Hello IH Members and friends!
This issue is especially close to my heart, as it’s brimming with stories of resilience, learning, and connection—even if many of us were spending more time mucking out than going out! Whether you’re after festive joy, a bit of training inspiration, or some thoughtful debate to chew over by the fire, this Winter edition is here to bring you comfort, knowledge and encouragement.

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What’s Inside?

• “My World” with Kelly Marks – Reflecting on 2020 and planning for the winter ahead (with a bit of polework for Pie!).
• IH Diploma Success – Inspiring psychology projects from our determined students—horse travel preferences, obesity management, and even veterans with PTSD.
• The 12 Mindful Days of Christmas – Sandra Williams’ seasonal self-care for you and your horse.
• Training Feature: Mounting Success – Kelly’s tips on teaching your horse to stand still to be mounted.
• Spotlight on Land Management – Dr Lisa Schofield shares essential winter advice for horse-friendly pastures.
• IH Debate: Zoopharmacognosy – Can horses really self-medicate? A lively and thought-provoking discussion.
• Book Extract: Tik Maynard’s “In the Middle Are the Horsemen” – A glimpse into thoughtful horsemanship.
• Success Stories & Member Feedback – Real-life transformations, heart-warming letters, and community wins.
• Meet a Member – Polo-player Laura Elliott shares her journey retraining ex-racers the IH way.

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Why You’ll Love This Issue

Winter is a time for reflection, reset, and sometimes just surviving the mud! This issue encourages all three. Whether you’re inspired by Sandra’s calming Christmas countdown or captivated by the heartfelt Member Story “Speaking Without Words”, there’s something here to lift your spirits and fuel your goals for 2021. The horse psychology projects alone are worth curling up with—ranging from umbrella desensitisation to whether horses can choose how they want to travel. It’s reassuring, fascinating, and a real tribute to how far IH Members will go to understand and support their horses. Plus, there’s lots of festive cheer to enjoy—without any tinsel-induced panic!

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Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: What Do YOU Have in Mind?
Kelly Marks shares reflections from the year, goals for winter (polework with Pie!), and celebrates our students’ incredible course achievements despite a tough year.

8 – Letters and Feedback
From hospital recoveries to confidence in the saddle, members share how IH has supported their journeys—even through lockdown.

11 – Meet a Member: Laura Elliott
Polo-player and retrainer of ex-racehorses Laura talks career shifts, confidence, and why she’s passionate about becoming an IH Trainer.

12 – IH Members’ Stories: Speaking Without Words
Irena Szirtes pens a moving reflection on her bond with her horse Tilly, blending stillness, liberty work, and the memory of her grandfather.

14 – IH Debate: Zoopharmacognosy
Do horses really know what they need to eat? We explore both sides of this fascinating (and controversial) practice.

17 – Equine Sports Science Summit
Sue Palmer reports from the Centaur Biomechanics Summit, packed with insights from leading researchers into movement, pain, and performance.

20 – IH on Tour: Northington Demo
A look back at the IH team’s Northington demo—plus the impact on a young rider named Caden and his rescue pony, Moon.

26 – 12 Mindful Days of Christmas
Sandra Williams brings warmth and wisdom to this seasonal countdown for horse lovers seeking balance and joy.

28 – Training a Horse to Stand Still to Mount
A practical and powerful guide from Kelly to one of the most underrated skills—mounting block manners!

32 – Land Management for Horses
Dr Lisa Schofield explores practical winter pasture advice, from poaching to planning for spring growth.

36 – In the Middle Are the Horsemen (Book Extract)
A special sneak peek into Tik Maynard’s celebrated memoir—deep, insightful, and very IH in spirit.

39 – Success Files: Shimmer’s Story
A heartfelt transformation tale about Shimmer’s journey from fearful to trusting—with help from IH methods.

40 – Spotlight On: Leanne Roger
Discover the story behind another IH star who’s helping horses and humans with her unique, thoughtful approach.

43 – Trainer Client Feedback
Kind words and success stories from those who’ve worked with IH Trainers—proof that gentle, informed training really works.

Navigation Tags

mounting, travelling, winter, zoopharmacognosy, pasture management