Explore Your Autumn 2023 IH Magazine!

Hello IH Members and friends! The IH Magazine has always been a team effort, but never more so than this autumn edition. With no official editor this time, our wonderful contributors and team pulled together to bring you a magazine full of the inspiration, education and warmth you’ve come to expect.

We’ve tackled everything from the science behind training aids to the big questions like “Can we ever have a true 50/50 partnership with a horse?” There’s also a beautiful piece from Tuscany that combines writing and riding (yes please!), and I had a fascinating chat with Dr Sebastian McBride about happiness in horses.

This issue is full of stories, research, training insights and heartfelt contributions — whether you’re preparing for winter or simply craving a deeper connection with your horse.

What’s Inside?

I’ve written about shaking things up a little — from volunteering at Pony Club Camp with Blondie to rethinking what it means for a horse to be “wasted” if they’re not being ridden.

Our training section is packed with practical gems:

• Sandra Williams gives step-by-step advice for overcoming fear in-hand and under saddle
• Abi Pass shares the ultimate research-based guide to training aids – complete with pros, cons, and what the science actually says
• We’ve got two brilliant book extracts: Marc Nölke’s innovative ‘Neuroathletics for Riders’ and Caroline Moore’s motivational insights on champion training

Plus, we take a ride into the hills of Tuscany with Ele Milwright, explore the emotional world of horse-human partnerships, and celebrate TREC passion with member Liz Beddows.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Autumn can be a season of change — a bit of reflection, a bit of recharging, and plenty of prep for the colder months. That’s exactly what this issue offers.

Abi Pass’ guide to training aids is full of “aha” moments — I wish I’d had it years ago! Sandra’s acceptance work is just what Pie and Blondie needed as we adjust to shorter days and those pesky leaf-blowing tractors.

And I’ll admit it — I read Ele’s Tuscany feature with a tiny bit of envy (who wouldn’t want to ride a PRE stallion in the Italian hills?). But the lessons she’s brought back are for all of us.

If you’re looking to feel more confident, try something new, or simply enjoy a good horsey read on a crisp autumn evening, you’ll find something here to warm your heart.

All of this — plus your complete access to our magazine archive, exclusive training videos, and webinars — is free for IH Members. Not yet a member? We’d love to welcome you to our friendly, passionate community.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

04 – Kelly Marks – My World: Shaking Life Up a Little
I share what happens when we step outside our comfort zones — from volunteering at a Cotswold Cup event to producing Blondie for Pony Club Camp.

06 – Letters and Feedback
Heartfelt messages from our wonderful members — including praise for the courses and a debate on the economics of horse ownership.

07 – IH News
Exciting updates to the Members’ Area and your chance to win a £250 training bursary, courtesy of Red Horse Products.

09 – Members’ Photos
From frolicking field ponies to competition stars — your lovely photos, with one lucky winner receiving canvas wall art.

10 – Meet a Member: Liz Beddows
Liz shares her journey from bareback rides in Bristol to becoming a TREC competitor, judge and advocate — and how IH helped her every step of the way.

12 – Book Extract: Neuroathletics for Riders by Marc Nölke
Innovative brain-based exercises to improve riding performance and relaxation — a fresh look at the rider’s body from the inside out.

15 – Short Story Writing Competition Tips
Jennifer Browdy PhD shares her top writing tips for anyone dreaming of submitting a story — whether fiction or memoir.

16 – Lessons from Tuscany: A Riding Holiday with a View
Ele Milwright takes us to the rolling hills of Il Paretaio, where classical riding meets real-world transformation. A must-read.

19 – IH Training: Acceptance Training by Sandra Williams
A comprehensive guide to helping your horse feel more confident in-hand and under saddle — packed with tips and real-life examples.

22 – IH Training: The Ultimate Research-Based Guide to Training Aids by Abi Pass
Abi breaks down the facts, myths and research on gadgets from side reins to bungees — a must for any curious or cautious horse owner.

27 – Book Extract: What Makes a Champion? by Caroline Moore
Inspiring insight into the mindset and skills that build success — both in and out of the saddle.

30 – Avoiding Antibiotic Resistance with Georgina Bashforth
Practical, vital advice on reducing reliance on antibiotics and supporting your horse’s long-term health.

32 – The Big Interview: Dr Sebastian McBride
We talk equine depression, brain testing, and whether horses can be truly happy — a brilliant, thought-provoking conversation.

36 – Human–Animal Relationships Event with Ele Milwright
Exploring how our bonds with horses reflect broader ideas about empathy, connection and mutual understanding.

38 – IH Debate: Can We Have a 50/50 Partnership with Our Horse?
An open discussion on the reality and idealism of equality between horse and human — what does balance really mean?

40 – Spotlight on: Carley O’Callaghan
Meet IH Trainer Carley O’Callaghan — her journey, her passion, and how she’s supporting others through horses.

43 – IH Trainer Client Feedback
Stories from horse owners who’ve worked with our dedicated IH Trainers — always one of my favourite sections to read.

Navigation Tags

acceptance training, anxiety, behaviour, ridden exercises, dressage, training aids, groundwork, rider positioning and biomechanics, confidence, veterinary, antibiotics, horse psychology, autumn, winter, TREC, trust building, riding around the world