Explore Your Summer 2009 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Rosie Jones shares her “Seven Steps to a Safe Horse” – practical, thoughtful groundwork essentials.
• Joanna O’Neill tells the inspiring story of Milo and how gentle changes transformed him.
• Scientific insights into demo horse stress levels – Dr Veronica Fowler and Dr David Marlin’s heart rate study.
• Sarah Weston reports on working alongside fire crews – horses, mannequins, and serious rescue training!
• Nicole Golding digs deeper into bit pressure in part 2 of “A Bit of an Issue” – clear, useful and kind.
• Dr Veronica Fowler delivers fascinating horse evolution facts in “Dr Fowler’s Fascinating Facts”.
• Shirley Macmillan’s gateway guide – practical advice for keeping entrances mud-free and horse-safe.
• Member stories – from healing horses to transforming lives through horsemanship.
• The latest on Monty Roberts’ UK Science Trials and upcoming Autumn Tour.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Whether you're handling a nervous horse, managing a yard, or just keen to be the best partner your horse could ask for – this issue will support you. Rosie Jones’ step-by-step guide to a safer horse (p.4) is one to return to again and again, while Joanna O’Neill’s story of Milo (p.14) reminds us that real change happens gently, day by day. You’ll also find science-backed confidence in Dr Fowler and Dr Marlin’s analysis of demo horses (p.17), helping reassure even the most sceptical observers of Monty’s methods. With a beautiful mix of science, stories and solid training, it’s a lovely one to have in your hands this summer.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

p.2 – No Fear, No Force
Sarah Weston introduces her book on training unhandled foals gently and ethically. A must-read for anyone working with semi-feral ponies.

p.3 – Letter from Kelly
Kelly shares the joy (and the hard work!) of winning the SEIB Pro-Am TREC Challenge, with a heartfelt message about what Intelligent Horsemanship really stands for.

p.4 – Seven Steps to a Safe Horse
Rosie Jones offers clear, structured advice for making your horse safer on the ground and under saddle. Hugely helpful and easy to apply.

p.5 – Your Letters
Members share personal stories – from healing nervous horses to life-changing IH experiences. Emotional and encouraging.

p.6 – Dr Fowler’s Fascinating Facts
An engaging, digestible look into horse evolution, physiology and biology. Zebras, prehistoric horses, and why your horse can’t burp!

p.8 – Looking After Your Gateways
Shirley Macmillan’s guide to improving paddock gateways – from mud control to drainage and turf management. Practical and seasonal.

p.9 – Hoof Health
Sam Austin explains common hoof infections, signs to look for, and smart treatment tips that won’t harm healthy tissue.

p.10 – Ask the Experts
TopSpec nutritionist Katy Tyler answers a vital question on managing grazing for overweight natives – with sound, usable advice.

p.11 – Run and Get the Fire Brigade
Sarah Weston joins an animal rescue training exercise with Hampshire Fire and Rescue. A fascinating and moving insight into calm, professional emergency horse handling.

p.12 – A Bit of an Issue (Part 2)
Nicole Golding explores how horses respond to bit pressure and why soft, light contact matters. A valuable continuation from Part 1.

p.14 – Making Life Better for Milo
Joanna O’Neill recounts a real-world journey of trust and transformation. Milo’s story is an uplifting example of consistent, gentle horsemanship.

p.16 – The Complete Story of a Demonstration Horse
Dr Veronica Fowler and Dr David Marlin measure heart rates during a demo – and find strong evidence that IH techniques are low-stress for horses.

p.22 – Spotlight on RA
Suzanne Marshall shares her approach to loading Vizzy – showcasing RA calm, skillful handling in action.

Navigation Tags

safety, groundwork, hoof health, fire rescue, bit pressure, summer, foal handling, foal, horse psychology, pasture management, spooky horses, demo