2018

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Winter 2018

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks reflects on life, learning, and standing up to bullying in her personal “My World” column.
• The Young Equestrian Photographer of the Year competition winners revealed – meet Sophie Gellender and 10 incredible finalists!
• Dr Veronica Fowler investigates the science behind the claim “Snorting = Happiness” – is it fact or fiction?
• Big Interview: Independent nutritionist Clare MacLeod gives straight-talking advice on feeding, supplements, and decoding marketing hype.
• Dr Rosie Jones McVey returns with “Old Heroes and Bold Heroes” – a powerful look at tradition, bravery, and mental health in horsemanship.
• Training special: bonding with a new horse, jumping confidence, rugging realities, and working through winter.
• Intelligent Debate: Is a horse really for life? Members share their heartfelt stories and views.
• Don’t miss Sue Griffin’s inspiring journey with The Donkey Sanctuary, and a touching holiday success story in “A Horsey Holiday of a Lifetime”.
• Cosy up with thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for horse lovers (and maybe yourself too!).


Why You’ll Love This Issue

Clare MacLeod’s no-nonsense take on supplements will save you time, money, and confusion (p18). Rosie Jones McVey makes a stirring case for compassion in “Old Heroes and Bold Heroes” (p34), while Veronica Fowler gives us the honest low-down on “happy snorting horses” (p16). And the photography competition? Just stunning – young talent that reminds us all how powerful and emotional a connection with horses can be (p10). As always, the Training Section is packed with practical advice to help you grow more confident, thoughtful, and connected with your horse.


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – If Not Now, When?
Kelly Marks shares personal insights on learning, responsibility, and stepping out of comfort zones – with Pie, of course, leading the way.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Heartfelt messages from IH members, including one from a reader in New Zealand inspired by Perfect Confidence.

7 – Members’ Photos
A celebration of your photos – meet Chloe and her sleepy thoroughbred Razz, plus many more.

8 – In Other News
Updates from IH trainers, charity events, and congratulations to Dr Rosie Jones McVey on her academic milestone.

9 – Meet a Member: Sue Griffin
A chat with Sue about her work with The Donkey Sanctuary and how IH helped her deepen her understanding of equines.

10 – Young Equestrian Photographer of the Year
Winner Sophie Gellender’s stunning portrait of Rohan, a working Shire, plus 10 highly commended entries full of emotion, creativity, and skill.

16 – Intelligent Science: Is Snorting a Sign of Happiness?
Dr Veronica Fowler offers a clear-eyed look at the recent buzz about “snorting horses” and whether the science actually holds up.

18 – The Big Interview: Clare MacLeod
Independent nutritionist Clare MacLeod tackles myths, marketing, and the truth about grass, buckets, and balanced diets.

22 – Bonding with Your New Horse: Part 3
Practical advice on deepening trust and connection, especially after initial challenges.

27 – Improve Your Jumping Position
Helpful tips to boost your confidence and form over fences, especially after time out of the saddle.

30 – Do You Need to Rug Your Horse?
Looking at when rugs help – and when they may be unnecessary or even harmful.

32 – Intelligent Debate: Is a Horse for Life?
Thoughtful stories and perspectives on long-term horse ownership and ethical responsibility.

34 – Old Heroes and Bold Heroes
Rosie Jones McVey explores bravery, tradition, and the cost of “toughness” in horse culture – a must-read.

37 – Spotlight on: Demelza Franssen
IH Trainer in focus – her journey and training tips.

38 – Success Story: A Horsey Holiday of a Lifetime
A feel-good feature about one member’s transformative trip with horses.

41 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real stories of progress and breakthroughs with IH Recommended Trainers.

42 – IH Christmas Shopping
Gift ideas for the Intelligent equestrian in your life (including yourself!).

44 – IH Courses
Plan your 2019 with upcoming courses to expand your horsemanship journey.


