Spring Summer 2026
Explore Your Spring & Summer 2026 IH Magazine! This time, I’m sharing my thoughts on getting that extra 1% better – something that’s been shaping how I approach both horses […]
Leading and Ground Handling
Autumn Winter 2025
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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.
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mindful riding, rehabilitation, biomechanics, saddle fit, behaviour, welfare, strength, feeding, horsemanship, connection, trust, Join-Up, emotional awareness, book reviews
Spring Summer 2025
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Explore Your Spring & Summer 2025 IH Magazine!
This time, I’m sharing Hugo’s rehab story – yes, the so-called “One Pound Pony”! It’s been a journey full of lessons, love and a few laughs too, and I hope it’ll be useful to anyone navigating the ups and downs of recovery and decision-making.
What’s Inside?
We’ve brought together another brilliant line-up of contributors this issue:
- Abi Pass reflects on ten years of IH training and shares her five favourite groundwork exercises – I’ve tried them all myself and they’re spot on for building trust and strength.
- Kate Sandel’s piece on balance really got me thinking – how often do we ask horses to carry us without understanding how they carry themselves?
- Olympic medallist Sharon Hunt offers her seven confidence tips for you and your horse – not just for eventers!
- Peggy Cummings takes us through the art of riding with feel, and Dr Sue Dyson explores what comfort truly looks like in our horses – a must-read if you’ve ever wondered whether your horse is really happy under saddle.
- Dr Rosie Jones-McVey returns with another thought-provoking article – can our horses choose good welfare? Her work always challenges me in the best way.
Plus, we’ve got heartfelt member stories, some very handy seasonal tips, and wonderful book reviews – from classical riding to staying strong after fifty.
Why You’ll Love This Issue
If you’ve ever questioned whether your horse’s saddle is quite right, Sue Dyson’s article gives you the tools to spot discomfort early. And if you’re feeling rusty after winter, Abi’s groundwork reminders are a gentle, effective way to re-engage your horse’s body and mind.
Hugo’s journey meant a complete reassessment of how we manage allergies, bitting, ulcers, saddle fit and more. I’ve included every detail in the hope it helps others – especially if you’ve got a horse with mysterious niggles.
We’ve also included fabulous pieces on emotional and physical rehab, pasture management for laminitics, and one of my favourites – a story from Heather Lee, whose lifelong devotion to horses is both moving and inspiring.
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: The Story of Hugo aka The One Pound Pony
I share Hugo’s remarkable rehab journey – from unsound to sounder – and all the lessons we’ve learnt along the way about welfare, diagnostics and doing the right thing.
10 Letters and Cartoon by Nat Herman
Your feedback, your wins and Nat’s cartoon brilliance – including a letter on nutrition and hoof health that really got me thinking.
12 IH News and Updates
Everything new in the world of IH, from competitions and webinars to our newest IH Trainers.
15 IH Members’ Photos
More beautiful moments captured between horses and their people – I always enjoy looking through these!
16 Meet a Member: Heather Lee
Heather’s moving account of a life shaped by horses – from Pony Club to prison rehabilitation, and everything in between.
18 IH Training: A Decade of Learning – Abi Pass
Abi Pass shares five essential groundwork exercises for all horses – ideal for building strength, suppleness and connection this spring.
24 IH Training: The Balanced Horse – Kate Sandel
Kate explores why balance matters so much in training – and how you can help your horse find it.
26 IH Training: Riding with Feel – Peggy Cummings
Peggy shows how you can develop a lighter, more aware seat and deepen your communication under saddle.
28 IH Training: TEAM A Exploration-Based Exercise – Gillian Bradley
Part 2 of Gillian’s emotional and physical agility training – a brilliant way to help horses feel safe while learning.
31 IH Training: Training Horses and Humans
Exploring the mutual learning between horse and handler – something we’re all familiar with in IH!
32 IH Training: Seven Tips for Horse Confidence – Olympic Medallist Sharon Hunt
Sharon Hunt shares golden advice for creating calm, brave horses – clear, concise and very effective.
34 IH Training: What Does Comfortable Look Like? – Dr Sue Dyson
An invaluable guide to recognising true comfort (or lack of it!) in your horse’s way of going.
36 IH Training: Learn From My Mistakes – IH Trainer Jo Powell
Jo bravely shares the lessons she learnt the hard way so you don’t have to – including saddle fit and behavioural misinterpretation.
38 Can Our Horses Choose Good Welfare? – Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
Rosie brings her usual thoughtful lens to this challenging question – what role does choice play in equine care?
42 A Seed Solution for Laminitic Horses & Ponies
Practical pasture advice to support horses prone to laminitis – timely and essential reading for the growing season.
44 Spotlight on IH Trainer Hannah Wells
A closer look at Hannah’s work helping horses and humans through Inspired Equine.
