Summer 2015

Explore Your Summer 2015 IH Magazine!

What’s Inside?

• Kelly Marks shares her thoughts on the true meaning of confidence – and why balance is the real key.
• A powerful interview with para dressage rider Charlotte Cundall, on coming back from not one but two broken backs.
• A 12-page Rider Confidence Special, packed with practical training tips and heartfelt insights.
• Fascinating body language science – can we really read horses better with help from researchers?
• Rider position, seat security and breathing techniques to help regain calm and control.
• IHRA Rosie Jones reports from Total Confidence Live – a game-changing event for nervous riders.
• “Horses as Therapy” – moving stories of equine-assisted healing for children with special needs.
• Letters, member beach rides, fun mini-adventures and lots more shared inspiration from the IH community.
• A special look at equestrian Pilates and the benefits of body awareness for every rider.

Why You’ll Love This Issue

Whether you’ve faced a confidence wobble yourself or simply want to support a friend who has, this issue is for you. We know how easy it is to let fear creep in – even after years of happy riding – and how hard it can be to find your way back. That’s why we’ve devoted so much of this magazine to understanding where fear comes from, how it affects us, and most importantly, how to gently move through it.

From expert insights in The Fear Factor and Facing Your Fears to practical seat training tips and uplifting stories of personal courage, this issue is a steadying hand on your shoulder. And Charlotte Cundall’s remarkable journey will remind you that even the biggest dreams can be reshaped, not lost. Take a moment for yourself with this special edition – it’s full of encouragement, guidance, and real-world inspiration.

Complete Contents with Article Descriptions

4 – My World: Balance is the Key to Perfect Confidence
Kelly reflects on how confidence isn’t about bravado but thoughtfulness – and why treating yourself like royalty (yes, like the Queen!) can be the smartest riding strategy.

6 – Letters and Feedback
Heartfelt stories from IH readers, including one rider's long-time bond with her rescue mare and another’s realisation that more turnout was the missing link to calming her cob.

7 – IH Out & About
Highlights of IH work making waves in the wider equine community – including media features and a fun cartoon competition!

8 – Members’ Pictures: Life’s a Beach
A stunning photo spread of IH riders enjoying the seaside with their horses, from Camber Sands to Cumbria.

10 – Total Confidence Live
Rosie Jones reports from this supportive new event – where riders found space to rebuild trust, learn, and even ride on-site with expert help.

12 – The Big Interview: Charlotte Cundall
An inspiring, emotional journey from elite eventing to devastating injury – and back again as a para-dressage rider chasing her dreams, with a lot of heart and humour along the way.

16 – Mind Your Own Business: Equestrian Pilates with Sue Gould-Wright
How Pilates transformed one rider’s awareness in the saddle and sparked a business helping others do the same.

18 – IH Training: The Fear Factor
Why even experienced riders can lose their nerve – and how to gently and intelligently work through fear with support and skill.

21 – IH Training: A Secure and Positive Position
How your seat and breathing influence your horse’s confidence – and your own. Practical, grounded advice.

25 – IH Training: Facing Your Fears
Suzanne Halsey shares step-by-step guidance on building confidence – with real stories and proven techniques.

28 – IH Training: Horses as Therapy
A look at how horses are helping children with autism and other special needs develop focus, calm and connection.

30 – Learn & Win: Natural Herbs for Horses
An informative introduction to herbal support and feeding with a chance to win.

32 – Staying Grounded
Three practical groundwork exercises you can use today to help your horse (and you!) find instant calm and focus.

34 – Joining Up with the Scientists
A fascinating dive into what animal welfare science tells us about reading horse behaviour and body language.

36 – IH Kids: Making Confidence Child’s Play
Encouraging, simple tips for helping young riders feel secure and joyful in the saddle.

38 – From the Case Files
Real-life IH success stories shared by Recommended Associates – problem-solving in action.

41 – IHRA Client Feedback
Praise and progress reports from clients across the UK.

42 – Spotlight on Sue Palmer
Meet the equine behaviour expert helping riders and horses overcome hurdles with empathy and expertise.

43 – Intelligent Horsemanship Courses
All the latest course listings – whether you’re ready to learn or just looking to be inspired.

Navigation Tags

confidence, dressage, balance & coordination, breathing, pilates, body language, separation anxiety,