Explore Your Spring & Summer 2026 IH Magazine!

This time, I’m sharing my thoughts on getting that extra 1% better – something that’s been shaping how I approach both horses and life. It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one, and I hope it’ll be useful to anyone looking to make steady, meaningful progress without feeling overwhelmed.

What’s Inside?

We've brought together another brilliant line-up of contributors this isse:

• Abi Pass explores electrotherapies – a subject that can feel overwhelming, but her clear, balanced look at evidence, ethics and real-world use helps cut through the noise.

• Lisa White’s interview really got me thinking – especially her belief that “you can’t train pain” and how much the rider’s body influences the horse.

• Gillian Higgins shares her four-part posture assessment system – a practical, accessible way to better understand how our horses use their bodies.

• Dr Sue Dyson takes a closer look at bits, nosebands and mouth opening in dressage – a fascinating and thought-provoking piece on comfort and performance.

• Sandra Williams’ article on burnout in horses really struck a chord – a powerful reminder that behaviour is often communication.

Plus, we’ve got inspiring member stories, useful seasonal advice, and practical features on topics like Weaning, Grass Sickness, EMS and grass management – essential reading as we head into the growing season.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

If you’ve ever questioned whether your horse is truly comfortable in their work, Sue Dyson’s article will give you the tools to look more closely – and perhaps see things differently.

If your horse isn’t developing quite as you’d hoped, Gillian’s posture guide offers a clear starting point for understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface.

And if you’re feeling stuck, the idea of improving by just 1% is a reassuring reminder that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.

This issue also explores some of the more complex challenges we face – from hidden physical conditions to emotional burnout – and how thoughtful, horse-centred training can help us navigate them.

We’ve included honest stories, practical training advice, and insights from experts who aren’t afraid to question tradition in favour of better welfare and understanding.

All our members can access this magazine for free, along with our full archive and loads of exclusive videos, webinars 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: That Extra 1%…
I explore the idea of small, consistent improvements and how aiming for just 1% better can make a meaningful difference for both horse and rider.

06 Letters and Cartoon by Nat Herman
Your feedback, your stories, and Nat’s brilliant cartoon – always a highlight!

08 IH News and Updates
All the latest from the IH world and beyond – from charity achievements to new ventures and community news.

11 IH Members’ Photos
A lovely collection of moments shared between horses and their people.

12 Meet a Member: Sarah Battrick
Sarah’s lifelong passion for horses shines through in this heartfelt story – from early days to finding her “horse of a lifetime.”

14 Big Interview: Lisa White, International Dressage Trainer
Lisa shares her training philosophy, why rider biomechanics matter, and her commitment to listening to the horse.

17 Electrotherapies for Horses – Abi Pass
A clear, balanced look at electrotherapy tools – helping you make informed, ethical decisions for your horse.

23 Posture Assessment – Gillian Higgins
A practical four-part system to assess and improve your horse’s posture and way of going.

26 Dressage with the Horse in Mind – Dr Sue Dyson
An in-depth exploration of bits, nosebands and mouth opening, and what they tell us about comfort and performance.

30 Cervical Vertebral Malformation: A Hidden Condition – Julia Duncan
An important look at a condition that can easily be missed but has significant effects on performance and welfare.

33 Weaning: Why it Matters – Charlie Carr
A thoughtful guide to weaning young horses with welfare and development in mind.

36 When Too Much Talent Becomes Challenging – Sandra Williams
A powerful case study exploring burnout, behaviour and the importance of emotional wellbeing.

38 Better Answers for Laminitis, EMS & Grass Management – Sarah Bough
Practical, experience-led advice for managing metabolic horses safely and effectively.

40 The Physics of Schooling Livery – Caroline Shenton-Taylor
A fascinating look at the science behind training and horse-rider interaction.

42 Equine Grass Sickness – Charlotte Gilbert
An informative and important piece on a serious condition every owner should be aware of.

43 On the Button – Dr Rosie Jones-McVey
Rosie encourages us to think differently about knowledge, decision-making and the “expert in our pocket.”

47 Book Review: Drawn to Horses – Sue Palmer & Sarah Brown
A beautifully reflective book combining artwork and thoughtful insights into our relationship with horses.

48 Book Review: The Yard – Grace Olson
A compelling and engaging read exploring life in the equestrian world.

50 Spotlight on IH Trainer Nicki Marshall
A closer look at Nicki’s work and her contribution to the IH community.

52 Book Review: The Horse Lovers Miscellany – J. C. Jeremy Hobson
A fun and informative collection of equestrian facts and trivia.

55 IH Trainer Client Feedback
Real-life success stories from our brilliant IH Trainers – always inspiring and encouraging

Navigation Tag

groundwork, posture, rider biomechanics, dressage, saddle fit & bitting, behaviour, burnout, horse psychology, welfare, electrotherapy, laminitis, EMS, grass management, young horses, hidden conditions, training, book reviews