The Big Interview: Dr Andrew Hemmings — Inside the Equine Brain with Andrew Hemmings What really goes on inside a horse’s head? In this fascinating interview, neuroscientist Dr Andrew Hemmings […]
Food For Thought – Does Food Have A Place In Training? with Zoe Smith and Sarah Weston In this article, Food for Thought (Intelligent Horsemanship, Winter 2017), the writers explore […]
Bolting Basics – How To Begin With A Serial Bolter Featuring Kelly Marks & Bridget Colston Meet Henry, a six-year-old competition pony who was trained from an unbroken four-year-old. Henry […]
A “Decade of Learning” Complete Guide – My Top 5 Groundwork Exercises From The Past 10 Years with Abi Pass MSC and other authors This truly is an ultimate guide! […]
The Tricky Loader: Three Exercises To Turn Stress into Success Featuring Kelly Marks Equine expert Kelly Marks demonstrates three distinct exercises in this insightful video, designed to help overcome a […]
“Bad Science, Good Horsemanship” a Myth Busting Guide with Dr Veronica Fowler “The IH Guide to Bad Science” by Dr. Veronica Fowler provides a thought-provoking and accessible examination of how […]
This video demonstrates initial groundwork exercises designed to build a connection with your horse and encourage them to willingly follow your lead. The focus is on gentle communication and establishing a partnership, not on scaring the horse.
You’ll see how the presenter approaches the horse calmly, establishes eye contact, and uses gentle movements to encourage the horse to move off and change direction. The importance of the handler’s confident body language is emphasized, ensuring the horse can see and follow them. Maintaining visual connection in these early stages is key.
This video demonstrates techniques to help horses become more comfortable with handling and potential injections. It focuses on a horse exhibiting extreme fear and avoidance behaviours when approached around the head or neck, likely due to a negative past experience. The video highlights the horse’s fearful reactions, such as rearing, tension, snorting, running backwards, and spinning. It then emphasizes the importance of establishing good general control, including leading, backing up, and responding to pressure.
In This video I show you how to make worming a much less stressful experience with a “cunning plan” to get Blondie used to the worming syringe. You’ll see how I initially let her sniff it and even seemingly lick it a bit. It’s all about letting her investigate and get familiar with it.
Mastering Mounting: Tips For Fidgety Horses Featuring Dr Rosie Jones McVey This video offers techniques to help fidgety horses stand still at the mounting block. It demonstrates a circling exercise […]
This video gives you a real insight into the very early stages of working with a truly wild and frightened horse. This particular horse reminds me so much of an American Mustang – completely untouched and naturally wary. Our main aim here is to gently introduce a head collar using absolutely no force whatsoever.
In this video, we’re tackling a common challenge for horse owners: clipping a horse who absolutely hates it! Meet Billy, a lovely chap who usually needs to be sedated just to get the clippers anywhere near him. As I explain, for some horses like Billy, it’s not about being naughty – it’s genuine fear, anxiety, and sometimes even being terribly ticklish that makes clipping a real ordeal.
Head Lowering – Fireworks Acceptance Training Featuring Kelly Marks
Join Dr. Rosie Jones McVey and Kelly Marks in this insightful video as they work with Ivor, a lovely Irish Draft horse who’s developed a real fear of poles. Despite being bought as a potential hunter, Ivor refuses to go anywhere near poles, even when they’re simply lying on the ground. This video demonstrates a gentle and effective approach to help Ivor overcome this fear so that he can eventually progress to jumping show jumps.
This episode of “Horsemanship Essentials” demonstrates techniques for helping horses overcome their fear of clippers. Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks guide viewers through a step-by-step process using horses with real fears of clipping.
Horsemanship Essentials – Phobia Of Cows Featuring Kelly Marks, Monty Roberts and Team This episode documents Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks works with Calypso, a Thoroughbred cross Irish sports horse […]
This episode demonstrates techniques for helping a horse overcome an intense fear of tractors. The programme focuses on establishing a strong connection with the horse and gradually introducing the feared stimulus in a controlled manner.
Horsemanship Essentials – Control Of Emotions Featuring Kelly Marks, Monty Roberts and Team This episode of “Horsemanship Essentials” focuses on the crucial role of emotional control for humans when working […]
This episode of “Top Marks” features a live demonstration addressing common horse behavioural issues. The programme showcases gentle, step-by-step techniques aimed at building horses’ confidence and trust to help them overcome specific anxieties.
This episode details the efforts to train horses to be brave for different purposes. The programme focuses on acceptance training (desensitisation) with horses to various stimuli and helping them overcome specific phobias through gradual training techniques.
This episode of “Top Marks on the Road” features a loading clinic in Gloucester, where the host works with three horse owners and their horses to address loading difficulties. The programme details the initial challenges, the techniques used to overcome them, and the importance of understanding the root cause of each horse’s reluctance to load.
This episode of “Top Marks on the Road” focuses on mounting issues experienced by three different horses and their owners in Somerset. The programme demonstrates initial training interventions aimed at helping these horses stand still and accept being mounted calmly.
This episode of Top Marks documents the initial activities and challenges faced by a team preparing for a horse demonstration event in Dorset. The programme focuses on assessing horses for suitability, addressing behavioural issues, and introducing young horses to the demonstration environment.
Addressing Equine Fears and Building Trust Through Understanding and Patience. This episode of “Top Marks – Facing Fears” focuses on addressing various behavioural challenges in horses through understanding, patience, and positive training techniques. The programme features demonstrations and discussions around horses with specific fears and anxieties.
Discover essential techniques for caring for older horses and effectively managing anxieties around vets and injections in this insightful Top Marks episode. Featuring renowned horse trainer and Intelligent Horsemanship founder Kelly Marks, alongside researcher Dr. Veronica Fowler, this programme offers practical, welfare-focused horse training strategies to enhance the well-being of veteran equines.
Top Marks – Trust is a Must Featuring Kelly Marks & IH Team This episode of Top Marks, titled “Trust Is A Must,” delves into the core principles of building […]
Top Marks – Next Generation Featuring Kelly Marks & IH Team This episode of “Top Marks – Next Generation” details a 5-day horsemanship course at Heartstop Farm. The programme focuses […]
This document, “7 Skills All Horse Owners Should Know,” by IHRA Sandra Williams, focuses on building a solid foundation with young horses before you even think about riding them. It’s all about establishing a strong bond and safe leadership through seven key ground-handling exercises. The main takeaway? Mastering these basics is absolutely crucial for both your safety and your horse’s well-being.
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Note – Members you can find this article in the Autumn 2015 magazine in the magazine library of the members area.