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Explore Your Winter 2021 IH Magazine!

Hello IH Members and friends!
This issue feels especially timely as it encourages us all to embrace change, plan ahead, and cherish the journey — both in the saddle and out.


What’s Inside?

• A heartfelt and practical piece from yours truly on what we might be grateful for six months from now – and yes, Pie and Blondie are both part of the story!
• Meet inspirational Paralympic coach Clive Milkins in a thought-provoking interview about what really matters in horsemanship
• Explore the world of Equine Assisted Therapy with Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
• Nutritionist Clare MacLeod shares expert guidance on feeding older horses for longevity
• Saddle fitting from a fresh perspective with IH trainer Nicole Golding and master saddler Kay Humphries
• Sandra Williams offers a thoughtful recipe for successful horsemanship
• Dive into our IH Debate: Is sportsmanship always compatible with horsemanship?
• Celebrate member achievements with the launch of the very first IH Awards
• Success stories, member photos, and a lovely ‘Meet a Member’ feature on the ever-wise Pauline Ling


Why You’ll Love This Issue

With the darker mornings and all that delightful mud, this is the season where connection and motivation can sometimes dip. But this issue is here to lift your spirits and bring new perspective. Whether it’s the inspiring journey of Sophie Christiansen and Clive Milkins, or Angela Hobbs’ reminder that it’s never too late to shift direction, you’ll find something to keep you grounded and moving forward. For those looking to set some positive goals this season, the brand-new IH Awards offer just the nudge you need. And for the thinkers among us, the articles on therapy, mindfulness, and our evolving relationship with our horses provide plenty of fuel for warm fireside pondering.


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

04 – Kelly Marks: My World
Kelly reflects on winter as a time of preparation and growth, shares thoughts on the importance of small consistent actions (apple stretches included!), and introduces her new pony Blondie.

06 – Letters and Feedback
Our wonderful members share stories of transformation, farrier breakthroughs, and the power of patience and the right people.

07 – IH News
Celebrating Leanne Roger’s marathon success, new research on turnout, and updates on equine welfare legislation.

08 – Meet a Member Special: Pauline Ling
A fascinating chat with lifelong horsewoman and breeder Pauline Ling — filled with wisdom, Yorkshire wit, and a bit of Harvey Smith nostalgia.

11 – Members’ Photos
Eight lovely photo entries from members and their horses — from eventers to therapy ponies and happy hacking in the snow!

12 – Are You Ready for a Change?
Business mentor Angela Hobbs shares empowering reflections on reinvention, menopause, and the importance of women supporting women.

14 – The Big Interview: Clive Milkins
A compelling interview with para-dressage coach Clive Milkins on redefining ‘ability’, training with empathy, and what winning really means.

18 – Introducing the IH Awards!
Find out how to earn your IH rosettes through kind and consistent horsemanship, and meet our first proud recipient.

22 – Feeding Your Veteran
Equine nutritionist Clare MacLeod gives practical advice on feeding older horses for health and longevity.

24 – Equine Assisted Therapy
Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores the role horses play in therapy, and the scientific perspectives behind it.

27 – What You Need to Know About… Saddles
IH Trainer Nicole Golding and master saddler Kay Humphries help you look beyond saddle fit to the bigger picture.

30 – Centaur Biomechanics Webinar
Insights from a recent IH webinar on biomechanics and movement in horse training.

32 – Recipes for Successful Horsemanship
Sandra Williams offers a practical framework for training success — think less pressure, more partnership.

34 – Mindfulness Map for the Festive Season
Tips and exercises to stay centred during the busyness of Christmas — for you and your horse.

36 – IH Debate: Sportsmanship and Horsemanship
Members and trainers weigh in — can the drive to win always coexist with kind horsemanship?

38 – Success Story: Autumn for All Seasons
A story of patience and perseverance with a mare named Autumn who finally finds her place.

40 – Spotlight On: Melanie Nagele
We shine the light on IH member Melanie, her passion for learning, and her work with young horses.

