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Hi lovely,

It seems like an awfully long time since we properly talked about the Intelligent Horsemanship Awards.

Which is a bit ridiculous really, because building a good foundation of groundwork is such a central part of what Intelligent Horsemanship is all about.

The IH Awards are a brilliant way for members to work through a series of groundwork exercises, reminiscent of some you may have come across back in the ‘Perfect Manners days’.

If you know, you know. If you don’t, well… this may be just the time to find out.

The Awards involve support from an IH Trainer and a clear structure to help you see how you and your horse are progressing.

So perhaps we can call this a little relaunch!

Or, at the very least, a long-overdue reminder.

So What Are The IH Awards? And Why Should I Do Them?

The Awards are an exclusive opportunity for IH Members to be recognised for completing up to 16 groundwork exercises from our IH “essential” list for equine Perfect Manners.

They have been thoughtfully designed with horse behaviour, psychology and physical wellbeing in mind, while still being very much about useful, everyday horsemanship.

Whether you have a young horse, a new horse, would like to improve your communication, or simply want daily handling to feel safer and easier, the Awards give you something practical and structured to work on.

…It is also about practical life skills.

The IH Awards focus on exercises that are useful not just for you, but for your vet, farrier, physio, yard owner, friend, family member, or even a stranger who may need to handle your horse in an emergency.

And I really cannot stress this enough.

As horse owners, we can be quite good at saying, “Oh, my horse doesn’t do that, so I avoid it”

Which is fine… until one day they need to do it.

It reminds me of my canine physio ‘pet peeve’… It is all very well saying, “My dog doesn’t walk on a lead so I always walk them off-lead,” until they have an injury and suddenly need controlled lead walking for rehab.

It is exactly the same with horses.

Teach the skills before you need them.

Be prepared… It is very much the Intelligent Horsemanship way.

There Are Two Rosettes To Work Towards…

There are two levels in the IH Awards:

  • Standard Perfect Manners Rosette – Awarded when your horse successfully completes 8 exercises.
  • Advanced Perfect Manners Rosette – Awarded when your horse successfully completes all 16 exercises.

So you do not have to do everything at once.

You can start with the Standard Award, enjoy the process, build confidence, and then continue towards Advanced if that feels right for you and your horse.

And yes, there are rosettes.

Beautiful rosettes, in fact.

Which is important, because while we may all be very grown up and focused on the learning process, most of us are still quite pleased by a rosette.

How Do I Take Part?

  • Make sure you are an active IH Member.
  • Head to the IH Awards page, download and print your task list.
  • Next, contact one of our participating IH Trainers. On the IH Trainer page, look for the little trophy symbol next to their name.
  • Send them a quick email to register your interest, and they will help you get started, plan your next steps and decide what sort of support would suit you and your horse.
  • Then you practise the exercises at home, in your own time.

How Are You Assessed?

When you feel ready, let your IH Trainer know.

Assessments can be completed:

  • In person
  • Or by sending in a video

Your trainer will let you know whether you have passed, and will give you useful feedback, encouragement and tips for improvement.

Once you have successfully completed your exercises, you will receive an electronic certificate, and your IH Trainer can present or post your rosette to you.

What Can Help You Along The Way?

You do not have to work through the Awards completely on your own.

  • The Members’ Area is packed with articles, guides and educational videos that can help you along the way.
  • Kelly’s book Perfect Manners is also a brilliant resource. It is full of practical information without getting bogged down in technical language, and focuses on using the horse’s own language to improve your bond on the ground.
  • Sandra Williams’ book The Mindful Equestrian also fits beautifully alongside the Awards. It includes 18 exercises with video clips throughout to help bring the exercises to life.

Why Now?

Because it feels like the right time to bring the IH Awards back into the conversation properly.

So many people want something positive, structured and achievable to do with their horses… 

  • Something that does not require travelling miles.
  • Something you can do at your own pace. 
  • And something you can do in this heat!

So if you have been wondering what to work on next, or you would like a little more structure to your groundwork, this might be a very good place to start.

Find out more about the IH Awards here. 

Lots of love,

– Abi Pass MSc Vet Phys & The Intelligent Horsemanship Team

PS. if you have a friend who might find these emails interesting do pass this on or get them to subscribe at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk and get the free groundwork exercises!

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Lethornes RG17 8QP Lambourn GB