Explore Your Spring 2022 IH Magazine!

Hello IH Members and friends!

Spring has officially sprung – and hasn’t it been lovely to see those longer evenings and a bit of fresh grass returning to the fields? Pie and Blondie are definitely enjoying the milder weather (and yes, the rolling has increased in both frequency and enthusiasm!). This issue is one I’m especially excited to share with you – we’ve dedicated the whole magazine to something we all need more of at times: Confidence. Whether it’s in the saddle, handling on the ground, or simply making decisions around our horses, confidence is at the heart of everything we do. And we’ve packed this edition with insights, stories and strategies to help you build it. I do hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you.

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks’ “My World” reflection on confidence, imposter syndrome, and the importance of nudging ourselves forward
• An inspiring Big Interview with performance psychologist Charlie Unwin on mindset and confidence
• Practical IH Training articles from Clare MacLeod (feeding for confidence), Gillian Higgins (physical readiness), and Dr Veronica Fowler (intelligent science)
• Traffic Light Training for Confidence with Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
• IH Confidence Special – winning tips from Kelly, Sandra Williams and Daisy Smith
• Member stories including Natasha Smith’s heartfelt RAF journey and stage 2 student research projects
• Scientific insights on rider weight and symmetry from the Saddle Research Trust conference
• Letters and photos from members sharing their real-life confidence journeys
• The launch of our 2022 IH Equestrian Photographer of the Year – with a £500 prize pot!

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Spring is such a hopeful season, but it can also feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re coming out of winter unsure about your horse’s fitness—or your own! That’s why this Confidence Issue is a bit of a seasonal toolkit. Whether you’re planning your first dressage test like brave Sue Fletcher (p6) or just getting back to hacking after a soggy winter, you’ll find stories and strategies here to boost your confidence from the inside out.

You’ll love the variety: from Gillian Higgins’ wisdom on making sure your horse is physically safe to ride (p24), to Clare MacLeod’s expert insights into how nutrition affects behaviour and performance (p22). Plus, our wonderful IH students have been doing fascinating studies—ever wondered if a fly mask helps a horse during travel? (p15). There’s practical science, heartfelt stories, and lots of encouragement.

And if you’ve ever doubted whether you’re “good enough” or ready to try something new, I hope this issue will give you that gentle nudge. Because, as I always say, you can do this.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – Kelly Marks: My World – Living Our Best Lives!
Kelly reflects on confidence, imposter syndrome, and how Intelligent Horsemanship continues to support both horses and humans to grow.

6 – Letters & Feedback
A whole page of your confidence stories, with heartfelt thanks to Daisy, Sandra and Kelly for the Confidence Webinar that sparked so many thoughts.

7 – IH News
Updates from across the IH community, including a touching tribute to Bob Brickell and support for women in racing.

9 – Members’ Photos
A beautiful gallery of members and their horses. Huge congratulations to canvas print winners Bruce, Diane and their Shire, Harry.

10 – Meet a Member: Natasha Smith
An inspiring profile of RAF medic Natasha, who credits IH with supporting both her horsemanship and mental wellbeing.

12 – IH Equine Photographer of the Year Launch
Full details of our exciting photo competition – open to members and a guest. Cash prizes, canvas print, and a spot in the magazine!

14 – Stage 2 Student Successes & Projects
Meet our newest diploma holders and discover their fascinating research on horse behaviour, stress, laterality, and more.

17 – Saddle Research Trust Conference Review
Sue Palmer breaks down Dr Hilary Clayton’s talk on how rider biomechanics affect horse welfare – a must-read for any rider.

18 – The Big Interview: Charlie Unwin
Performance psychologist Charlie Unwin reveals how mindset shapes everything from sport to horse riding success.

22 – IH Training: Feeding for Confidence with Clare MacLeod
Learn how nutrition can influence a horse’s confidence, behaviour, and readiness to learn.

24 – IH Training: Is Your Horse Physically Ready to Ride? with Gillian Higgins
Discover how to assess your horse’s readiness and comfort before riding – a practical guide to reduce risks and boost confidence.

26 – IH Training: Intelligent Science with Dr Veronica Fowler
Debunking bad science and helping you ask better questions – science communication at its best.

28 – IH Training: Confidence Special – Tips from Kelly, Sandra & Daisy
Real-world strategies from three IH pros on building confidence in yourself and your horse.

33 – IH Training: Traffic Light Training for Confidence with Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
An innovative way to read your horse’s emotional state and respond with clarity and calm.

36 – IH Debate: Unsolicited Advice – Should We Give It or Keep Quiet?
Thought-provoking discussion on the culture of advice in the horse world – helpful or harmful?

38 – Book Extract: Bolder, Braver, Brighter
A sneak peek into a motivating new book on confidence and courage.

40 – Spotlight On: Charlie Carr
A close-up on an inspiring IH Trainer and their journey.

43 – IH Trainer Client Feedback
Real stories of transformation from clients working with IH Trainers across the UK.

Navigation Tags

confidence, groundwork, rider psychology, rider positioning and biomechanics, nutrition, equine science, traveling, safety, acceptance training, student research, spring, photo competition