Explore Your Autumn Winter 2025 IH Magazine!

This edition has been a time of reflection and rediscovery. In this issue, I share letters from a challenging time, honouring the moments we treasure with both horses and people. From Monty’s 90th birthday to lessons in mindful horsemanship and physical wellbeing, this edition reminds us why horses have a way of healing us — even in the hardest seasons.

What’s Inside?

We’ve brought together another inspiring line-up of top contributors this time:

• Dr Sue Dyson explores what truly defines elite event horses — and how conformation, conditioning and character all play their part.
• Dr James Cooling takes a deep dive into muscle atrophy and saddle fit — an essential read for anyone who’s ever wondered why a horse’s topline changes.
• Gillian Higgins brings her signature insight into strength and biomechanics — helping us redefine what healthy movement really means.
• Sue Palmer offers expert advice on recognising the subtle signs that something isn’t quite right — a powerful reminder of how small details can make a big difference.
• Dr Rosie Jones-McVey returns with another thoughtful piece, this time exploring the human side of feeding horses — how our emotions, habits and care all intertwine.
• Sandra Williams shares an extract from her new book The Mindful Equestrian, inviting us to find calm, balance and awareness in everything we do with our horses.
• Tania Kindersley writes beautifully about change, self-compassion and the transformative lessons horses can teach us.

Plus, we meet Kelly Gordon, our very first IH Advanced Award Winner, whose partnership with her horse Jenga is both moving and motivating. There’s also a very special celebration of Monty Roberts’ 90th birthday — a milestone for the man whose kindness and courage started it all.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Whether it’s finding patience in the everyday work of training, understanding your horse’s comfort through science, or simply taking a mindful breath in the stable — each article encourages connection, empathy and awareness.

Hugo continues to teach us valuable lessons lessons every day, reminding us — as so many of you will know — how change can bring growth when met with patience and care. The bond we share with our horses continues to show us what matters most: kindness, curiosity and love.

We’ve also included member letters, beautiful photographs, uplifting trainer stories, and thoughtful book reviews — from Dressage 101 to Never Trust a Sneaky Pony. Perfect reading for long winter evenings by the fire.

All our members can access this magazine for free, along with our full archive and loads of exclusive videos, webinars and resources. Not a member yet? Come and join our friendly community – we’d love to have you!

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

04 Kelly Marks – My World: Letters to Friends
Kelly shares heartfelt reflections on family, horses and resilience — a moving reminder of why we do what we do.

10 Letters and Cartoon by Nat Herman
Your stories, feedback and Nat’s trademark humour — always a joy to share.

12 IH News and Updates
Fresh updates from the IH community, including new trainers, courses, and exciting improvements to the Members’ Area.

14 Meet a Member: Kelly Gordon – Our First IH Advanced Award Winner
Kelly’s inspiring journey with her rescue horse Jenga, proving that patience and purpose can change everything.

16 Book Review: The Mindful Equestrian – Sandra Williams
An extract from Sandra’s beautiful new book, full of mindfulness, movement and connection.

18 Changing Myself – by Tania Kindersley
A deeply personal reflection on transformation, empathy and what horses can teach us about being human.

20 Food for Thought – Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
Rosie examines the emotional and cultural side of how we feed our horses — and what it says about us.

27 Special Feature: Monty’s 90th Birthday – What We Owe to Him
Celebrating a lifetime of compassion, courage and communication.

32 IH Training: The Shape Characteristics of Elite Event Horses – Dr Sue Dyson
Insightful science on what sets elite athletes apart.

38 IH Training: Muscle Atrophy and Saddle Fit – Dr James Cooling
A practical guide to identifying and addressing muscle loss through proper saddle design.

41 IH Training: Horse Power – Gillian Higgins
Exploring true strength and how to build it mindfully.

44 IH Training: Spotting the Subtle Signs – Sue Palmer
Learn how to see the smallest indicators of discomfort before they become problems.

52 Spotlight on IH Trainer Nigel Radcliffe
Meet the trainer making a difference through thoughtful, kind horsemanship.

54 Holistic Training – Gillian Higgins
A look at whole-horse training — body, mind and spirit.

55 IH Trainer Client Feedback
Uplifting stories from members and trainers across the IH community.

Navigation Tags

mindful riding, rehabilitation, biomechanics, saddle fit, behaviour, welfare, strength, feeding, horsemanship, connection, trust, Join-Up, emotional awareness, book reviews