Autumn 2009

Explore Your Autumn 2009 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly and Pie’s triumph at the Royal Windsor SEIB Pro-Am TREC Challenge – and what deliberate practice can teach us.
• Dr Veronica Fowler’s fascinating scientific comparison of ‘starter’ vs ‘remedial’ horses using heart rate data.
• A practical guide to “brakes” in horses by Nicole Golding – essential reading for safer, smarter riding.
• Member letters full of honest stories, lightbulb moments, and touching success – real people, real results.
• Ask the Experts – thoughtful advice on young horse training, fly spray fears, wolf teeth, and choosing the right back specialist.
• Massage and muscle care – how to keep your horse happy and supple, from IH student Mel Betts.
• A closer look at what makes horses move: Dana Green on muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.
• Inspiring tales from Recommended Associates – including Rosie Jones’ supportive insights on young horse schooling.
• Spotlight on Caesar – the young demo horse who found his forever home (and writes lovely letters!).

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Whether you're looking to develop your horse’s confidence (or your own), understand your horse better through science, or simply enjoy hearing about other members’ journeys, there’s something for everyone. Kelly’s TREC adventure with Pie isn’t just entertaining – it’s packed with gems on goal setting, practice, and the intelligent balance between challenge and care. Combine that with a heartfelt spotlight on IH success stories (two-legged and four), and you’ve got an issue that keeps the warmth in as the evenings draw in.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

Page 3 – Letter from Kelly
Kelly shares autumn reflections and upcoming plans for the “Willing Partners” tour with Monty and Copy. A personal, funny and thoughtful message that feels like catching up with an old friend.

Page 4 – Kelly and Pie Win at Royal Windsor
A humorous and humble account of how Kelly and Pie tackled TREC – and how “deliberate practice” (with a few apple-bucket bribes) can make all the difference.

Page 6 – Challenge Yourself to TREC
Detailed look at TREC rules and training from Kelly’s own journey, full of practical ideas for setting up your own course and improving fast walk and control of paces.

Page 8 – What a Difference IH Can Make When Starting and Restarting Horses!
Dr Veronica Fowler presents heart rate comparisons between a new and a remedial horse – clear evidence that IH methods reduce stress and improve welfare.

Page 9 – Your Letters
Real stories from IH members – heartfelt, funny, and inspiring. From “lightbulb” training moments to transforming loading fears and stroppy mornings into success.

Page 10 – Under the Skin: Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons
Dana Green explores the fascinating structure of the horse’s body – ideal if you want to understand how movement (and injury) really works.

Page 11 – How Can Massage Help Your Horse?
IH student Mel Betts explains how equine massage can support physical recovery, reduce stress, and improve performance – plus practical tips for every owner.

Page 12 – Ask the Experts
Wolf teeth, young horse prep, spook-busting, and choosing a back person – expert insights from Sam Austin, Sue Brown, and Rosie Jones.

Page 14 – Now Try Your Brakes!
Nicole Golding breaks down the “brakes” in horsemanship – and how to train your horse to stop using mind, not just muscle. A must-read for safer hacking and riding.

Page 16 – Caesar Writes
Adorable updates from Caesar – the IH demo horse who found his forever home and has now learned to send emails. A heartwarming close to the edition.

Navigation Tags

TREC, starter vs remedial horses, young horse, massage, groundwork, safety, hacking,