2008 Summer

Explore Your Summer 2008 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Sarah Weston’s brilliant demo raises £1,000 for RDA – plus success stories from spooky ponies to challenging loaders
• Dr Veronica Fowler dives deep into the science behind ‘spooky’ horses and why gradual habituation really works
• Nicole Golding shares her step-by-step method for transforming switched-off horses into willing, forward partners
• Donna Blinman answers your pressing vet questions – from hock stiffness to managing osteoarthritis
• Hilary Vernon offers practical bitting advice for competition-minded riders balancing comfort and rules
• Jackie JA Taylor’s expert insight into feeding for long-term joint health, especially for good-doers
• Exclusive feature on Monty Roberts’ new stretching method using his ‘Apple Stick’ – hand-feeding not required!
• Powerful member stories – including how ‘Ride for Five’ is changing lives, and why one reader’s Dartmoor foals are now thriving
• Don’t miss our competition to win an IH holiday in Andalucía with RA Tracey James!

Why You’ll Love This Issue

This edition is all about progress – gentle, thoughtful, and real. Whether it’s understanding the science behind your horse’s fear (Dr Fowler’s piece is a must-read), seeing the magic of Sarah Weston’s work with hard-to-load ponies, or finding confidence in making even tiny changes like switching to a better bit or diet – it’s all here to support you.

Kelly opens this issue with a heartfelt reminder: working with Recommended Associates isn’t just for solving problems. It’s also about deepening that connection and making life easier for both you and your horse. From RDA support to clever stretching techniques, this issue’s full of little gems that make a big difference.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

Page 2 – Monty Makes It a Night to Remember
A touching evening in North Wales raising money for Ride for Five, with Monty’s inspiring stories about horses – and the young people he’s helped along the way.

Page 3 – Letter from Kelly
Kelly shares her pride in the Recommended Associates, reminding us how prevention is often the best cure. A lovely personal note from the heart of IH.

Page 4 – Intelligent Horsemanship Demo – Sarah Weston
A practical, uplifting demo with everything from spook-busting Shetlands to successful trailer loading. Finn the biter becomes a reformed character!

Page 5 – Your Letters
Members share their heartfelt wins, including starfish rescues, successful demos, and beautiful stories of how small changes made a big impact.

Pages 6–7 – Spooky Horses: It’s the Horse-Eating Plastic Bag Again!
Dr Veronica Fowler breaks down the science of fear, why L-Tryptophan isn’t the answer, and how to use gradual habituation – with calm companions and clever planning.

Pages 8–9 – Dealing with a Problem Kicker (Part 2)
Nicole Golding offers a structured approach to turning sluggish horses into self-propelling, forward-thinking partners, using clarity, fairness, and humour.

Page 10 – Q&A with Donna Blinman
Vet advice on dragging hind legs, magnetic boots, and managing arthritis with a mix of good care and smart supplements.

Page 11 – Q&A with Hilary Vernon
Thoughtful bitting advice for those juggling competition rules and what your horse really prefers – with helpful dressage-friendly options.

Page 12 – Q&A with Kelly Marks
Riding in a Dually? Dealing with anxious separation? Homemade tools for safer handling? Kelly’s practical advice helps you find confidence with kind solutions.

Page 13 – Q&A with Jackie JA Taylor
Feeding for soundness and ageing joints – Jackie shares what works (and what to avoid) for keeping good-doers moving comfortably for years to come.

Pages 14–15 – The Monty Roberts ‘Apple Stick’
Sue Brown introduces Monty’s non-hand-feeding method for stretching and mobilisation. Smart, simple, and effective for every horse.

Page 16 – Smudge the Mustang
An insight into this special little horse’s journey – from wild mustang to gentle companion.

Page 17 – IHDG Veteran Horse Feature
Celebrating the lives and lessons of older horses – and the wisdom they share.

Page 18 – Amersham: The Facts
A powerful account of what went wrong at Amersham and how the Animal Welfare Act failed to protect. A must-read for those passionate about equine welfare.

Page 19 – Equine Iridology
An introduction to an alternative approach – looking into the eyes to understand health.

Pages 20–21 – Setting Up for Success
How to give native ponies the best start in life, with a focus on early handling and thoughtful routines.

Pages 22–25 – News, Reviews and Bulletins
What’s new in the IH world, member updates, product reviews, and a few fun bits too!

Page 26 – Spotlight on Garry Bosworth
Meet a Recommended Associate making waves with quiet confidence and solid results.

Page 27 – Competition: Win an IH Holiday in Spain!
Fancy learning horsemanship under the sun? Here’s your chance to win a week at The Natural Horse Centre with RA Tracey James.

Navigation Tags

spooky horse, groundwork, RDA, loading, nutrition, soundness arthritis, bitting, dually halter, horse psychology, stretching, veteran horses, native ponies