Autumn 2012

Explore Your Autumn 2012 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Joanna O’Neill shares her step-by-step guide to stress-free clipping in “Happy Clippers”
• Stephanie Heeran shows how to make weaning a peaceful process for mares and foals
• Kelly Marks returns to the fundamentals with “Back to Basics” – the essential Dually Halter guide
• Sarah Weston explores the real meaning of communication between horses and humans
• Professor Derek Knottenbelt sheds light on how hormones shape behaviour – and what happens when they go wrong
• Member-led clinics and success stories from Ireland, Hampshire and HorseWorld
• Sue Gould-Wright brings practical breathing techniques from Pilates into horsemanship
• A lively debate on individual turnout – is it helping or hindering your horse’s wellbeing?
• A touching member letter reflects on the life-changing impact of the Perfect Manners Course

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Whether it’s calming clipper nerves, tackling tricky training, or preparing young horses for life after weaning, the articles are practical, heartfelt and deeply thoughtful. You’ll find new insights in Joanna O’Neill’s clipping advice, a more peaceful approach to letting go with Stephanie Heeran’s gentle weaning method, and a timely reminder from Kelly on the value of getting the basics right. With science, story, and soul all wrapped up in these pages, there’s something here to inspire us all to grow as horse people.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

Page 3 – Letter from Kelly
Kelly reflects on a busy year for IH and the inspiring work of Recommended Associates, celebrating how far we’ve come—and where we’re heading next.

Page 4 – Happy Clippers
Joanna O’Neill’s thoughtful, calm approach to preparing horses for clipping is packed with practical steps, safety tips, and positive psychology.

Page 6 – Gentle Weaning
IHRA Stephanie Heeran shares her kind, effective method for weaning foals without trauma – transforming a traditionally stressful milestone into a smooth transition.

Page 8 – IH Course Dates 2012/2013
A full guide to upcoming IH courses from Kelly Marks and Ian Vandenberghe – perfect if you’re ready to deepen your skills.

Page 9 – Back to Basics
Kelly talks Dually Halters—how to use them properly, why fit matters, and why they’re a staple in kind, consistent training.

Page 10 – Clinical Diagnosis
A look at how IH methods are being used in clinics across the UK and Ireland, plus uplifting feedback from members and first-time participants.

Page 11 – And Breathe
Sue Gould-Wright brings equestrian Pilates into play, helping riders harness better breathing and posture for calmer, more responsive horsemanship.

Page 12 – An Expert in Your Own Field – Part 2
Sarah Weston returns with thoughtful ideas on enriching your horse’s environment, even when space and choice are limited.

Page 16 – Blame it on the Hormones
Professor Derek Knottenbelt explains the surprising ways hormones shape equine behaviour, and what to watch out for when things go off-balance.

Page 18 – Communication – A One-Way Street?
Liz Falkingham asks what it really means to listen to our horses—and whether we’re giving them a fair chance to speak.

Page 20 – A Day in the Life Of...
Go behind the scenes with one of our IHRAs for a candid, real-world look at a day supporting horses and their people.

Page 21 – Charity News
Updates from IH’s charity partners and the important difference you help make in horses’ lives.

Page 22 – Tickled Pink?
A light-hearted piece about pink tack, pink gear and what it all says about us as owners.

Page 24 – MAT Training
A fascinating look at Movement Activated Target (MAT) training and how it’s helping horses learn through positive reinforcement.

Page 26 – My World
A personal reflection from a member on life with horses and the challenges (and joy) of doing things the IH way.

Page 27 – IH News
What’s new in the world of IH, from courses to Recommended Associates to success stories.

Page 28 – Iconic Breeds – But Close to Extinction
Celebrating rare horse breeds and why we need to protect them before they vanish.

Page 30 – What Are Words Worth?
A poetic and playful look at the language we use around horses—and how it might be shaping our approach more than we realise.

Page 32 – Rescue Me!
Stories of transformation from rescued horses now thriving in new homes thanks to patience and understanding.

Page 34 – Meet a Member
A spotlight on a passionate IH member and their journey with horses.

Page 35 – Your Letters
As always, the Letters page is full of heartfelt stories, questions, and encouragement from the IH community.

Page 36 – Where Are They Now?
Catch up with past success stories and see how these horses and handlers are doing today.

Page 37 – Spotlight on IH Recommended Associate: Bronwen Packham
Get to know IHRA Bronwen and how she helps horses and people with quiet confidence and skill.

Navigation Tags

clipping, acceptance training, foaling, weaning, dually halter, groundwork, breathing, behaviour, hormones, veterinary, communication, yard management