46 Book Review: Packing My Bags – Julie Ulrich
A lovely read full of classical wisdom and witty insight from Julie Ulrich.
51 Book Review: Riding in Release – Kate Sandel
Kate’s book bridges classical French and Western riding – and offers a fresh take on how we connect in the saddle.
53 Book Review: Thriving Beyond 50 – Will Harlow
A practical guide for riders looking to stay strong and supple – I found the shoulder advice very helpful!
55 IH Trainer Client Feedback
Real-life success stories from our brilliant IH Trainers – uplifting and encouraging as always.
Navigation Tags
groundwork, confidence, behaviour, rider positioning & biomechanics, saddle fitting, rehabilitation, laminitis, pasture management, trust building, welfare, Join-Up, horse psychology, book reviews
Summer 2022
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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
Winter 2017
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Explore Your Winter 2017 IH Magazine!
What’s Inside?
• Monty Roberts makes history at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna – our on-location special from Ele Milwright
• Kelly Marks reflects on working with champions – and why horsemanship is finally going mainstream
• A 10-page IH Training Guide with practical step-by-step advice on separation anxiety, leading two horses, and even a DIY jump wings project
• The Big Interview: Jim Masterson explains how subtle bodywork techniques can unlock your horse’s physical and emotional wellbeing
• Sarah Weston, Kelly and Monty team up in our “Food for Thought” feature – your essential guide to food use, clicker training and positive reinforcement
• Real member stories – from overcoming fear and injury with the help of IH methods to delightful driving success in later life
• Rosie Jones-McVey invites us to pause and think with her piece on equine ethics in the digital age
• From round pen to theatre – what one ex-racehorse taught us about transformation
• 2018 IH course calendar and a spotlight on the Psychology Course
Why You’ll Love This Issue
This edition really brings home what we’re all about at IH – learning, kindness, and progress, no matter where you are on the journey. Whether it’s Kelly’s reminder that even Olympic riders seek help now and again, or Jim Masterson’s beautiful insights into softening and listening through touch – there’s something here for every horse lover wanting to grow. The special feature on food and positive reinforcement (p.28) offers a balanced, thoughtful approach to an often debated topic, and our 10-page training guide is perfect for long winter nights when you’re ready to reflect, plan and improve. If ever there was an issue to remind you that progress is possible, even in deep mud and frost – this is it.
Complete Contents with Article Descriptions
04 – My World: Has Intelligent Horsemanship Become Mainstream?
Kelly shares stories from the field, including working with dressage champions and even Lucinda Green. A great read about how IH has found its way into elite circles.
06 – Letters and Feedback
Moving letters from members reflecting on their journey with horses – some deeply touching stories of transformation and connection.
07 – Members’ Photos
A beautiful spread of member-submitted photos, full of love, memory and pride.
08 – In Other News
Topical insights including the dangers of over-rugging, new research on bandaging, and tackling racism in the horse world.
09 – Meet a Member: Colin Bunting
An inspiring story of recovery and rediscovery – Colin shares his journey from cancer treatment to charity races and IH advocacy.
10 – The Pferdeflüsterer of Vienna
Ele Milwright reports from Vienna where Monty makes history with a stunning demonstration at the Spanish Riding School.
12 – Special Training Day
Behind the scenes of a new event format – Monty works with real horses and real issues in a relaxed setting. Honest, educational and uplifting.
14 – The Big Interview: Jim Masterson
Editor Zoë Smith talks to Jim Masterson about equine bodywork, listening through touch and how less really can be more.
19 – IH Training: Separation Anxiety
Kelly’s thoughtful and practical approach to helping horses feel confident when left or led away.
24 – IH Training: Double Trouble
Safe, sensible guidance on leading two horses at once – perfect for yard life.
26 – Intelligent DIY: Make Your Own Jump Wings
Step-by-step instructions to create affordable, smart jump wings at home.
28 – Special Feature: Food for Thought
Your essential guide to food in training. With insights from Monty, Kelly, and Sarah Weston – this is one to refer back to.
34 – Equine Ethics: Do You Think Before You Judge?
Rosie Jones-McVey’s thoughtful piece on social media and judgement in the horse world. A powerful read.
38 – From the Case Files: From Round Pen to Theatre
How an ex-racer took centre stage – a testament to trust, time and transformation.
41 – Spotlight On: Jade Trelease
A look into the life and passion of one of IH’s valued contributors.
42 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real success stories from IHRT clients – heartwarming and hopeful.
43 – IH Course Dates
Everything you need to plan your next learning step with IH in 2018.
Navigation Tags
separation anxiety, anxiety, groundwork, loading, positive reinforcement, clicker training, food in training, horse bodywork, massage, training aids, horse psychology, rugging, bandaging, ethics, horsemanship around the world, showing