43 – IH Trainer Client Feedback
Real stories of transformation and trust between horses and humans — the heart of what we do.


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dressage, saddle fitting, veteran horse, nutrition, IH Awards, mindfulness, menopause, winter. biomechanics

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Winter 2019

Explore Your Winter 2019 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

Kelly Marks’ My World – Reflections on Pie’s golden years and the reality behind the photos
Big Interview: Clare Balding – National treasure, sports broadcaster and lifelong horsewoman on teamwork, challenges and storytelling
IH Training: Getting Back in the Saddle – Sandra Williams’ brave and honest guide to riding again post-injury
Polework for Every Horse – Part 2 – Heidi Maxwell shares practical, engaging exercises to boost your training
On Safari with IH – Bridget Colston takes us on an unforgettable horsemanship adventure in Kenya
Herd Hierarchy – Help or Hindrance? – Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores the science behind leadership and training
Trailer Safety – Becca Vincent’s top-to-tail trailer check will keep you and your horse safe on the road
Success Story: From ‘Jaws’ to Joy – A heartfelt story of transformation from troubled horse to trusted partner
Writer of the Year Competition – Win £500 and get published!
• Plus members’ stories, letters, updates and inspiration to keep you warm all winter

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Winter can be a time for reflection, and this celebrates the quiet resilience and quiet triumphs of everyday horse people. Whether you’re recovering from injury like Sandra (p22), easing your horse into work with thoughtful polework (p26), or learning from veterans like Kelly’s Pie (p4), there’s something in here to inspire and support. Clare Balding’s interview (p14) is a reminder that compassion, consistency and a bit of courage go a long way – whether you’re behind a mic or in the saddle. This issue is about doing what you can, where you are, with warmth and intention.


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: A Bigger Slice of the Pie?
Kelly Marks reflects on Pie’s amazing health at 24 – and the less-visible care, patience, and thoughtful training that helped him thrive into his older years.

6 – Letters & Feedback
Heartwarming responses from IH members, including stories of resilience, learning, and paying it forward with the Dually®.

7 – In Other News
Updates on mental health first aid in the equestrian community, riding school horses helping the police, and IH’s work with military veterans.

8 – Members’ Photos
A beautiful collection of your horses in winter wonderland settings – congratulations to Helen & Bamm-Bamm, our canvas print winners!

9 – Meet a Member: Kelsey Thacker
From the US to Dublin, Kelsey shares her journey in equine-facilitated education and how IH helped transform both her horsemanship and her life.

10 – IH Writer of the Year Competition
Share your story and win £500! Open to all ages and abilities – details, writing tips, and encouragement to get you started.

14 – The Big Interview: Clare Balding
Broadcaster, author and lifelong horsewoman, Clare chats about confidence, resilience, horses as teachers, and what they’ve taught her about life and success.

18 – Intelligent Horsemanship on Safari
Trainer Bridget Colston recounts a life-changing horsemanship experience working with horses in Kenya.

22 – IH Training: Getting Back in the Saddle
Sandra Williams offers thoughtful advice and personal insight for anyone returning to riding after injury, illness or a break.

26 – Polework for Every Horse – Part 2
Heidi Maxwell’s practical polework plans for all levels. Exercises to keep your horse thinking, moving and improving.

30 – Trailer Check: How Safe Is Yours?
A clear, no-nonsense guide from Becca Vincent on how to inspect, service and stay safe when transporting your horse.

33 – Is Herd Hierarchy Helping Our Training?
Dr Rosie Jones-McVey questions long-held assumptions about dominance and leadership in horse training. Fascinating and thought-provoking.

37 – Success Story: From ‘Jaws’ to Joy
How a ‘difficult’ horse blossomed into a trusting partner with patience, skill and understanding.

40 – Spotlight On: Sue Palmer
The thoughtful equine physio shares insights from her work helping horses feel and move better.

42 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real stories of success and transformation from people and horses helped by IH’s Recommended Trainers.

44 – IH Courses
Find the right next step for you and your horse with our range of educational courses and training experiences.


