Winter 2009
Explore Your Winter 2009 IH Magazine!
What’s Inside?
• Koby Blue’s journey – IH student Johanna Barden shares her honest and inspiring story of raising and training a foal with IH methods.
• New from Monty – Discover Monty Roberts’ Equus Online University – a whole new way to learn horse training at home.
• Training vs Pain? – Equine physio Sue Palmer explores when behavioural issues are actually physical.
• Born to Whisper book extract – Adam Goodfellow and Nicole Golding reflect on dressage, rearing horses and the power of groundwork.
• Winter feeding advice – Robert Fowler offers practical, science-based tips for keeping horses healthy through winter.
• Africa adventures – RA Sarah Weston travels to Kenya and Tanzania to help horses and meet giraffes along the way.
• Ask the Experts – Common questions on biting, spookiness and feeding answered by Monty, vets, and nutritionists.
• Spotlight on our team – Meet Julia Fisher and discover the incredible story behind IH charity efforts.
• Plus! Letters, announcements, RA news, and a big thank you to IH volunteers.
Why You’ll Love This Issue
If you’ve ever struggled with a youngster or wondered how to help a spooky or nervous horse, you’ll find comfort and guidance here – especially in Johanna Barden’s honest story of growing up with Koby Blue. You’ll also get a front-row seat to IH’s expanding global reach with Sarah Weston’s African adventure, and Monty’s cutting-edge online learning platform.
Winter can be a tough time to stay inspired, but this edition is full of ideas and encouragement to keep your partnership thriving through the colder months. There’s warmth, wisdom and plenty of real-life IH magic in every page.
Complete Contents with Article Descriptions
Page 3 – Letter from Kelly
Kelly shares reflections from the Autumn tour, thoughts on consistency, and finding joy in simply leading your horse for a walk on short winter days.
Page 4 – How IH Methods Helped Me Back Koby Blue
A heartfelt and practical story by IH student Johanna Barden about training her first foal from scratch, facing challenges, and discovering the power of groundwork.
Page 6 – Born to Whisper
A revealing extract from Adam Goodfellow’s new book, diving into dressage, rearing problems, and how to rebuild trust through consistent, quiet training.
Page 8 – The Alexander Technique
Sue Brown explores how posture and body awareness affect our riding and comfort – and how Alexander Technique can bring surprising relief.
Page 9 – Your Letters
Real IH members share their stories – from dramatic trailer problems turned success, to humorous demo moments and heartfelt thanks to Monty and Kelly.
Page 10 – Temperament is Everything
Meet “Antics,” a stallion with a heart of gold – and how temperament can be more important than talent.
Page 10 – 101 Things To Do With Insulation Foam
Creative and clever uses for foam pipe insulation in groundwork, desensitisation and yard safety, by Joanna O’Neill.
Page 11 – Winter Feeding
Expert advice from Robert Fowler on keeping horses healthy through winter, including forage tips, oil supplements and water considerations.
Page 12 – Ask the Experts
Monty and veterinary specialists tackle tricky behaviour like biting and “invisible demons” behind spooky behaviour.
Page 14 – Autumn Tour 2009
A round-up of glowing feedback and transformation stories from the IH Autumn Tour, including the powerful use of heart rate monitors.
Page 16 – Kenya, Kenya and Tanzania Too
Sarah Weston takes IH methods to Africa, helping semi-feral ponies, polo horses and even rescue donkeys in extraordinary wildlife settings.
Page 18 – Monty’s Equus Online University
Monty introduces his most ambitious project yet – an interactive online learning platform to bring his methods to the world.
Page 20 – IH Charities News
Updates from IH’s chosen charity, including Shy Lowen Sanctuary and Antics’ stud fundraising for children affected by cancer.
Page 22 – Where Are They Now?
Follow-up stories on horses featured in previous IH events and demos – how they’re getting on now.
Page 23 – Thanks to the Volunteers
Gratitude to the incredible team of IH volunteers who make it all possible – behind the scenes and on the road.
Page 24 – Announcements
Community updates, news and how to get involved with upcoming events.
Page 25 – Learned Helplessness in Horses
An insightful piece exploring a rarely discussed topic – how incorrect training can lead to withdrawal or depression in horses.
Page 26 – Spotlight on RA Julia Fisher
A chance to meet Julia Fisher, an RA doing fantastic work – plus a touching story from her young daughter.
Page 27 – Praise for Sarah Dent
A tribute to Sarah Dent and the impact she’s had on IH students and horses alike.
Navigation Tags
groundwork, young horse, nutrition, behaviour, spooky horse, acceptance training, rearing, bitless bridles, dressage, posture & confirmation, Alexander Technique, equine bodywork, long reining, loading, horsemanship around the world,

