Explore Your Spring 2020 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks shares powerful reflections on brain health and horsemanship in her heartfelt My World column.
• Our very first IH Writer of the Year is announced! Read the moving winning entry by Lorne Thomas.
• Meet an extraordinary IH Member: Hollister Turner — a trailblazer for women in sport and lifelong learner of horsemanship.
• Daisy Smith reports on IH’s Mental Health First Aid training and why rider wellbeing matters more than ever.
• Dr Veronica Fowler unpacks the science behind ‘licking and chewing’ – is it really a sign of relaxation?
• Debate: Trick training – useful skill or problematic trend?
• Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores what makes someone an “expert” in the horse world.
• Sandra Williams tackles medical causes of poor performance in horses.
• Our Members’ section is packed with photos, feedback, and real-life inspiration from your fellow IH community.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This special Spring edition is all about YOU – our members. From the extraordinary achievements of long-time IHers like Hollister Turner, to heartfelt writing from members who’ve overcome incredible personal challenges, every page celebrates what makes this community so powerful. Whether it’s Kelly’s stirring reminder to look after your brain (and wear that helmet!), or Daisy’s insightful report on mental health in equestrian life, this issue brings together learning, empathy, and encouragement in true IH spirit. If you’re in need of inspiration, reassurance, or just a nudge to keep going, it’s all here.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – Kelly Marks: My World
Kelly takes a brave and personal look at head injuries, brain health, and mental wellbeing, tying it all back to what really matters in horsemanship – kindness, awareness and protecting both people and horses.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Heartfelt letters from members share stories of compassion, connection, and how IH has touched their lives – from saying goodbye to beloved ponies, to rediscovering confidence and joy.

7 – In Other News…
Updates from across the horse world, including rider confidence breakthroughs, animal welfare legislation news, and Carl Hester’s thoughts on happy horses.

8 – Meet a Member Special Edition: Hollister Turner
An inspiring profile of IH Member Hollister Turner – former director of the Women’s Sports Foundation, campaigner for equality, and passionate learner of horsemanship.

13 – Members’ Photos
From Shetlands to warmbloods, these photos capture the love and fun you share with your horses. (Congrats to Rachel & Rosie – our canvas print winners!)

14 – IH Mental Health First Aid Report
Daisy Smith explores how IH trainers are being equipped to spot and support mental health needs in riders. Includes practical takeaways and resources.

16 – IH Writer of the Year: Winner Announced
We reveal the winner of our very first writing competition: Lorne Thomas. Her story, “Highs, Lows & Just Don’t Knows”, is a touching tribute to love, loss, and finding hope through horses.

23 – We Need to Talk About… Concussion
Kelly Marks continues the conversation around rider head injuries – from brain scans to scratch-and-sniff smell tests – with wisdom, humour, and urgency.

28 – Intelligent Debate: Trick Training
A thought-provoking discussion on whether trick training adds to or distracts from ethical horsemanship. Hear both sides and make up your own mind.

30 – IH Training: Medical Causes of Poor Performance in Horses
Sandra Williams highlights why it’s vital to rule out medical issues before labelling a horse as ‘naughty’ or resistant – a must-read for every horse owner.

34 – Intelligent Science: Licking & Chewing – What Does It Mean?
Dr Veronica Fowler breaks down the behaviour we often associate with relaxation – but is it always what we think?

37 – Should You Really Trust the ‘Experts’?
Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores the tricky topic of authority in the horse world – and how to tell helpful wisdom from confident guesswork.

40 – Spotlight On: Bridget Colston
A closer look at the adventures and insights of another remarkable IH member.

43 – IH Trainers Client Feedback
See what members are saying about their experiences with our brilliant IH Recommended Trainers.

44 – IH Courses
Details of upcoming courses to continue your horsemanship journey – whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills.

Navigation Tags

groundwork, horse psychology, rider health, concussion, mental health, veterinary, ethics, spring, writing competition, licking & chewing, performance,