Joanna Lowes
Horse trainer, behaviourist and rider
From a horse-mad kid to several attempts to get a non-horsey job, including a stint in the army as well as various jobs abroad, I've ended up right where I should be; training horses full time on my own little yard in Wales. I spent over five years developing my understanding of horse behaviour and training alongside the legendary Monty Roberts. As his international assistant and tour rider I 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 Her Majesty's valuable young racehorses, I have been lucky to have an intensely varied experience in a range of disciples.
"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 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.
I'm one of only two certified instructors in Wales; after having spent so much time travelling with Monty I was encouraged to 'challenge' the advanced exams, which I did, and passed with flying colours to become one of about 80 individuals worldwide currently holding the qualification. I obtained my BHSAI some 10 years ago, and I'm also a Horse Sense and Healing Coach and a specialised Lead-Up Instructor.
My time nowadays is largely devoted to the hands-on training of horses, mostly starters but also solving behavioural issues. I offer training livery at my yard in Carmarthenshire, as well as call outs and lessons.
