2019

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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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Autumn 2019

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.


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Spring 2019

Explore Your Summer 2019 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• A lively and inspiring Big Interview with liberty and stunt trainer Ben Atkinson — including his advice to “just start!”
Dr Veronica Fowler returns in “Intelligent Science” to bust more misleading studies – this time, on “smiling” horses!
IH Trainer Bridget Colston shares the latest on bit and bridle fitting – a must-read for improving your horse’s comfort.
Kay Brown takes long reining beyond the basics, with expert advice you can put into practice.
• Fun TREC exercises to challenge yourself and your horse at home.
• Thoughtful reflections on horse-human communication in Rosie Jones-McVey’s “It’s Good to Talk”.
• A refreshingly honest Intelligent Debate on weight, body image and equestrian culture: “Fat Shaming or Hard Truths?”
• Plus: IH member stories, trainer tips, scientific insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at IH Recommended Trainers in action.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This edition really gets to the heart of why we do what we do — and how to do it better. Whether you’re intrigued by liberty training, brushing up on science, or just need a bit of motivation, there’s something for you here. Ben Atkinson’s interview (p14) is full of passion and practical advice, reminding us that confidence comes from consistency and clarity. And if you’ve ever wondered how much your horse really understands your words, Rosie’s article (p33) may just change how you communicate. There’s training inspiration aplenty too — Kay Brown’s long reining feature (p22) is a real confidence builder. This issue is all about strengthening your connection, refining your skills, and remembering we’re all learning, all the time.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – Kelly Marks: My World
Kelly shares highlights from the IH Recommended Trainers meeting, from agility arches to ethical dilemmas — always learning, always growing.

7 – Letters & Feedback
From beans to whips and “grumpy geldings”, our members share heartfelt, humorous, and thoughtful stories.

8 – In Other News
New IH course, latest equine science updates, electric cars and horse safety, and how to make the most of your membership.

9 – Members’ Photos
A touching and joyful gallery celebrating the bond between horses and their humans.

11 – Meet a Member: Seb Dawnay
Fourth-generation polo pro Seb shares his journey, family legacy, and how IH helped shape his relationship with horses.

12 – Intelligent Science: “Smiling” Horses?
Dr Veronica Fowler takes a critical look at a popular study – are horses really smiling, or are we reading too much into it?

14 – The Big Interview: Ben Atkinson
Liberty rider and stunt trainer Ben talks fear, focus, and finding freedom through training. A must-read for anyone wanting to build true partnership.

18 – IH Training: Bit & Bridle Fitting
Bridget Colston unpacks modern approaches to ensure your horse’s comfort – fascinating insights from science and practice.

22 – IH Training: Long Reining – Beyond Basics
Kay Brown shows how to elevate your groundwork with expert long reining techniques.

27 – IH Training: TREC at Home
Fun, confidence-building exercises you can try in your own arena or field.

33 – It’s Good to Talk
Rosie Jones-McVey explores why we talk to our horses and whether it’s helping or hindering connection.

36 – Intelligent Debate: Fat Shaming or Hard Truths?
A brave and balanced look at body image in the horse world – and the language we use around weight.

39 – Success Story: Sarah’s Journey
A moving member story that shows what’s possible with patience, persistence and IH principles.

40 – Spotlight On: Sandra Williams
Agility, creativity, and kindness — get to know the RT behind the arch-building article!

42 – IHRT Client Feedback
Real stories of how IH Trainers are helping owners and horses all over the UK.

44 – IH Courses
Your guide to upcoming courses, including the new “Discovering You and Your Horse”.

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Spring 2019

Explore Your Spring 2019 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

Kelly Marks shares insights on true leadership (and why some “position statements” are more marketing than science).
Ros Canter in the Big Interview – what we can all learn from a World Champion eventer.
Dr Veronica Fowler unpacks the science behind the Dually® – and why correct fitting really matters.
Getting your horse fit – a practical guide featuring expert advice from Dr David Marlin and more.
Thought-provoking piece by Dr Rosie Jones McVey on horse humour, banter, and what it really reveals about us.
The Whip Debate heats up in our Intelligent Horsemanship community – where do you stand?
Member stories including IH course experiences, confidence journeys, and even a heartfelt colic surgery reflection.
Spotlight on IH Diploma – meet Charlie Carr, and read how becoming an IH Trainer changed her life.
Photography Feature – meet the winner of our IH Young Equestrian Photographer of the Year!


Why You’ll Love This Issue

Ros Canter’s interview shows how a grounded mindset and smart strategy can bring world-level success. The fitness feature (p.20) gives you expert-backed advice to set your horse up for success. Meanwhile, Veronica Fowler’s analysis (p.10) gently reminds us that good science starts with good sense – especially when it comes to how we use our training tools.

This issue doesn’t shy away from the big topics either – the whip debate (p.32) invites us to explore differing views with compassion and curiosity. And Dr Rosie Jones McVey’s piece (p.14) cleverly unpacks the humour we use around horses, revealing just how much it says about us.


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World by Kelly Marks
Kelly reflects on leadership, emotional integrity, and dealing with criticism in the world of horsemanship. Plus, her experience on the Hoffman Process and why kindness starts with connection.

6 – Letters & Feedback
Members share powerful stories – from nervous rescue horses to renewed confidence after IH courses. Real-life inspiration straight from the heart.

7 – Members’ Photos
A gorgeous collection of IH members and their beloved equines – including the spring canvas winner, Lucy & Bracken.

8 – In Other News
Equine science, whip rules in racing, saddle fit and rider weight – we bring you thoughtful coverage of hot topics and welfare issues.

9 – Meet a Member: Charlie Carr
A heartwarming story of IH Diploma success, from quirky first ponies to salsa dancing and clipping services.

10 – Intelligent Science: Dually® Interpreted
Dr Veronica Fowler investigates a recent study on the Dually® – exposing flawed methods and reinforcing the importance of proper use.

12 – IH Photographer of the Year
Meet Sophie Gellender – and see the stunning photo that won her the 2018 title. Plus her tips for aspiring equine photographers.

14 – What’s So Funny About Pony Beating?
Dr Rosie Jones McVey explores horse-related humour and what our jokes really say about our values and vulnerabilities.

17 – The Big Interview: Ros Canter
Eventing World Champion Ros Canter talks fear, fitness, confidence, and what it’s really like being “small but mighty” in a high-powered sport.

20 – Is Your Horse Fit Enough?
A six-page training special helping you create a tailored fitness plan for your horse – with practical advice from leading experts.

26 – Hassle-Free Worming
Simple, safe and informed – how IH principles can support smarter parasite control.

29 – Colic Surgery: Is It Worth the Risk?
An honest look at the pros, cons, costs and emotional toll of equine colic surgery – with first-hand reflections.

32 – Intelligent Debate: Is There a Place for Whips in IH?
Our community speaks up – strong opinions on both sides in this thoughtful, passionate conversation.

34 – From the Case Files: Working with Minis
Delicate groundwork, clear boundaries and building trust – how IH works with miniature horses too!

36 – The IH Diploma
Your step-by-step route to becoming an IH Trainer. Includes real feedback, course breakdowns and inspiring testimonials.

40 – Spotlight on Dr Rosie Jones McVey
Learn more about our thoughtful contributor, her academic work and how she’s helping IH explore deeper horsemanship insights.

43 – IHRT Client Feedback
Honest feedback from clients helped by our IH Recommended Trainers. Results that speak volumes.

44 – IH Courses
Updated course dates and info to help you plan your next step.


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