Explore Your Summer 2017 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• A deeply inspiring Big Interview with Professor Derek Knottenbelt on a life of equine veterinary passion and his Vets With Horsepower charity.
• Sue Palmer shares practical tips for hacking out with more confidence – a must-read for anxious riders.
• A powerful piece from Rosie Jones McVey on the stories we tell about our horses and what they reveal about us.
• Insights from Nicola Tyler (TopSpec) on feeding and meal size – when less really is more.
• Training highlights from Kelly and Monty’s March Demos, including trailer loading, clipping fears, and breakthrough moments.
• Joanna Lowes shares her international journey with Monty Roberts and working with horses in Brazil.
• Forage analysis and bespoke feeding plans – why it matters and how to do it.
• Real-life success stories from IH Members, including “Joe’s road to recovery” and Marmite’s transformation.
• Important update: IH Recommended Associates are now “IH Recommended Trainers” – clearer and just as committed!

---

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This issue is all about building confidence – in our horses, in ourselves, and in the choices we make. Whether you’re tackling hacking nerves (see Sue Palmer’s practical, confidence-boosting guide), or wondering when to seek help with a tricky problem (page 28), you’ll find encouragement here.

There’s also celebration: of knowledge and kindness through Professor Knottenbelt’s incredible veterinary journey, of connection through member stories, and of summer itself – those golden hours spent out with our horses.

This edition reminds us that learning never stops. Even familiar ground – like feeding or groundwork – offers something new when explored with curiosity and compassion. And if you’re ready to be inspired by people who truly walk the talk, don’t miss Jo’s international adventures with Monty and the unforgettable veterans’ clinic in California.

---

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: Horses for Courses
Kelly shares her reflections on March courses, inspirational students, and a surprising Royal engagement. A warm welcome to summer, straight from the heart.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Real stories from IH Members – from rescued ponies to life-saving long lines, and everything in between.

7 – In Other News…
Name change alert: IH Recommended Associates are now IHRTs – plus updates on Sarah Weston, Exmoor ponies, and more.

8 – Buckham Fair
A peek into one of Dorset’s most-loved horse and dog charity events, thanks to Martin Clunes and family.

9 – Members’ Photos
Your beautiful, funny, and moving moments with your horses – captured and shared.

10 – In the News: Under the Skin – Donkeys at Risk
The Donkey Sanctuary exposes the harsh global trade in donkey skins for traditional Chinese medicine. Eye-opening and important.

12 – The Big Interview: Professor Derek Knottenbelt
A brilliant vet, biker, and charity champion – Derek talks sarcoids, passion projects, and the power of education.

16 – March Demos: What We Learned
From side-loaders to Zen-style clipping breakthroughs, Kelly reflects on memorable demo moments.

19 – IH Training: On the Road with Jo
Joanna Lowes updates us on Motto, her time with Monty Roberts in California, and the magic of Join-Up® for people, not just horses.

21 – IH Training: Carefree Hacking
Sue Palmer’s essential guide to building hacking confidence, step by step.

25 – IH Training: Forage Analysis and Feed Plans
Why what grows underfoot matters more than you think – and how to tailor feed to your horse’s needs.

28 – IH Training: Dealing with Problems – Home or Away?
When to handle it yourself – and when to call in a pro. A smart guide to assessing what your horse really needs.

31 – Feeding Myths Busted: Big Meals, Big Mistake?
Nicola Tyler explains why large meals can do more harm than good.

32 – IH Success Story: Working with Joe
A touching account of patience, progress, and partnership.

34 – Narrative Mind Reading
Rosie Jones McVey explores how the stories we tell about our horses reflect who we are.

38 – From the Case Files: My Mate, Marmite
A quirky but moving case study – showing that understanding can transform even the most marmite-like of horses!

41 – IHRT Client Feedback
Straight from the field – feedback that shows the real-life difference IH makes.

42 – Spotlight on Suzanne Halsey
Get to know one of IH’s quietly brilliant trainers.

44 – IH Courses
Thinking of joining a course? Everything you need to know to take the next step.

---

Navigation Tags

groundwork, hacking, confidence, nutrition, clipping, loading, sarcoids, rescue horses, horse psychology, behaviour, donkeys