“The Tricky Loader: Three Exercises To Turn Stress into Success” – Email 5

Hello ,

Right, I've given you ALOT of reading so far… and while a good read is a refreshing break from video content these days, I thought it was about time I shared some easy watching with you guys.

So… this week I'm working on making some of our videos even more accessible to you, breaking them up into individual cases, topics, techniques, and so on. This means you can find what you need even quicker and easier!

Hence this week's email has taken a turn towards loading (one of our favourite topics here!), as well as a catch-up on this week's webinar, and what's stealing the spotlight from abscesses when it comes to hoof care and concern in this dry weather.

Sinnamon's Success Story – Three Exercises That Take The Anxiety Out of Loading

We've all had, or known, a tricky loader at some point, haven't we? I certainly have, and we all know how it goes: you're in a rush, need them on the box in the next 5 minutes, they won't go on, you're stressed, and it's all downhill from there…

The thing is, whether you compete, go to fun rides, or just keep your horse at home, all of us need the ability to load our horse, especially when faced with (God forbid!) an emergency vet trip. So, it really is something we should master.

I know I've heard Kelly describe it something like this before…

We're always bothered with the "why?" Why won't my horse load? Why don't they like travelling? But the real question is… why would they want to load? Why would they want to come in from the grassy field, leave their friends, go up a wobbly ramp like nothing else they normally encounter, into a small, dark and noisy box that smells like diesel?

Any of us who remember riding in the back of the lorry when the ponies were going on a trip (I know… it wasn't any more 'legal' then than it is now!) know just how unpleasant it can be in the back of a box. So, really, there are a plethora of things we can do to make the whole experience of loading and travelling more appealing to our horses.

I'm sitting here with a video just for you, showing you Sinnamon's journey from anxious loading to confidence, including three fantastic acceptance exercises meant to build our horses up slowly to loading, rather than trying to tackle all the scary things at once. There isn't much I can tell you about this video that isn't better to just watch yourself…

In regard to the 101 other things to consider when loading and travelling a horse, I really recommend Kelly and Sandra Williams' webinar series on loading and Sandra Williams' book… I'll tell you more about these later.

Dive Deep into Loading with Kelly, Marks, and Sandra Williams!

If you really want to get into the nitty-gritty of loading, you absolutely have to check out Kelly, and IH trainer Sandra Williams' three-hour loading 'marathon'.

It's broken down into three parts and covers everything from the basics right through to the more complicated cases. Seriously, this is incredibly interesting and offers a fantastic deep dive for anyone looking to truly master loading.

Or, if you prefer a read, why not get a copy of Sandra Williams' "Loading the Less Easy Horse" book to help you make sure your horse is confident loading every time.

Webinar Recording Catch Up: Dr. James Cooling's "Bad Science" Webinar! Now Available

Last Wednesday's webinar with the brilliant Dr. James Cooling is now available as a recording, so don't miss your chance to watch!

Members, seriously, don't miss this one… it was a real eye-opener! Feedback below:

• "In relation to tight nosebands… who knew that injured people found the tourniquet more painful than the injury?"
• "All I can say is we are so lucky to have Dr James in our community I am very grateful to him for his willingness to do such a lot of work putting together these sessions for us."
• "Really interesting, and lots of useful information – thanks James!"
• "Thank you, James, always interesting and thought-provoking. Look forward to the next one, hopefully soon!"
• "Thank you, James so interesting, I will be watching this again so much to take in, thank you."

Your Chance to Win?

This August, our Members Exclusive prize draw is a £100 voucher kindly sponsored by Red Horse Products, redeemable for anything in their shop!

So, if your in need of a top up on fly spray, skin care, hoof care, supplements and so on… make sure you sign up. Don't forget to click the link in the confirmation email sent to you after signing up to complete your application!

‘Intelligent horsemanship is vital to my personal health and wellbeing.’

‘Through your techniques, support and guidance you have brought both me and my horse from a place of acute anxiety and panic to peace and communion. Working in partnership my horse Padstow and I have grown to form a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Whilst he is supposed to be my husbands horse and is far too big for me, our work on the ground together has led to an amazing connection when in the saddle and so he has become my very special horse. Thank you, Kelly, for leading Intelligent Horsemanship and offering so many of us your wisdom and guidance which allows us to experience such magical moments with our horses.’

Rachel Wood