2020

Cover of Winter IH Magazine

Winter 2020
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Cover of Winter IH Magazine

Hello IH Members and friends!
This issue is especially close to my heart, as it’s brimming with stories of resilience, learning, and connection—even if many of us were spending more time mucking out than going out! Whether you’re after festive joy, a bit of training inspiration, or some thoughtful debate to chew over by the fire, this Winter edition is here to bring you comfort, knowledge and encouragement.

What’s Inside?

• “My World” with Kelly Marks – Reflecting on 2020 and planning for the winter ahead (with a bit of polework for Pie!).
• IH Diploma Success – Inspiring psychology projects from our determined students—horse travel preferences, obesity management, and even veterans with PTSD.
• The 12 Mindful Days of Christmas – Sandra Williams’ seasonal self-care for you and your horse.
• Training Feature: Mounting Success – Kelly’s tips on teaching your horse to stand still to be mounted.
• Spotlight on Land Management – Dr Lisa Schofield shares essential winter advice for horse-friendly pastures.
• IH Debate: Zoopharmacognosy – Can horses really self-medicate? A lively and thought-provoking discussion.
• Book Extract: Tik Maynard’s “In the Middle Are the Horsemen” – A glimpse into thoughtful horsemanship.
• Success Stories & Member Feedback – Real-life transformations, heart-warming letters, and community wins.
• Meet a Member – Polo-player Laura Elliott shares her journey retraining ex-racers the IH way.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Winter is a time for reflection, reset, and sometimes just surviving the mud! This issue encourages all three. Whether you’re inspired by Sandra’s calming Christmas countdown or captivated by the heartfelt Member Story “Speaking Without Words”, there’s something here to lift your spirits and fuel your goals for 2021. The horse psychology projects alone are worth curling up with—ranging from umbrella desensitisation to whether horses can choose how they want to travel. It’s reassuring, fascinating, and a real tribute to how far IH Members will go to understand and support their horses. Plus, there’s lots of festive cheer to enjoy—without any tinsel-induced panic!

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: What Do YOU Have in Mind?
Kelly Marks shares reflections from the year, goals for winter (polework with Pie!), and celebrates our students’ incredible course achievements despite a tough year.

8 – Letters and Feedback
From hospital recoveries to confidence in the saddle, members share how IH has supported their journeys—even through lockdown.

11 – Meet a Member: Laura Elliott
Polo-player and retrainer of ex-racehorses Laura talks career shifts, confidence, and why she’s passionate about becoming an IH Trainer.

12 – IH Members’ Stories: Speaking Without Words
Irena Szirtes pens a moving reflection on her bond with her horse Tilly, blending stillness, liberty work, and the memory of her grandfather.

14 – IH Debate: Zoopharmacognosy
Do horses really know what they need to eat? We explore both sides of this fascinating (and controversial) practice.

17 – Equine Sports Science Summit
Sue Palmer reports from the Centaur Biomechanics Summit, packed with insights from leading researchers into movement, pain, and performance.

20 – IH on Tour: Northington Demo
A look back at the IH team’s Northington demo—plus the impact on a young rider named Caden and his rescue pony, Moon.

26 – 12 Mindful Days of Christmas
Sandra Williams brings warmth and wisdom to this seasonal countdown for horse lovers seeking balance and joy.

28 – Training a Horse to Stand Still to Mount
A practical and powerful guide from Kelly to one of the most underrated skills—mounting block manners!

32 – Land Management for Horses
Dr Lisa Schofield explores practical winter pasture advice, from poaching to planning for spring growth.

36 – In the Middle Are the Horsemen (Book Extract)
A special sneak peek into Tik Maynard’s celebrated memoir—deep, insightful, and very IH in spirit.

39 – Success Files: Shimmer’s Story
A heartfelt transformation tale about Shimmer’s journey from fearful to trusting—with help from IH methods.

40 – Spotlight On: Leanne Roger
Discover the story behind another IH star who’s helping horses and humans with her unique, thoughtful approach.

43 – Trainer Client Feedback
Kind words and success stories from those who’ve worked with IH Trainers—proof that gentle, informed training really works.

Navigation Tags

mounting, travelling, winter, zoopharmacognosy, pasture management

Autumn 2020
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Explore Your Autumn 2020 IH Magazine!

