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IH Magazine Autumn 2022

Explore Your Autumn 2022 IH Magazine!

This issue really brings together the power of learning – not just for our horses, but for us too. I’ve popped in some insights from the ‘greats’, and you’ll find training wisdom from IH favourites like Clare MacLeod and Emma Sharman, along with fresh perspectives from equine professionals working at the very forefront of behaviour and equine welfare.

What’s Inside?

• I’ve shared some personal tips passed down from the very best horsemen and women I’ve been lucky enough to learn from.
• Dr Andrew Hemmings offers a deep dive into the equine brain (spoiler alert: it’s fascinating!).
• Jim Goddard continues his brilliant series on transferring groundwork to the saddle.
• There’s a cracking set of articles on feeding for performance, recognising signs of colic, and demystifying the ever-controversial “heels down” rule.
• And of course, we’ve sprinkled in uplifting member stories, thoughtful letters, and some brilliant photography.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Autumn’s such a special time – Pie and Blondie are usually full of beans, and I find it’s the perfect season for reflection and gentle progress. Whether you’re helping your horse through box rest, fine-tuning their nutrition, or simply enjoying the last sunny hacks before winter, this issue’s got something to support you.

I especially loved the myth-busting around mare-ish behaviours and heels down – both topics I think we’ve all got strong opinions on! Plus, if you’ve ever wondered what it means for our right to ride horses in the modern world, the “Social Licence to Ride” debate is a must-read.

Let’s keep learning and growing together – that’s what Intelligent Horsemanship is all about.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

04 – Kelly Marks – My World: Tips from the Best of the Best
I share my favourite golden nuggets from decades of working with top horsepeople – the kind of advice that never goes out of date.

06 – Letters and Feedback
Our members always offer such thoughtful reflections – and a good dose of humour too.

07 – IH News
Latest updates from IH HQ, including course news and exciting member milestones.

09 – Members’ Photos
A gallery of heart-warming images from our talented IH community.

10 – Meet a Member: James Cooling GP
James shares how he juggles life as a GP and horse owner, and how IH has influenced his training.

12 – Last Chance: IH Equine Photographer of the Year 2022
Your final reminder to enter our much-loved annual competition!

14 – The Big Interview: Andrew Hemmings
A fascinating conversation about horse brains, memory, learning, and emotional states.

18 – IH Training: Understanding Mare-ish Behaviours with Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
Rosie looks beyond stereotypes to explain what really drives so-called ‘mare-ish’ behaviour.

21 – IH Training: Feeding for Muscle, Speed & Stamina – Part 2 with Clare MacLeod
Top nutritionist Clare continues her essential series on performance feeding.

24 – IH Training: From the Ground to the Saddle with Jim Goddard
Jim’s thoughtful approach helps you transfer groundwork techniques to ridden work.

28 – IH Training: Preparing Your Horse for Box Rest with Emma Sharman
Practical strategies to keep horses healthy and happy through confinement.

31 – IH Training: Stickability – the Myth of ‘Heels Down’
We challenge a riding cliché and explore what really helps you stay secure in the saddle.

34 – IH Training: Noticing the Subtle Signs of Colic by Charlie Carr
Charlie helps you catch the warning signs early, potentially saving your horse’s life.

36 – IH Debate: A Social Licence to Ride?
A timely discussion on the evolving ethics of horse riding and public perception.

38 – Book Extract: Sport Horse Soundness and Performance
An expert insight into maintaining equine soundness and competitive longevity.

40 – Spotlight On: Claire Mitchell
Claire shares her story and what led her to become a committed IH Trainer.

43 – IH Trainer Client Feedback
Real-life stories of transformation and connection thanks to IH’s kind methods.

Navigation Tags

autumn, confidence, behaviour, anxiety,  brain & senses, nutrition, groundwork, horse-human relationship, colic, rehabilitation, ridden exercises, social licence, box rest,

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IH Magazine Summer 2022 cover

Explore Your Summer 2022 IH Magazine!

Hello IH Members and friends!

