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.
Navigation Tags
groundwork, polework, veteran horse, traveling, behaviour, herd dynamics, horsemanship around the world,