“I’m back… and so is something rather special – Help Us Spread The Word” – Email 30

Hi lovely,

It’s Abi here…

And yes — I am back.

It’s been a little while since my last Sunday email. Between Christmas, New Year, the Horses Inside Out Conference, pulling together the new Spring–Summer magazine, filming, editing (and all the usual IH behind-the-scenes!), the weeks seem to have run away with me slightly.

But… enough of that. It feels very good to be back in your inbox, and even better to be sharing something I think you’re going to love.

Because I’m not the only one making a return…

The Spring–Summer 2026 IH Magazine is here

And it’s a proper bumper edition!

So, as always, I thought I’d share a few of my highlights, and give you a little peek inside.

A story that really stays with you

“A Hidden Condition and a Voice for Others” – Jullia Duncan (p.30)

This one stopped me in my tracks a bit.

“Behaviour is communication. When things don’t add up, we must listen harder.”

It’s a powerful reminder to pause, to question, and to look beyond the obvious. something we talk about a lot, but don’t always find easy in the moment… especially when others may not quite see it the same way.

Take a quiet moment to read this real life story. There’s a lot to learn from it.

Posture… made understandable (and actually useful)

Gillian Higgins (p.23) – The 4 Pillars of Good Posture

I always look forward to Gillian’s pieces, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

She breaks posture down into something that feels practical and observable, rather than complicated or clinical — which, as a physio, I hugely appreciate.

One point that stood out:

“One of the most widespread postural patterns I see is an extended (hollowed) thoracic and lumbar spine…”

And what follows is a really clear explanation of why that matters, not just for performance, but for comfort and behaviour too.

It’s one of those articles where you finish it and immediately want to go and look at your horse a bit differently.

A Hidden Gem (don’t miss this one)

Lisa White – 6 Exercises for the Everyday Rider (p.16)

Tucked away into the ‘Big Interviews’ section is this brilliant training gem from International Dressage Trainer Lisa White.

No drama, just six simple, effective exercises that make a real difference.

This line really stuck with me:

“Patting, stroking, talking quietly and staying out of the saddle can do far more to settle a nervous horse than sitting heavily and trying to ‘contain’ their energy.”

There’s a lot of wisdom packed into this piece.

And that’s just the start…

As ever, the magazine is full of that IH mix we all value

IH Members — you know the drill…

Your copy should be landing on your doormat very soon (always a nice moment), and the digital version is now available in the Members’ Area.

Not a member yet?

This is genuinely the best time to join!

Sign up as a Plus Member in the next couple of weeks and you’ll receive this brand new issue straight to your door — along with access to:

• 16+ years of magazine archives

• our online video library

• 60+ hours of educational webinars

• Books, Articles, Guides … and all the other bits that make IH what it is

I’ll leave you with this thought…

Every time I read a new issue, I’m reminded how much there is to learn, not in an overwhelming way, but in a reassuring one. That we’re all doing our best for our horses, improving little by little, one insight at a time.

And that feels like a good place to be.

Love,

Abi & the Intelligent Horsemanship Team

Anatomy Enthusiasts! – A quick one to consider for those who enjoy the anatomy side of things (10% Discount for Intelligent Horsemanship Members)

We’ve been given a small number of spaces to share for an upcoming Equine Dissection Workshop Series with Gillian Higgins and Dr Kirsty Lésniak… and I thought it was too good not to mention.

This is proper, hands-on learning in a clinical setting at Hartpury University, looking at real anatomy and how it relates directly to movement, soundness, performance and welfare. The kind of learning that really stays with you.

You can attend all three days for a full whole-horse dissection, or book individual days depending on your interests, covering:

• The Spine

• Head and Neck

• Forelimb and Hindlimb

It’s suitable for a wide range of horse people, from therapists and professionals through to curious, knowledge-hungry owners.

If you do want to go all in and book the full course, they’ve kindly offered IH members a 10% discount using the code: DISSEC10

📍 15th–17th April 2026, Hartpury University

🔗 Find out more and book here: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/dissection-workshop

Spaces are limited, so worth a look sooner rather than later.

Almost your last chance to Enter the March Prize Draw!

ENTER By March 31st.

It’s your chance to WIN a free Intelligent Horsemanship annual membership for a Friend 

If you didn’t know already…. IH members get the chance to enter our free monthly prize draw to win fantastic gifts kindly provided by our brilliant sponsors…

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It’s now even easier, just fill in the form, you no longer need to wait for an email and click the link to confirm entry. Just fill in the form, and you’re in!

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Lethornes RG17 8QP Lambourn GB