Hello IH Members and friends!

This issue is one of our most thought-provoking yet. We’ve delved deep into the challenges riders face, shared science-led breakthroughs that could change your horse’s life, and we’ve got more than a few uplifting stories to warm your heart on those darker evenings.

What’s Inside?

• “My World” by Kelly Marks – Shylo the Shoemaker teaches a masterclass in Horse Psychology (p4)
• IH Debate – Are we driving our horses round the bend? A no-holds-barred look at the use of circles and dressage (p12)
• The Big Interview with Dr. Sue Dyson – Insightful and packed with must-know tips on spotting subtle signs of pain (p14)
• IH Training with Dr. Veronica Fowler – Impressive findings on aural plaques and how to treat them (p18)
• Leanne Roger’s “The Trust Pot” – Building a true bond with your horse through trust and consistency (p21)
• Reducing Your Carbon Hoofprint – Sarah Kingsley’s brilliant guide to making your yard more eco-friendly (p24)
• Ride Leader Course Review – IH meets BHS as Jessica Pryor shares her safety-first tips for happy hacking (p28)
• Surprising Poisons – Ele Milwright reveals everyday dangers hiding in plain sight (p34)
• Success Files – Emma and Harvey’s journey from heartbreak to harmony (p38)
• Plus: Members’ stories, pony training tales, uplifting photos, IH Trainer feedback, and much more!

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This issue is all about perspective—seeing our horses, our routines, and even ourselves through a fresh lens. Our debate on the ethics of endless circles (p12) will definitely get you thinking, while Dr. Dyson’s feature (p14) provides invaluable clarity on how to spot discomfort before it becomes a bigger issue.

You’ll find practical, real-world training tools—like Leanne Roger’s approach to trust (p21) and Jessica Pryor’s hacking guidance (p28)—alongside deep, heartfelt stories that remind us all why we do what we do. From Shylo’s prascend-pill escapades to brave decisions made in our Members’ Letters, this is an edition that celebrates learning, growing, and looking after our horses with compassion.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: Lessons in Horse Psychology
Kelly shares what Shylo taught her about “teaching your horse to be bad”—and then undoing it! A brilliantly honest piece about mistakes, learning, and tiny ponies with big personalities.

6 – Letters & Feedback
Honest, heartfelt stories from IH members—including one brave owner’s decision to sell her horse and start fresh.

7 – In Other News
Shy Lowen’s rescue centre success, a hat-trick win, and a tribute to top IH-trained stallion Fascinating Rock.

9 – Members’ Photos
From newborn foals to brave bareback hacks—our members share inspiring snapshots and training journeys.

10 – Member Story: Hugo
Amy Craske’s touching, funny, and beautifully written journey with a complicated pony and what he taught her about horsemanship, pressure, and humility.

12 – IH Debate: Are We Driving Our Horses Round the Bend?
Is schooling in circles doing more harm than good? Both sides of this passionate debate laid out with honesty and insight.

14 – The Big Interview: Dr. Sue Dyson
An in-depth chat with the veterinary pioneer on saddle fit, subtle lameness, rider responsibility, and what to watch for in our own horses.

18 – IH Training: Dr. Veronica Fowler on Aural Plaques
New results show how simple changes can make a big difference in treating stubborn ear issues.

21 – IH Training: The Trust Pot
Leanne Roger shares her proven method for building (and rebuilding) trust with even the most wary horse.

24 – Reducing Your Carbon Hoofprint
Simple, do-able ideas to make your horsey life that little bit greener. A must-read for every yard.

28 – IH Meets BHS: Ride Leader Course
Trainer Jessica Pryor explains how her BHS training boosted her confidence for hacking out—and how it can help you too.

32 – Recipes for Good Horsemanship
Quick tips and kind thinking to help you create calm, consistent training environments for your horse.

34 – Surprising Poisons
You’ll be shocked by what might be lurking in your paddocks! Essential reading for all horse owners.

38 – Success Files: Emma and Harvey
A moving story of resilience and rediscovery as one rider finds joy again through IH methods.

40 – Spotlight On: Kelly Brotherhood
Get to know this rising IH Trainer star and what inspires her.

43 – Trainer Feedback
Real testimonials from IH clients—heartening stories of transformation, patience, and partnership.

