Summer 2010

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Summer 2010

Explore Your Summer 2010 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Elaine Sutcliffe explores the elusive art of achieving contact in “A Bit in Hand!”
• Sarah Weston shares touching stories and gentle techniques in “Fur, Fabric and Feathers”
• Joanna O’Neill draws parallels between horsemanship and optimism in “High Hopes”
• Kelly Marks rides to success at the Pro-Am TREC Championship at Royal Windsor
• RAs Linda Ruffle, Julia and Dido Fisher introduce a new course: Perfect Confidence
• Adam Goodfellow and Nicole Golding stir up thoughtful debate in “The Ethics of Modern Dressage”
• Jock Ruddock and Sue Palmer offer expert insights on bucking, bodywork and keeping your horse soft through the back
• Plus: Monty Roberts’ Equus Online University launch, Letters from Members, Equine First Aid, and much more


Why You’ll Love This Issue

Summer’s always a time for growth—and this issue is full of thoughtful encouragement to help both horse and human progress with kindness and confidence. Whether it’s Elaine Sutcliffe helping us better understand contact, or our new Perfect Confidence course supporting riders who’ve lost their nerve, this issue is packed with insights that lift us up. Adam and Nicole’s article on dressage invites us to reflect on the ethics behind what we do, while stories like Joanna O’Neill’s gently remind us to keep our “high hopes” and steady joy alive. There's a lovely balance of technical advice, heartfelt stories and practical support—it’s one for reading cover to cover.


Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

Page 3 – Letter from Kelly
Kelly shares her thoughts on horses as mentors, with a heart-warming update on Pie’s new role as ‘Uncle Pie’.

Page 4 – A Bit in Hand!
Elaine Sutcliffe gives us a brilliant introduction to understanding contact and how discomfort can undermine the horse-rider relationship.

Page 5 – High Hopes
Joanna O’Neill delightfully weaves lessons from the Frank Sinatra song into real-world horsemanship wisdom.

Page 6 – Fur, Fabric and Feathers
Sarah Weston shows us how soft textures and gentler tools can reach even the most traumatised foals, in a moving piece on Dartmoor training.

Page 7 – Pro-Am TREC Championship at Royal Windsor 2010
Kelly recounts her exciting day competing on borrowed horse Jock, raising funds for Shy Lowen and celebrating the IH community spirit.

Page 8 – Equus Online University / IH Garden Party Announcement
Discover Monty’s groundbreaking new online learning platform and grab your invite to the social event of the summer.

Page 9 – Your Letters
Members share heartfelt experiences of courses, breakthroughs and joyful new beginnings.

Page 10 – Perfect Confidence
Meet the Recommended Associates behind our newest course aimed at rebuilding rider confidence—in-hand and under saddle.

Page 12 – Ask the Experts
Jock Ruddock and Sue Palmer explore causes of bucking, equine pain and practical bodywork for everyday riding.

Page 14 – The Ethics of Modern Dressage
In a bold and thought-provoking article, Adam Goodfellow and Nicole Golding question competitive standards and speak up for the horse.

Page 16 – IH Charity Update & RA Sandra Williams with the RSPCA
A look at inspiring work with the RSPCA and a fundraising update for Shy Lowen—with praise for the power of communication and compassion.

Page 18 – Getting to Yes
Kelly shares insights on turning “no” into “yes” through understanding, timing and building trust—without shortcuts or smacks.

Page 20 – Raising the Goal Posts
Explore how raising expectations—in a thoughtful way—can improve communication and performance with your horse.

Page 21 – Lightening the Forehand
Techniques for helping your horse move more freely, with helpful riding strategies.

Page 22 – Introduction to Intelligent Worming
A sensible, science-backed approach to deworming routines—get informed and stay ahead.

Page 24 – The Rounding Reflex
Understand the biomechanics behind a horse’s outline and how to develop it without force.

Page 26 – Equine Behaviour Forum
Insights into equine behaviour, with examples that will make you nod in recognition.

Page 27 – Understanding Colonic Ulcers
A clear, practical guide to spotting and managing this often-overlooked health issue.

Page 28 – Gillian Higgs Book & DVD Reviews
Thoughtful reviews on training materials to help guide your next learning step.

Page 29 – I’m Shy Boy
Kelly reflects on the journey of Monty Roberts’ famous mustang, Shy Boy.

Page 30 – IH Clothing
Look the part with IH’s range of branded wear—practical and stylish.

Page 31 – Rehoming Harvey
A touching rehoming story that shows what’s possible with patience and the right match.

Page 32 – Equine First Aid
Essential advice and reminders for keeping your horse safe and supported in emergencies.

Page 33 – Where Are They Now?
Catch up with some of our favourite horses and people from previous editions.

Page 34 – Spotlight on RA Jo Bond
Get to know Jo Bond—her journey, approach, and what drives her as an RA.

Page 35 – Lessons from Rio and Julia Fisher
Reflections and riding insights from two much-loved IH figures.


Navigation Tags

groundwork, confidence, foals, young horse, untouched horse, ethics, dressage, rider positioning & biomechanics, equine bodywork, worming, gastric ulcers, first aid, rehoming, training aids, TREC

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