Explore Your Spring & Summer 2024 IH Magazine!

Hello to all our wonderful IH Members and horse-loving friends! I couldn’t be more excited to present your Spring & Summer 2024 issue of Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine. These pages are bursting with fresh insights, hands-on advice, and truly uplifting stories from throughout our incredible IH community. As the sunshine returns and our horsey activities ramp up, this edition brings you exactly what you need for a brilliant season ahead.

What’s Inside?

This time around, I’ve shared some personal reflections on my decades of working with challenging horses (including some hilarious mishaps with Pie that taught me so much!), and we’re featuring a captivating interview with Professor Daniel Mills about his groundbreaking research into equine cognition.

Our training section is absolutely packed with gems this issue:

• Michael Peace offers brilliant solutions for trailer-loading problems
• Rachel Bedingfield reveals transformative groundwork exercises for better connection
• Helen Spence shares her revolutionary approach to working with sensitive horses
• Lucy Rees explains her fascinating observations on how horses naturally communicate (Blondie has been my greatest teacher in this area!)

I’ve explored the fascinating world of equine facial expressions and what they tell us, while Emily Hadfield has written an eye-opening piece on creating harmonious herd dynamics at home (something that’s transformed my own yard management).

You’ll be introduced to our inspiring member Janet Thompson (who’s accomplished incredible things with her previously “unrideable” horse), discover some brilliant new publications, and see firsthand how our remarkable IH Trainers are changing equine lives nationwide.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

The longer days and drier ground make this the perfect time to refresh your approach with your equine partner. This magazine arrives just when you need it most to make the most of the season!

The trailer-loading section has been an absolute revelation – Michael’s systematic approach tackles this common problem brilliantly. I’ve seen these methods transform even the most stubborn refusers (Pie once took three hours to load until we applied these principles, and now he practically self-loads!).

Rachel’s groundwork exercises have become a staple in my daily routine with both Pie and Blondie. These simple yet powerful techniques create such profound shifts in how horses respond and connect with us – you’ll notice the difference immediately.

With summer shows and events on the horizon, Helen’s insights on managing sensitive horses in busy environments couldn’t come at a better time. Her practical strategies will help your horse stay calm and focused even in chaotic surroundings.

Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply wanting to enhance your partnership, this magazine offers practical wisdom that will make every moment with your horse more rewarding this season.

Our members enjoy this magazine as part of their subscription, alongside our extensive archive and exclusive online resources. Not yet part of our community? We’d be delighted to welcome you!

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

04 Kelly Marks – The Learning Curve: “Lessons from Challenging Horses”
I share some candid stories about particularly challenging horses I’ve worked with over the years, including what Pie has taught me about patience and persistence during our most testing moments.

07 IH Members’ Photos
A gorgeous collection of seasonal photographs sent in by our talented members – the quality of these images never ceases to amaze me!

08 Letters and Cartoon by Nat Herman
Your brilliant experiences using IH methods, featuring a moving Star Letter about an ex-racehorse’s transformation, alongside Nat’s always witty seasonal cartoon.

10 IH News and Membership updates
All the latest happenings from IH HQ, including our expanded summer demonstration schedule and exciting new member resources.

12 Meet a Member: Janet Thompson
Janet recounts her remarkable journey with her “unrideable” mare and how IH techniques created a breakthrough when all else had failed – truly inspiring!

16 Book Review & Extract: The Language of Horses
My review of this enlightening guide to better understanding equine communication, with practical extracts on reading subtle signs most humans miss.

18 The Big Interview: Professor Daniel Mills
A captivating discussion with this world-renowned researcher about his latest findings in equine cognition and learning – he’s truly revolutionising our understanding.

22 Trailer Loading: Solutions for Every Horse
Michael Peace presents his systematic approach to solving loading problems, with step-by-step instructions that work even with the most determined refusers.

24 IH Training: Groundwork for Enhanced Connection
Rachel Bedingfield shares transformative exercises that deepen the bond between horse and handler, creating more responsive partnerships.

27 IH Training: Summer Feeding Strategies
Catherine Scott explores optimal nutrition during grass-rich months, with practical advice on managing weight and energy levels as pastures flourish.

29 IH Training: Working with Sensitive Horses
Helen Spence’s brilliant insights into helping highly sensitive equines navigate our human world with confidence and calmness.

33 IH Training: Creating Herd Harmony at Home
Emily Hadfield offers practical strategies for managing multiple horses to create peaceful yard dynamics that respect natural herd behaviour.

35 IH Training: Natural Horse Communication
Lucy Rees explains the fascinating language horses use among themselves and how we can incorporate these signals into our training approach.

39 Equine Facial Expressions: What They’re Really Telling Us
I explore the subtle world of equine expressions and what they reveal about your horse’s emotional state – understanding these has transformed my work with Blondie.

41 Managing Horses in Busy Environments
Richard Maxwell provides invaluable techniques for keeping horses calm and focused in challenging situations like shows and busy yards.

44 Spotlight on IH Trainer Rebecca Howard
Meet our wonderful Rebecca Howard, whose journey from nervous rider to confident IH Trainer demonstrates the power of these methods firsthand.

46 Talking Points: Balancing Technology and Tradition
An engaging discussion on integrating modern innovations with time-tested horsemanship principles – I’d be fascinated to hear your perspectives!

48 Book Extract: The Balanced Rider
Matthew Lawrence’s fantastic guide to improving your seat and influence, with exercises I’ve found immensely helpful in my own riding (even after all these years!).

51 IH Trainer Client Feedback
Heart-warming success stories from clients whose horses have been transformed by our dedicated IH Trainers – reading these always brightens my day.

Navigation Tags

communication, competition & competition prep, equine cognition, equine facial expressions, equine nutrition, equitation science, ex-racehorses, groundwork, horse psychology, horse-human relationship, Join-Up, loading, natural horsemanship, paddock management, positive reinforcement, rehabilitation, rider positioning, summer, travelling, yard management