Explore Your Spring 2021 IH Magazine!

Hello IH Members and friends!

This edition is especially exciting because it’s packed to the brim with heartfelt stories, hands-on training tips, a spirited debate or two, and some absolutely inspiring reads from true legends of the equestrian world. There’s something here for everyone — whether you’re pottering around your field in wellies or back in the saddle after a winter break.

What’s Inside?

• A behind-the-scenes look at my visit to Countryfile with a spirited Exmoor ‘foal’ (p4) — things didn’t exactly go to plan…
• Our Big Interview with legendary racehorse trainer Henrietta Knight – with wisdom, warmth and wit in equal measure (p16)
• A touching tribute to the unforgettable Pat Burgess – what a legend, what a legacy (p12)
• Practical training insights on helping your horse go where he’s comfortable – and not where he’s not ready (Bridget Colston, p20)
• Sue Palmer helps you spot signs of pain behaviour – essential reading (p22)
• Babette Littlemore guides us through the healing benefits of Equine Touch™ (p25)
• A thoughtful member case study on how horses really prefer to travel in trailers (p28)
• Sandra Williams shares her recipes for good horsemanship (p32)
• A lively IH Debate: What really makes a ‘real’ rider? (p36)
• Gillian Higgins transforms equine anatomy into stunning artwork (p34)

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Spring always brings that sense of possibility — and this issue captures that feeling perfectly. Whether it’s learning how to better recognise when your horse is in pain, or reminding ourselves that sometimes, we need to start on their favourite side (as I found out with the lovely Forest on Countryfile!), it’s all about listening, adapting, and growing together.

Henrietta Knight’s interview alone is worth a quiet cuppa and a read — I just love her insight into how horses jump and how she balances discipline with kindness. And Sandra Williams’ feature is as practical as ever, especially if you’re aiming to feel more confident as the competition season starts up again.

The muddy gateways might still be hanging around, but we’re stepping into a season of fresh starts with a brilliant bunch of trainers, legends, and members by your side. That’s what IH is all about!

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: An Astronaut’s Guide to Adam’s Exmoors
Kelly shares her Countryfile experience, working with a not-so-foal Exmoor and how negative thinking (yes, really!) can be a powerful training tool.

8 – Letters and Feedback
Members share heartfelt letters, from brave XC debuts to treasured memories of horses past — always a joy to read.

9 – IH News
From Stef Heeran winning Gold at the European Weightlifting Championships to welcoming Sharron Heal to IHHQ — plenty to catch up on!

10 – Meet a Member: Stuart & Bridie Fawcett
This lovely couple are on a mission to revive heavy horse driving in style. Meet their amazing Clydesdales and learn how IH methods shaped their journey.

12 – Pat Burgess: Legend 1930–2020
A beautiful tribute to one of the horse world’s brightest lights. Pat’s influence spanned Olympians, RDA riders, and grassroots horse lovers alike.

16 – The Big Interview: Henrietta Knight
Racehorse training royalty shares stories from Best Mate to baby jumpers, and reminds us all to smile — because the horses feel it too.

20 – IH Training: Don’t Push Your Horse Where He Can’t Go
Bridget Colston helps us tune into our horses’ hesitations, and how to build confidence, not conflict.

22 – IH Training: Recognising Pain Behaviour in Horses
Sue Palmer walks us through subtle signs your horse may be hurting, even when they’re still ‘doing the job’.

25 – IH Training: Equine Touch™ with Babette Littlemore
Get to know your horse inch by inch — this gentle bodywork technique might just change the way you groom forever.

28 – IH Training: How Do Horses Really Prefer to Travel?
Carley O’Callaghan shares fascinating findings from her research on horse trailer preferences — prepare for some surprises!

32 – IH Training: Recipes for Good Horsemanship
Sandra Williams blends psychology, patience, and a dash of humour in her thoughtful guide to great horse partnerships.

34 – Anatomy in Action: From Picture to Paper
Gillian Higgins shows how understanding what’s under the skin can transform your feel in the saddle.

36 – IH Debate: What Is a ‘Real Rider’?
We asked — and you answered! A fiery, funny, and thought-provoking debate about what makes a rider ‘legit’.

38 – Virtual Tour of the IH Members’ Area
Not sure what’s inside? Take a guided tour of the digital treasure trove awaiting every IH Member.

40 – Spotlight On: Jenny Major
Get to know this inspiring IH Member, whose passion for horses lights up every arena she steps into.

43 – Trainer Client Feedback
Hear directly from clients about their experiences with IH Trainers — always a lovely way to end the magazine.

Navigation Tags

Countryfile, untouched horses, confidence, pain, Equine Touch, travelling, groundwork, driving, jumping, spring,