Sam Powell - Sam Powell - Page 2

A consultant, clinician and horse philosopher, Sam is an equine elementary school teacher who teaches by asking. As a horse advocate, he counsels from the horse’s point of view so that humans can learn the “horse language.” The translation is to bring the horse and owner together in mutual communication and understanding, under mutual circumstance, on mutual ground.

Like any relationship, the key is to develop a harmonious balance with the horse.   “This seems like a simple concept, but sometimes it’s a difficult one to master. We are all striving for that gentle and loving relationship with our horses, but disharmony manifests in varying degrees. For example, if we repeatedly work a horse gently, gently, gently, the horse will likely come from the other side to be stronger, stronger, stronger, in an effort to balance the energies and restore harmony.”

Sam teaches not how, but why. He doesn’t work on problems to try to “fix” them; he works to discover the cause. “Horses are not born bad, disrespectful or mean. Most of the time, a horse problem is caused by human error or something that makes the horse uncomfortable. If I find the cause of the problem, I can affect the cure.”

Sam has worked with some of greatest horse trainers, from all over the world, from a wide variety of riding disciplines. He’s roamed and rode along side some of the hardest “working” cowboys. He’ll tell you the difference between being a trainer and being a horseman is to “let the horse teach you.” “The horse’s behavior is a reflection of your behavior. If I can help the horse owner understand their behavior and how it affects the horse, we can create a lasting relationship.”

Like raising a child, rules, guidelines, and clear, firm, respectful boundaries are primary when trying to establish a relationship with these magnificent creatures. Finding just the right tone in the conversation with the horse is an art that takes a lifetime to learn and refine.

Sam Powell is a former rough and tumble cowboy who’s found his way, through his relationships with the horse, to a kinder, gentler side. “My personal life ambition over the years has been to concentrate on three things: to become a good man, a gentle-man and a horse-man.” He is an educator who’s formed his own philosophy and outlook on life and relationships by the untamed nature of equine’s greatest teacher—the horse.

“There are various techniques and different interpreters—but there is only one language—the language of the horse.”

As a translator, his message is to share a greater understanding of one of the most beautiful animals to roam the country---with you. Sam Powell speaks horse, loud and clear.