Navigation Tags

horse psychology, groundwork, aural plaque, saddle fitting, rider weight, hacking, trust building, dressage, poisons, behaviour

Front Cover of Summer 2020 IH Magazine

Summer 2020
In

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Front Cover of Summer 2020 IH Magazine

Explore Your Summer 2020 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores how horses help heal humans in the powerful article How Horses Heal Humans.
• Kelly Marks shares stories of grit, growth and glowing moments in My World: Ray of Light!.
• The Seven Sins of Loading Horses — are you making one of these common mistakes?
• Could You Go Bitless? Alison Ball presents the pros and cons of riding without a bit.
• Becoming a Stronger, More Confident Rider — IH Trainer Stephanie Heeran explains how resistance training changed her riding.
• Big Interview: Dr Veronica Fowler — veterinary scientist, horse lover, and a quiet hero in the COVID fight.
• The Horses Inside Out Conference 2020 brings cutting-edge equine science straight to you.
• Being Brave by Gaynor Roberts — an honest, heartfelt story of rediscovering confidence through a beloved pony.
• Member story: From West End star to aspiring horse whisperer — meet 12-year-old Seb Adams-Eaton and his cheeky pony Dudley.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

There’s something deeply reassuring about this summer’s issue — it meets us where we are. Whether you’ve felt anxious, grounded, inspired or simply in need of a moment of connection, these pages will resonate.

Kelly’s Ray of Light column reminds us that strength comes in all forms — sometimes it’s lifting weights, sometimes it’s just getting back on your feet. Rosie Jones-McVey’s moving research into how horses help heal humans speaks volumes to what we all sense: that horses change us, emotionally and mentally.

You’ll find guidance, inspiration and honest truths — from tips on bitless riding and how not to sabotage trailer loading, to deeply personal member stories of courage, recovery and joy. It’s an issue full of heart, grit, and real support. A perfect companion for these uncertain times.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

04 – My World: Ray of Light!
Kelly Marks reflects on inner strength, surprising detours, and an unforgettable standing ovation in Europe — with her trademark humour and heart.

06 – Letters and Feedback
From hat nests to heartfelt farewells, members share moments of joy, grief and gratitude.

07 – Members’ Photos
Winners, working ponies, rescues and family favourites — our members share their most cherished horsey companions.

08 – IH Member News: Paying It Forward
Veteran Ian Whiting brings the Masterson Method to Help for Heroes veterans in a brilliant example of horsemanship giving back.

09 – Meet a Member: Seb Adams-Eaton
12-year-old Seb — guitarist, stage star, and proud IH member — shares his bond with pony Dudley and his dreams of becoming a horse whisperer.

10 – Special Report: Horses Inside Out Conference
Sue Palmer reports from this fascinating 2020 event, diving into fascia, tendons, brains, hooves and biomechanics.

12 – Members’ Articles: Being Brave by Gaynor Roberts
A tender and beautifully written story about fear, recovery and a pony called Toffee who helped mend a broken confidence.

14 – The Big Interview: Dr Veronica Fowler
From foot-and-mouth disease to fighting COVID-19, Veronica’s story is inspiring, insightful and incredibly human.

18 – IH Training: Could You Go Bitless?
Alison Ball explores the pros and cons of bitless riding, sharing experience, evidence and a few cautionary tales.

22 – IH Training: The Seven Sins of Loading Horses
Kelly reveals the common errors that can sabotage trailer training — and how to fix them with understanding and confidence.

25 – IH Training: Resistance Training for Riders
Stephanie Heeran shares how weight training helped her ride better, feel stronger and build her confidence from the ground up.

28 – IH Training: Horsefly Hunters
Tips and techniques for keeping those pesky summer flies at bay.

30 – IH Training: Small But Mighty – Shetland Ponies
A delightful look at these pint-sized powerhouses and the role they play in education and therapy.

33 – IH Training: Recipes for Good Horsemanship
Simple, smart daily habits for nurturing trust, boundaries and joyful partnerships.

34 – Horses as Healers
Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores the science and stories behind how horses support mental health and emotional healing.

38 – From the Case Files: Wrapping Up Rodney
A tricky case of discomfort, behaviour and breakthrough.

40 – Spotlight On: Garry Bosworth
An appreciation for a quietly influential horseman and IH supporter.

