“Win IH Membership for a Friend :-) – Help Us Spread The Word” – Email 23

Hello , 

It won’t be long now — Christmas is just around the corner, so we wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas from all of us here at Intelligent Horsemanship.

That’s from Sharron, Kelly and me (Abi), Pie, Blondie, Hugo… and even Priti the cat!

We thought we’d keep things light and festive, so we’ve put together a short Christmas quiz for you to have a go at. It’s really just for fun —but there is a rather special prize involved, because … we love to share the love!

Just a quick reminder too: this is the last chance to order an IH Membership Gift Box before Christmas.

If you get your order in by Monday morning,  it should arrive in time for Christmas!

And remember, you can also get IH Shop gift vouchers — perfect if you’re short on time or want to let someone choose exactly what they’d love.

P.S. If you order anything alongside a Gift Box — a signed book, a Dually, or similar — we often sneak in a bit of extra festive wrapping where we can. No promises, but we do enjoy a ribbon.

Whatever you’re up to, thank you for being part of the IH family.

Merry Christmas — and enjoy the quiz!

– Abi & The IH Team

Intelligent Horsemanship Christmas Quiz 🎄

How well do you know Intelligent Horsemanship … really?

Reply to this email putting the correct answers in bold by the 22nd to be in for a chance to win an online IH Membership for a friend.  We can let them know in time for Christmas 🙂 Or why not treat yourself for Christmas and gain access to all the amazing membership benefits… Join Now

1. In IH terms, “good horsemanship” is best described as:

• A. Being the clear alpha at all times
• B. Getting results quickly
• C. Understanding the horse’s physical and emotional needs
• D. Using the same method consistently on every horse

2. Licking and chewing in horses most often indicates:

• A. Hunger
• B. Submission
• C. A processing or release of tension depending on context
• D. Disagreement

3. Why is “standing still to be mounted” considered an important welfare issue?

• A. It looks polite
• B. Judges prefer it
• C. It reduces stress, imbalance and physical strain
• D. It saves time

4. From an IH perspective, behaviour is best understood as:

• A. A test of leadership
• B. A dominance challenge
• C. Communication or feedback
• D. A training failure

5. Which factor most commonly contributes to unwanted behaviour?

• A. Stubbornness
• B. Lack of respect
• C. Pain, confusion or stress
• D. Breed type

6. Proprioception refers to a horse’s:

• A. Fitness level
• B. Temperament
• C. Awareness of where their body is in space
• D. Willingness to work

7. Why can slow, thoughtful groundwork be so effective?

• A. It tires the horse out
• B. It establishes hierarchy
• C. It improves understanding without the distraction of a rider
• D. It avoids ridden work

8. Which is a common sign of subtle discomfort?

• A. Bucking every ride
• B. Rearing
• C. Small changes in behaviour or way of going
• D. Refusing all work

9. In learning theory, horses learn best when:

• A. Pressure is increased quickly
• B. Mistakes are corrected firmly
• C. The release or reward comes at the just the right moment
• D. Rewards are unpredictable

10. Why is “rushing” a problem in training?

• A. Horses dislike speed
• B. It causes boredom
• C. It reduces understanding and increases stress
• D. It confuses the rider

Would you like more Quizzes?  If yes let us know – we could put them in after the webinars?  We’ve started off nice and easy here and we’ll send you the answers in one of our next emailouts.

And speaking of webinars… don’t forget you can now watch the recording of Professor van Loon’s wonderful webinar on equine heart health ❤️

Have a fun time this Christmas and New Year! 

Don’t forget — save the date!

If you’ve ever wondered how better manure management can improve pasture health, reduce parasites, support soil life and save you time and money, this webinar is a bit of a revelation.

We’re delighted to be joined by Equiculture, who’ll be sharing practical, science-backed insights into how working with nature (rather than against it) can transform your land — dung beetles included, obviously.

Join us live and book your place today

IH Members: you’ll be sent the Zoom link on the day, so just save the date and put your feet up smugly when the reminder lands.