needs and capabilities of the horse.

Long Lining

A fundamental component of the starting process, and also a method of exercising your horse, improving physical fitness as well as cooperation as an alternative to lungeing.

Non-Loading

A very common problem for many horse owners, it can usually be solved with the correct equipment, groundwork and timely cues and rewards. No whips, feed or ropes needed (except the one attached to the horse, and then not always!)

Groundwork

Good groundwork is essential for a horse who is a joy to handle. Never pulling or barging, standing still when required as well as backing up and moving sideways, these skills will spill over into all aspects of dealing with your horse.

Mounting Issues

Quite a speciality for Jo! The horse who begins to move off before a rider is seated could be a considerable danger, especially if it leads to bolting. A horse should stand like a statue as standard, moving sideways to present you with the stirrup is a bonus!

Ridden Schooling

From just backed to a high standard of flatwork as well as lots of experience in schooling for showjumping, Jo is an accomplished rider in various disciplines and has a great success rate in resolving ridden problems.

Competition Rider

When her own competition schedule permits, Jo is happy to compete client's horses. With a high success rate (and often beating her own horses!) Jo can introduce your horse to a competition environment and/or compete at levels the owner isn't yet ready for.

Riding Lessons

BHSAI accredited, Jo is available for riding lessons for all ages and abilities. With a focus on efficient communication through soft aids both horse and rider can progress through various ridden exercises for general improvement or with competition goals.