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groundwork, polework, veteran horse, traveling, behaviour, herd dynamics, horsemanship around the world,

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Summer 2018

Explore Your Spring 2018 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks reflects on fear, Costa Rica and ethical one-upmanship in “My World”
• Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare, in this issue’s inspiring Big Interview
• Training double-act: Pilates for riders with Julie Driver and for horses with Sue Palmer
• A practical how-to on Riding and Leading two horses at once by Joanna O’Neill
• Can Thoroughbreds really go barefoot? We investigate with expert insight
• Rosie Jones McVey explores whether ‘feel’ in horsemanship is science or faith
• Kelly and contributors debate training “shortcuts” — helpful or harmful?
• Behind the scenes of Monty’s most “fantastic tour ever”
• Meet IH member Stuart Miles — proof that feeling the fear and doing it anyway works!
• Letters, feedback, member success stories, and community inspiration throughout


Why You’ll Love This Issue

Whether it’s Pilates for your core (p17) or for your pony’s (p20), or learning how to ride and lead at the same time (p23), we’ve focused on practical steps to help you and your horse grow stronger together. If you’ve ever felt stuck, you’ll find comfort in the honest reflections from Kelly and other contributors who’ve walked through fear and come out smiling.

And don’t miss Rosie’s thoughtful exploration of “feel” in horsemanship (p34), or our deep-dive on barefoot Thoroughbreds (p37). This issue champions kind, considered horsemanship, and proves we’re always learning — whether you’re a trainer, a member, or even the CEO of World Horse Welfare (p13).


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World
Kelly Marks shares her Costa Rica adventures, overcoming fear of heights, and reflects on applying IH techniques in real life — all with her usual humour and insight.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Our members share stories and thoughts on demos, past issues, and why kindness still matters most.

7 – Members’ Photos
Celebrating the wonderful horses and humans who make up the IH community — canvas-winning smiles and stories included.

8 – In Other News
Updates on fireworks and sky lantern bans, equine welfare science, and Deborah Meaden’s horsey transformation after meeting Monty.

9 – Meet a Member: Stuart Miles
From doubting beginner to passionate IH student — Stuart’s inspiring journey shows how confidence grows with kindness and good company.

10 – Monty’s Autumn Tour Report
Declared Monty’s “best ever tour”, this report highlights transformational horse stories and the power of teamwork.

13 – The Big Interview: Roly Owers
The WHW CEO speaks candidly about horse welfare, rehoming, the equine obesity crisis, and what needs to change — and how we can help.

17 – IH Training: Pilates for Equestrians
Top instructor Julie Driver shares five key exercises to build rider strength and posture — ideal for spring tune-ups!

20 – IH Training: Pilates for Ponies
Sue Palmer and Lizzie Hopkinson offer targeted groundwork exercises to build your horse’s core and prevent injury.

23 – IH Training: Riding and Leading
Joanna O’Neill explains the safest, kindest way to exercise two horses at once — with plenty of IH wisdom built in.

26 – Dually Q&A with Kelly Marks
Kelly answers common questions about the Dually halter and how to use it with feel and fairness.

28 – Can There Be Shortcuts to Good Training?
A thoughtful look at fast fixes in horse training — when they help, when they hinder, and how to choose wisely.

34 – Feel and Faith
Rosie Jones McVey explores the idea of “feel” in horsemanship — is it instinct, science, or something in between?

37 – Can Thoroughbreds Go Barefoot?
A surprising and encouraging answer to a common question — backed by expert case studies and practical tips.

41 – Spotlight on: Ann-Marie Marek
Meet IHRT Ann-Marie Marek and discover what makes her one of IH’s trusted Recommended Trainers.

42 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real-life success stories from clients and trainers — proof of what kind, intelligent horsemanship can achieve.

43 – IH Courses
Your next steps — all the upcoming IH courses and how to book your place.

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rider fitness, pilates, groundwork, barefoot, horse psychology, confidence, riding and leading, feel, veteran horses, welfare, rehoming, ex-racehorse,

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