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Summer 2018

Explore Your Autumn 2018 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks shares inspiring career wisdom and honest stories from home in “My World”
• Dr Veronica Fowler breaks down equine science myths in “Intelligent Science”
• Fascinating Big Interview with Gillian Higgins, founder of Horses Inside Out
• Rosie Jones-McVey’s article sparks big conversations in “What is it with Women & Horses?”
• Training deep-dives with Dr David Marlin on salt & electrolytes, Daisy Smith on bitting, and Lizzie Hopkinson on bonding with new horses
• Uplifting stories from IH Members overcoming loading, bonding, and behavioural challenges
• A practical, heartfelt guide to rehoming horses
• Your chance to WIN HOYS tickets – don’t miss it!
• Final call for entries to the IH Young Equestrian Photographer of the Year – £500 prize up for grabs!

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This season, we’re digging deep into the connection between people and horses, whether it’s through groundbreaking anatomical insight from Gillian Higgins, or Dr Veronica Fowler’s refreshingly honest take on science headlines. I especially loved the thoughtful responses from members about the emotional bonds we share with horses (see p6–9) — they’re truly heartening.

We’ve also focused on practical, grounded training support. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune bitting choices (p26), want clarity on feeding salt (p24), or are still finding your rhythm with a new horse (p20), you’ll find useful, compassionate advice. This issue is all about encouraging you to keep learning, reflect deeply, and, most of all, enjoy your horse.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World
Kelly Marks reflects on how to build your dream career, even when the path isn’t obvious. Plus, updates on Pie, Shylo and family horses, with candid chat on confidence, weight control, and the power of persistence.

6 – Letters & Feedback
Heartfelt stories from members overcoming big hurdles with their horses, from ‘Jaws’ the biting gelding to loading drama turned calm companionship.

9 – Members’ Photos
Beautiful submissions from members across the UK, celebrating the bonds they’ve built with their horses. This issue’s canvas winner: Sarah & Toff.

10 – In Other News
From therapy Shetlands to equine obesity studies, this round-up of updates is as informative as it is uplifting.

11 – Meet a Member: The Hughes Family
Meet the powerhouse Hughes family: instructors, saddle fitters, nutrition experts – and still finding time for medieval re-enactments and IH demos!

12 – IH Young Equestrian Photographer of the Year
Final call for entries! With tips from Sophie Callahan, Lucy Sewill and more, young photographers are encouraged to take that creative leap.

15 – Intelligent Science
Dr Veronica Fowler kicks off her new column by busting myths around horses recognising emotions in photographs. Smart, science-savvy, and a little bit sassy.

16 – The Big Interview: Gillian Higgins
An illuminating chat with the woman behind Horses Inside Out. From painting bones on horses to meeting the Queen, Gillian shares her journey and passion for equine education.

20 – IH Training: Bonding With Your New Horse (Part 2)
Lizzie Hopkinson continues her practical and heartfelt series for those in the early stages of a new horse-human relationship.

24 – IH Training: Feeding Salt and Electrolytes
Dr David Marlin helps you separate fact from fiction in this refreshingly clear breakdown on what horses actually need.

26 – IH Training: Bits and Mouths
Daisy Smith explores how to choose and fit the perfect bit, with kindness and clarity as top priorities.

29 – WIN! Tickets to HOYS
It’s the biggest show of the year – and you could be there! Find out how to enter.

30 – Intelligent Debate: Naming and Shaming
A balanced look at whether public ‘naming and shaming’ in the horse world helps or harms. Join the discussion.

32 – Home Sweet Home: The Intelligent Guide to Rehoming
Everything you need to know about giving a horse a second chance. Honest, emotional, and incredibly helpful.

37–42 – IHRT & Case Files
Updates from IH Recommended Trainers, including standout case studies from Cyndie Gould and Sue Palmer.

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groundwork, horse psychology, bit fitting, electrolytes & feeding, nutrition, rehoming, IH science, brain & senses, myths busting, anatomy, biomechanics, loading, travelling

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Explore Your Summer 2018 IH Magazine! What’s Inside? • Kelly Marks reflects on “character building” through horses and the joy (and chaos) of the Spring Tour• Big Interview with showjumping […]

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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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