43 – IHRT Client Feedback & Courses
Real-life praise for IH Registered Trainers and a peek at upcoming learning opportunities.

Navigation Tags

bitless riding, loading, confidence, rider fitness, horse psychology, Shetland ponies, fascia, biomechanics, hoof care, summer

Spring 2020

Spring 2020
In

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Spring 2020

Explore Your Spring 2020 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks shares powerful reflections on brain health and horsemanship in her heartfelt My World column.
• Our very first IH Writer of the Year is announced! Read the moving winning entry by Lorne Thomas.
• Meet an extraordinary IH Member: Hollister Turner — a trailblazer for women in sport and lifelong learner of horsemanship.
• Daisy Smith reports on IH’s Mental Health First Aid training and why rider wellbeing matters more than ever.
• Dr Veronica Fowler unpacks the science behind ‘licking and chewing’ – is it really a sign of relaxation?
• Debate: Trick training – useful skill or problematic trend?
• Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores what makes someone an “expert” in the horse world.
• Sandra Williams tackles medical causes of poor performance in horses.
• Our Members’ section is packed with photos, feedback, and real-life inspiration from your fellow IH community.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This special Spring edition is all about YOU – our members. From the extraordinary achievements of long-time IHers like Hollister Turner, to heartfelt writing from members who’ve overcome incredible personal challenges, every page celebrates what makes this community so powerful. Whether it’s Kelly’s stirring reminder to look after your brain (and wear that helmet!), or Daisy’s insightful report on mental health in equestrian life, this issue brings together learning, empathy, and encouragement in true IH spirit. If you’re in need of inspiration, reassurance, or just a nudge to keep going, it’s all here.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – Kelly Marks: My World
Kelly takes a brave and personal look at head injuries, brain health, and mental wellbeing, tying it all back to what really matters in horsemanship – kindness, awareness and protecting both people and horses.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Heartfelt letters from members share stories of compassion, connection, and how IH has touched their lives – from saying goodbye to beloved ponies, to rediscovering confidence and joy.

7 – In Other News…
Updates from across the horse world, including rider confidence breakthroughs, animal welfare legislation news, and Carl Hester’s thoughts on happy horses.

8 – Meet a Member Special Edition: Hollister Turner
An inspiring profile of IH Member Hollister Turner – former director of the Women’s Sports Foundation, campaigner for equality, and passionate learner of horsemanship.

13 – Members’ Photos
From Shetlands to warmbloods, these photos capture the love and fun you share with your horses. (Congrats to Rachel & Rosie – our canvas print winners!)

14 – IH Mental Health First Aid Report
Daisy Smith explores how IH trainers are being equipped to spot and support mental health needs in riders. Includes practical takeaways and resources.

16 – IH Writer of the Year: Winner Announced
We reveal the winner of our very first writing competition: Lorne Thomas. Her story, “Highs, Lows & Just Don’t Knows”, is a touching tribute to love, loss, and finding hope through horses.

23 – We Need to Talk About… Concussion
Kelly Marks continues the conversation around rider head injuries – from brain scans to scratch-and-sniff smell tests – with wisdom, humour, and urgency.

28 – Intelligent Debate: Trick Training
A thought-provoking discussion on whether trick training adds to or distracts from ethical horsemanship. Hear both sides and make up your own mind.

30 – IH Training: Medical Causes of Poor Performance in Horses
Sandra Williams highlights why it’s vital to rule out medical issues before labelling a horse as ‘naughty’ or resistant – a must-read for every horse owner.

34 – Intelligent Science: Licking & Chewing – What Does It Mean?
Dr Veronica Fowler breaks down the behaviour we often associate with relaxation – but is it always what we think?

37 – Should You Really Trust the ‘Experts’?
Dr Rosie Jones-McVey explores the tricky topic of authority in the horse world – and how to tell helpful wisdom from confident guesswork.

40 – Spotlight On: Bridget Colston
A closer look at the adventures and insights of another remarkable IH member.

43 – IH Trainers Client Feedback
See what members are saying about their experiences with our brilliant IH Recommended Trainers.

44 – IH Courses
Details of upcoming courses to continue your horsemanship journey – whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills.

Navigation Tags

groundwork, horse psychology, rider health, concussion, mental health, veterinary, ethics, spring, writing competition, licking & chewing, performance,

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