Explore Your Summer 2019 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• A lively and inspiring Big Interview with liberty and stunt trainer Ben Atkinson — including his advice to “just start!”
• Dr Veronica Fowler returns in “Intelligent Science” to bust more misleading studies – this time, on “smiling” horses!
• IH Trainer Bridget Colston shares the latest on bit and bridle fitting – a must-read for improving your horse’s comfort.
• Kay Brown takes long reining beyond the basics, with expert advice you can put into practice.
• Fun TREC exercises to challenge yourself and your horse at home.
• Thoughtful reflections on horse-human communication in Rosie Jones-McVey’s “It’s Good to Talk”.
• A refreshingly honest Intelligent Debate on weight, body image and equestrian culture: “Fat Shaming or Hard Truths?”
• Plus: IH member stories, trainer tips, scientific insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at IH Recommended Trainers in action.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This edition really gets to the heart of why we do what we do — and how to do it better. Whether you’re intrigued by liberty training, brushing up on science, or just need a bit of motivation, there’s something for you here. Ben Atkinson’s interview (p14) is full of passion and practical advice, reminding us that confidence comes from consistency and clarity. And if you’ve ever wondered how much your horse really understands your words, Rosie’s article (p33) may just change how you communicate. There’s training inspiration aplenty too — Kay Brown’s long reining feature (p22) is a real confidence builder. This issue is all about strengthening your connection, refining your skills, and remembering we’re all learning, all the time.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – Kelly Marks: My World
Kelly shares highlights from the IH Recommended Trainers meeting, from agility arches to ethical dilemmas — always learning, always growing.

7 – Letters & Feedback
From beans to whips and “grumpy geldings”, our members share heartfelt, humorous, and thoughtful stories.

8 – In Other News
New IH course, latest equine science updates, electric cars and horse safety, and how to make the most of your membership.

9 – Members’ Photos
A touching and joyful gallery celebrating the bond between horses and their humans.

11 – Meet a Member: Seb Dawnay
Fourth-generation polo pro Seb shares his journey, family legacy, and how IH helped shape his relationship with horses.

12 – Intelligent Science: “Smiling” Horses?
Dr Veronica Fowler takes a critical look at a popular study – are horses really smiling, or are we reading too much into it?

14 – The Big Interview: Ben Atkinson
Liberty rider and stunt trainer Ben talks fear, focus, and finding freedom through training. A must-read for anyone wanting to build true partnership.

18 – IH Training: Bit & Bridle Fitting
Bridget Colston unpacks modern approaches to ensure your horse’s comfort – fascinating insights from science and practice.

22 – IH Training: Long Reining – Beyond Basics
Kay Brown shows how to elevate your groundwork with expert long reining techniques.

27 – IH Training: TREC at Home
Fun, confidence-building exercises you can try in your own arena or field.

33 – It’s Good to Talk
Rosie Jones-McVey explores why we talk to our horses and whether it’s helping or hindering connection.

36 – Intelligent Debate: Fat Shaming or Hard Truths?
A brave and balanced look at body image in the horse world – and the language we use around weight.

39 – Success Story: Sarah’s Journey
A moving member story that shows what’s possible with patience, persistence and IH principles.

40 – Spotlight On: Sandra Williams
Agility, creativity, and kindness — get to know the RT behind the arch-building article!

42 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real stories of how IH Trainers are helping owners and horses all over the UK.

44 – IH Courses
Your guide to upcoming courses, including the new “Discovering You and Your Horse”.

Navigation Tags

groundwork, long reining, liberty training, bit fitting, horse psychology, horse-human communication, TREC, summer, confidence