Intelligent Horsemanship Trainer – Jim Goddard

Jim Goddard

Heathfield, East Sussex
Covering South of England
07540 607231 or info@jimgoddardhorses.com

• Facebook

About Jim…

IH Trainer Jim Goddard, based in Heathfield, East Sussex offers horse training; in addition to taking part in regular demonstrations both for IH and other ventures, teaching on some of the IH Courses and working with veterans. He specialises in starting first ridden horses and has an expertise in western riding.

Jim was one of a handful of people awarded certificates by Her Majesty The Queen for influential equine protection work, as part of the Monty Roberts Horse Sense and Healing Team. Jim was specifically awarded for his extraordinary efforts to assist veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress through Monty Roberts’ concepts and initiatives. Recipients also included Kelly Marks and IH Trainer Ann-Marie Marek.

Read Jim’s Research Project in the Members Area and/or watch his fantastic ‘Advanced Ridden Trust’ video demonstration with Kelly Marks.

A Q&A with IH Trainer Jim Goddard

(The Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine)

How long have you been involved with horses and how did you get involved with them?

I started riding as a young child in Africa, where we rode old polo ponies to get about, then I progressed on to Connemaras in Ireland and hunters and eventers in the UK. I was lucky enough to then work as a wrangler and stunt rider in Canada, before coming back to the UK and starting youngsters and working with remedial horses.

How did you become involved with Kelly and Monty?

I started as a volunteer at demos, then started training with Intelligent Horsemanship and over the next few years I worked hard to learn everything I could until I took over managing the tours on the road and became an IH Trainer.

Why did you decide to qualify as an IH Trainer?

I love the way Kelly works with horses and after volunteering for her and Monty on some tours I started to train with her. She opened up a new way of working in partnership with the horses I was training, and I knew that was the way I wanted to spend my time with them. I’ve always loved teaching and coaching and so becoming an IH Trainer was a no brainer!!

What is a typical day for you?

Since we stopped training horses at home, I now go out and help people at their own yards. I get on the road early and see two or three clients a day depending on the needs of horse and rider/handler. I have a great body of regular clients whom I’ve developed really good relationships with and it’s lovely to see their equine partnerships grow.