Intelligent Horsemanship Trainer – Jo Powell
About Jo…
Jo developed her passion for the training methods of Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks when she first saw demonstrations back in the 1990’s. She had an opportunity to develop her understanding when she bought her six month old untouched foal, ‘Bella’ who was later started by IH Trainer Jim Goddard. Bella now competes successfully with Jo in British Dressage and showing.
When Jo moved from 25 years in Education to the world of horse transport, she grasped the Intelligent Horsemanship training with both hands and qualified as a trainer in 2023.
She is very popular among the areas vets and large livery yards as a recommended transporter due to her high standards, patience and calmness when faced with challenging situations. She runs confidence clinics using the training techniques, teaches long lining, loading and addresses other issues such as acceptance of hose’s and syringe worries. She is passionate about developing the deeper connection between horse and owner and coaches the owner to listen to the subtle communication from their equine friend. She is contactable via her website, Facebook, mobile or email
🏆 Jo participates in the ‘IH Awards’.
Jo Powell
Burwash, East Sussex
Covering East Sussex, West Kent and other areas within a 30 mile radius
07714 206163
A Q&A with IH Trainer Jo Powell
(The Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine)
How long have you been involved with horses and how did you get involved with them?
I became involved with horses around the age of six, my mum used to take me for lessons at a riding school. However, that didn’t satisfy me, and I soon took to riding a local family’s ponies in the field with headcollars made from bailer twine. Fortunately, they found out and took me under their wings to do it in a safer more conventional way.
How did you become involved with Kelly and Monty?
I really was following Monty and then Kelly from his early demos when he first came to the UK. I loved all I saw and the books I read and wanted to know and learn more. I still suffer a bit of imposter syndrome now when I go out representing the whole Intelligent Horsemanship organisation. I look back at where it started and how I craved being able to do that and now I am doing it, and I can’t quite believe it!
Why did you decide to qualify as an IH Trainer?
Having started a business as an equine transporter, I was looking to add more variety to my toolbox. Having sourced some initial training from Jim Goddard (IH Trainer) I was able to attend the two-day Leading and Loading course. This course led me to want to understand and learn more and more, I was hooked.
What is a typical day for you?
Gosh, this is a tough one as I wear so many hats. Days always start at 6 am with dogs to walk and my own horses to organise. Then I will be out on the road, this could be transporting or training or both!! I generally see as many clients as I can in a similar location. If I can drop back home part way through the day, then I do, just to touch base or even ride my mare, Bella. Then on to more training in the afternoon. Three days a week I have tuition clients as I keep my hand in teaching Maths, English and Science. The days finish as they start with my own dogs and horses.
IH Trainer Jo Powell is based in Burwash, East Sussex.