This issue is brimming with thoughtful, practical, and even eye-opening content to help you and your horses thrive this season. Whether you’re building new habits, brushing up your fitness (both yours and your horse’s), or just enjoying a well-deserved tea break in the shade, this one’s for you.


What’s Inside?

Kelly’s My World: Creating Atomic Habits (for Horses!) and morning routines with Pie and Blondie
Polework Prowess with Gillian Higgins – transform your training with clever gridwork ideas
Muscle, Speed & Stamina – Clare MacLeod busts feeding myths and fuels smart fitness
The Secret of Stickability – brilliant tips from IH experts to help you stay on top
Emma Sharman explores why backing up might be your most powerful tool
Equine Brainpower – Kelly takes a deep dive into how horses think (and blink!)
Difficult Conversations – how to approach tricky topics with compassion and clarity
IH Debate: Grooming – is it the dream job or just plain underappreciated?
The Big Interview with Jim Eyre, CEO of British Equestrian
Foal Special Members’ Photos, Book reviews, Survey results, and so much more!


Why You’ll Love This Issue

This summer edition really gets to the heart of what matters most – building strong, trusting partnerships with our horses. With the lighter evenings giving us more time to play, train, and simply enjoy being around our four-legged friends, there’s never been a better moment to reflect on your horse’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Kelly’s own journey with Blondie and Pie shines a light on the power of small, consistent habits – a reminder that systems matter more than goals. And Gillian Higgins’ polework ideas (especially the angled ones!) are perfect to try on a warm evening when the ground’s just right. Clare’s practical feeding advice might surprise you (hint: more food ≠ more energy), and the article on “Stickability” is a must-read if you’ve ever found yourself unexpectedly airborne!

So whether you’re managing spring grass, finessing your groundwork, or deepening your understanding of equine behaviour, this issue is here to support and inspire you every stride of the way.


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: Atomic Habits (for Horses)
Kelly Marks reflects on routines, training with Blondie, and what Atomic Habits can teach us about becoming the kind of horse people we want to be.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Member insights, lovely stories (including a clever feed bucket trick!), and bridle fitting success.

7 – IH News
From worming strategies to global IH Awards – all the latest from the IH community.

9 – Members’ Photos: Foal Special
Cutest alert! A joyful collection of fluffy young faces to make your heart melt.

10 – Meet a Member: Charlie and Skye Bransden
Grandad and granddaughter team share their Shire-filled journey, from showing to driving.

12 – IH Photographer of the Year Launch
Your chance to win £500 – plus photo tips from IH’s Ele Milwright to get your best shot!

14 – The Big IH Survey
What you love, what you want more of, and how we’re making IH even better for you.

16 – The Big Interview: Jim Eyre
Candid conversation with the CEO of British Equestrian on inclusion, welfare, and the sport’s future.

18 – Improving Performance with Polework
Gillian Higgins shares how raised poles can support posture, proprioception and power.

22 – Feeding for Muscle, Speed & Stamina
Clare MacLeod separates fact from fiction in fuelling horses for fitness.

24 – The Secret of Stickability
What’s the secret to staying on board? A look at rider balance, mindset and movement.

29 – Is Backing Up the Most Useful Exercise of All?
Emma Sharman explains why this one movement could change everything.

32 – Blinking Horses: A Look at the Equine Brain
Explore how your horse’s brain works – and why blink rate matters more than you think!

34 – Difficult Conversations
Tackling tricky subjects with trainers, vets or fellow livery yard mates? Start here.

38 – IH Debate: Groom – Dream Job or Overworked & Underpaid?
An honest look into the reality of working behind the scenes in the horse world.

40 – Spotlight On: Kathy Whitham
Meet the woman behind the scenes making a difference.

42 – Book Review: You Decide!
Christin Krischke’s latest work reviewed with thoughtful takeaways.

43 – IH Trainer Client Feedback
Real stories from the field – see how IH trainers are changing lives every day.


Navigation Tags

groundwork, horse psychology, polework, backing up, summer, nutrition, rider positioning and biomechanics, brain & senses, training aids, photo competition, young horse, worming, foaling

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