Explore Your Autumn 2019 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks reconnects with one of IH’s original students, Irene French, for a moving life story packed with wisdom and horse-sense.
• Daisy Smith shares how IH principles can boost your marks in the show ring – practical tips with proven results!
• Russell Guire, biomechanics specialist and Centaur Biomechanics founder, joins us for an exclusive interview exploring saddle fit, Olympic success and rider influence.
• Heidi Maxwell takes us through her polework bootcamp – clever exercises for any horse and rider.
• Dr Veronica Fowler returns with another myth-busting “Intelligent Science” – are zebra fly rugs really all they’re cracked up to be?
• Our Intelligent Debate tackles a big one: is “natural” always best in horse training?
• Hands-on feature: Teach your horse to accept injections calmly and confidently.
• Don’t miss the launch of our exciting IH Writer of the Year competition – your chance to be published and win £500!
• Warm success stories and your brilliant member photos, plus a special shout-out to our long-standing demo supporters Oliver & Julia.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This season’s edition is all about renewal, reflection and confidence – just what we often need as the seasons shift. Whether you’re rethinking how you handle your horse’s training, navigating a personal change, or simply curious to understand more, there’s something here for you.

I especially loved catching up with Irene French (p4) – her story is brave, funny, moving, and absolutely packed with life lessons. You’ll find practical know-how too, like Daisy’s guide to impressing in the ring (p20), or the step-by-step guide to needle training (p28). Plus, for the scientifically-minded among you, Dr Fowler’s fly rug investigation is a fascinating deep dive into how easy it is to be led astray by “bad science”.

Most of all, this issue is a celebration of our members – your stories, your photos, your journey with your horses. You’ll see that Intelligent Horsemanship continues to be a place where everyone is welcome, whether you’re just beginning or rediscovering your confidence.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – Life Lessons with Irene French
Kelly shares an emotional reunion and inspiring interview with Irene, one of IH’s earliest students, whose story reminds us it’s never too late to reclaim your confidence – and your love of horses.

6 – Letters & Feedback
Heartfelt updates from IH members – from life-changing Join-Up® sessions to bold new starts and breakthroughs in confidence. Real stories, real change.

7 – In Other News
Equestrian world updates, including lunging vs long-lining, low-emission zones for horseboxes, and keeping young riders safe through NSPCC’s Sports Parent Promise.

8 – Members’ Photos
Fourteen wonderful member stories and snapshots, from first foals to dressage dreams. This season’s canvas wall art winner: Vicky & Bella!

11 – Meet a Member: Oliver & Julia
Two of our most loyal demo helpers reflect on their 70+ tours with IH, their horses, and the power of a perfect Join-Up®.

12 – IH Writer of the Year Competition
A brand-new writing competition inviting YOU to share your horse stories. Open to members and friends, with a £500 prize and a place in the magazine!

14 – Intelligent Science: Horses in Striped Pyjamas
Dr Veronica Fowler unpacks the hype around zebra-print fly rugs. Do they work? Possibly – but it’s more complicated than you might think…

16 – The Big Interview: Russell Guire
Russell talks biomechanics, how he helped design Olympic-winning girths, and how science can improve both horse performance and welfare.

20 – IH Training: Gain Marks in the Show Ring
Daisy Smith shares how applying IH techniques helped her achieve success and get noticed by the judges – practical and encouraging.

24 – Polework Exercises for Every Horse
Join IH student Heidi Maxwell on a 5-day polework bootcamp with exercises suitable for all levels. Great variety and thoughtful progressions.

28 – Training: Teaching Your Horse to Accept Needles
Step-by-step guidance to help your horse become comfortable with injections using positive, trust-based methods.

33 – Kelly Marks’ Book Review: Know Better to Do Better
Kelly reviews Monty Roberts’ latest book, reflecting on what learning better really means – for us and our horses.

36 – Intelligent Debate: Is Natural Best?
A spirited discussion on whether “natural” horse care and training is always the ideal – thought-provoking and open-ended.

38 – Success Story: Willing to Change
A member shares their transformation story – from fear and frustration to freedom and flow with their horse.

40 – Spotlight On: Paddy Gracey
An in-depth look at one of IH’s own – his work, his outlook, and his horse life journey.

42 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real feedback from people working with IH Recommended Trainers – proof of positive change and problem-solving.

44 – IH Courses
Dates, descriptions and how to book for our latest courses – your next adventure starts here.

Navigation Tags

groundwork, confidence, biomechanics, horse psychology, training aids, vaccinations, polework, showing, writing competition, rugging, fly rugs