Autumn Winter 2024
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Explore Your Autumn & Winter 2024 IH Magazine!
Hello IH Members and friends! We’ve packed your latest issue of Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine full of fascinating articles, practical advice, and some truly heart-warming stories. This winter edition brings together brilliant minds from our wonderful IH community to help you and your horse have the best possible partnership.
What’s Inside?
I’ve shared a rather personal story about my friendship with the remarkable Joanna MacInnes (who I first knew simply as “The Tea Lady”!), and we’ve got an absolutely fascinating interview with Dr Gemma Pearson, who’s pioneering the field of Equine Veterinary Behavioural Medicine.
Our training section is particularly strong this issue:
- Gillian Higgins gives practical help for horses with kissing spines
- Leah Wright demystifies water treadmills (they’re not just for racehorses!)
- Sue Palmer shows you how to massage your horse (they’ll love you for it)
- Gillian Bradley introduces her clever “TEAM A” approach for emotional balance
I’ve also explored the many meanings behind horses’ licking and chewing, and Rosie Jones-McVey has written a thought-provoking piece on how we decide who to trust in the horse world (something we all struggle with!).
You’ll meet our lovely member Sally Henderson (former champion vaulter), read about some terrific new books, and discover how our dedicated IH Trainers are changing lives across the country.
Why You’ll Love This Issue
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to keep your horse comfortable and happy, especially during these challenging winter months. This issue is absolutely perfect for that!
The rehabilitation features are particularly special – I’ve experienced kissing spines with various horses that I have met over the years, so Gillian Higgins’ practical exercises have been a godsend. And I’ve personally tried Sue Palmer’s massage techniques (Pie was particularly appreciative!).
Jo Powell’s piece on managing anxiety really struck a chord with me. I think we’ve all felt those butterflies at times, whether it’s at a competition or just when things aren’t going to plan, and her simple mindfulness techniques can make such a difference to both you and your horse.
With the wet, muddy season upon us (is your field also turning into a swamp?), Amanda Goble’s enrichment ideas couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve already bought a few of the toys she recommends for Pie and Blondie, and the difference in their stable behaviour is quite remarkable.
Whether you’re struggling with a specific issue or just want to deepen your understanding, there’s something in this issue that will help you strengthen that special bond with your horse.
All our members can access this magazine for free, along with our complete magazine archive and loads of exclusive videos and resources. Not a member yet? Come and join our friendly community – we’d love to have you!
Complete Contents with Article Descriptions
04 – Kelly Marks – My World: “The Tea Lady”
I share a rather personal story about my friendship with Joanna MacInnes, who I first met as the tea lady at pony championships but turned out to be the owner of Walton Stud and the wonderful Kilvington Scoundrel.
07 – IH Members’ Photos
Some absolutely beautiful photographs from our talented members – I always love seeing these!
08 – Letters and Cartoon by Nat Herman
Your experiences using IH methods, including a lovely Star Letter about acceptance training with a Connemara pony, plus Nat’s brilliant cartoon.
10 – IH News and Membership updates
All the latest from IH HQ, including improvements to the Members’ Area and our competition winners.
12 – Meet a Member: Sally Henderson – Learning in Leaps & Bounds
Former champion vaulter Sally shares her incredible journey and how IH principles have helped her connection with horses.
16 – Book Review & Extract: Finding Your Superhorse
I review Lynn Palm’s excellent guide to developing horses with good attitudes and share some practical extracts on competition preparation.
18 – The Big Interview: Dr Gemma Pearson
A fascinating chat with the pioneering veterinary behaviourist about her groundbreaking work – she’s truly at the cutting edge of understanding horses.
22 – Controlling the Demon Drivers: Anxiety & Horses Don’t Mix
Jo Powell offers some brilliant practical techniques to manage your anxiety around horses – this could be a game-changer for many of you!
24 – IH Training: Can You Un-Kiss Kissing Spines?
Gillian Higgins explains this common condition in straightforward terms and provides eight exercises that really work to help affected horses.
27 – IH Training: Water Treadmill in Equine Rehabilitation
Leah Wright explores the benefits of underwater treadmills for recovery and fitness – it’s not just for elite competition horses!
29 – IH Training: Massaging Your Horse
Sue Palmer’s step-by-step guide to massaging your horse – a lovely way to strengthen your bond while helping your horse feel better.
33 – IH Training: Join-Up for Anatomy?
Abi Pass shares fascinating insights on “trunk transitions” – crucial junctions in your horse’s spine that affect everything they do.
35 – IH Training: Training Emotional and Mental Agility
Gillian Bradley introduces her “TEAM A” approach to create balanced, happy horses – I think this is absolutely brilliant.
39 – Licking & Chewing: What’s It All About?
I explore the many meanings behind this common behaviour, explaining why context is everything when interpreting your horse’s signals.
41 – Who knows best? How ‘trust’ works in the horse world
Rosie Jones-McVey offers thought-provoking insights into how we decide who and what to trust – essential reading in today’s confusing information landscape.
44 – Spotlight on IH Trainer Jo Powell
Meet wonderful Jo Powell, whose journey from teacher to IH Trainer shows it’s never too late to follow your passion.
46 – Talking Points: Are Bad Practices a Thing of the Past?
A thought-provoking discussion on changing ethics in dressage and high-level training – what’s your take on this?
48 – Book Extract: No Bored Horses
Amanda Goble’s guide to enrichment for happier horses – I’ve tried several of her suggestions with Pie and Blondie and they really work!
51 – IH Trainer Client Feedback
Heartwarming success stories from horse owners who’ve worked with our dedicated IH Trainers – these always make me smile.
Navigation Tags
anatomy, autumn, confidence, anxiety, behaviour, equine behavioural medicine, bodywork, communication, welfare, equitation science, groundwork, enrichment, horse psychology, human-horse relationship, Join-Up, kissing spines, licking and chewing, loading, massage, mindfulness, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, travelling, trust building, water treadmill, winter
