INSIDESEE

14 great prizes 20

to be won r inte W

Talking about temperament Horse agility: having fun on foot The tinsel on your IH tree: enhancing your skills

Introducing young horses to cross country Emma Massingale The Big Interview: Adventures at liberty

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 1 Hannah Freeland Photography offers beautiful, bespoke equine portraits. Capturing the true connection between you and your horse.

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2 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Welcome to Winter Contents on the cover 04 Kelly Marks – My World:

Dear Readers Private audiences Welcome to 06 Letters and feedback the winter 07 IH Out & About issue – another year gone and our 08 Members’ pictures last issue of 2014! 09 Meet a member I hope you’ve enjoyed all the topics we’ve 10 Advancing to Stage 2: covered; thanks to all 04 Upgrading skills for a new career of you who have taken The Big Interview: Emma Massingale, the time to contribute 12 12 your thoughts, words behaviourist and liberty trainer and pictures. 16 The Autumn Demonstrations: We have a new feature in this issue; IHRA Rosie Highlights of The Tour Jones is starting a PhD at Cambridge and will 18 IH TRAINING: Mind your own be keeping us up-to-date on the latest equine business: Thermography behavioural science via the magazine. The first piece (pages 33-35) looks at horse temperament, 19 IH TRAINING: The tinsel on your IH the language we use to describe it and the tree – Enhancing your IH skills impact of that language. 21 IH TRAINING: Groundwork It’s a thought-provoking piece; I have a new horse, 09 fun with horse agility an experienced show cob with lots of personality. He’s perfectly capable of putting a buck in, and 16 25 IH TRAINING: Introducing young can also be tricky to catch – but because I love horses to cross country and value him, I describe these behaviours as ‘character’ and (usually!) just laugh about them. 28 IH TRAINING: On the right track: Have a go at the test and ‘homework’ Rosie sets Taking on an ex-racehorse – Part II and see what your language says about you. 30 Christmas Quiz: Six fantastic Our big interview is Emma Massingale, an equine prizes to be won trainer and behaviourist with more than a hint of 32 IH Success Story the daredevil about her (Roman riding, anyone?!). She also does liberty work and her team of 33 NEW FEATURE: Talking horses look like they love her as much as she 28 about temperament loves them, as well as having lots of fun. 36 IH Kids: Drawing competition Talking of having fun, our pull-out and keep 37 Charity Update: Working for welfare training guide (pages 21-24) is on horse agility. If you’ve never come across it, horse agility is 38 From the Case Files very much like the dog version and a great way 40 Spotlight on Sandra Williams of building a partnership with your horse on the ground, as well as burning off all those 41 IHRA client feedback Christmas calories! 42 Intelligent Horsemanship Courses Winter is a good opportunity to get lots of training in, ready for the new competition season. If you’re a fan of cross country, don’t Do you have a contribution for miss the first of a two-part piece from eventer Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine? Amber Woodhouse on introducing young horses Please phone, email or send your carrier to this discipline; there’s also some useful tips pigeon to the IH office! and advice in the second part of our feature on the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre. BY POST: Intelligent Horsemanship, Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, And finally, no winter issue would be complete 33 38 Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 8QP without a Christmas quiz and the chance to PHONE: 01488 71300 FAX: 01488 73783 win some fabulous prizes (see pages 30 & 31). EMAIL: [email protected] There’s also the chance to win a KBF99 grooming WEBSITE: www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk kit, plus an IH Kids drawing competition on ON THE COVER: Horse in snowfall page 36 for any budding artists out there. Photo: Vicuschka Vfotografie / istock Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Find us on

Whilst we endeavour to ensure that all articles in the Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine are compatible with broad IH principles, it should be noted that the views expressed by 42 contributors to the Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine do not Liz Falkingham, Editor necessarily represent the views of the Editor or Kelly Marks.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 3 Photo courtesy of Martin Williams

Pie found the whole ride By KELLY MARKS extraordinarily exciting and was up and ready to gallop

MyWorld Private audiences – a chance for ‘something a bit different’

really enjoyed the Private Audiences on our recent autumn Day Foundation and Perfect Manners course we discuss horses tour. It was rewarding to give IH Recommended Associates not suitable for a ‘standard’ Join Up in more detail. I their chance to shine; including Rosie Jones at Merrist Wood One of the types I tend not to send away is a horse that hasn’t (showing ridden techniques for separation anxiety), Garry Bosworth learned the value of human touch. Until they do consider the at Arena UK (worked with a pony terrified of the farrier – one of human hand a reward rather than a punishment, I find Garry’s ‘specialist subjects’) and Paddy Gracey at Myerscough misunderstandings can occur that don’t help the relationship. (Join Up with the ‘frightened-to-be-mounted horse’) and Bridget We don’t want to find ourselves practising over and over with Colston (showing how to ride the horse the very things we a nervous horse – perhaps not don’t want i.e. him not being how you’d expect!). Needless ...the highlight – touched. Much better to keep to say they all shone brilliantly! a line on the horse’s halter In the Private Audience I we got to gallop through for a period of time so we can have a horse not chosen by practise what we do want. Monty for the main the Blenheim water feature. I’ve also found there is a demonstration. This actually I think you can see from particular art with moving works out really well, as I’ve some young, nervous or always looked forward to ALL our faces that we insecure horses around the pen working with the horse or loose. If they mistakenly think pony I have for this part of the had a great time. you’ve asked them in, and then evening. They are generally the you think ‘well I haven’t asked ones who give me the opportunity to show something a bit for that’ so you square up, look them in the eye and say (in effect ‘different’ – ideal for the more educated IH Members audience! – not literally) “No!” they can seemingly become so offended Do you have to send away in Join Up? that they don’t trust your actions when you do invite them in. At 3 venues; Easton College (Pippin), Carlisle (Madonna) With this in mind, I spent the early time with each of my and Gleneagles (Arthur) I had horses or ponies that although I nervous equines with a line on the Dually concentrating on needed to create a bond and in some way ‘Join Up’ with, I chose plenty of pleasant rubs, primarily on the wither area, and not to send away as I didn’t see it as the best plan. On the Five leading in small circles, with me to the outside of the circle.

4 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 By doing this 10 or so times it created a comfortable routine so The cost of the ride was £42 and it was extremely well organised. I could soon unclip the line and they would continue to follow We didn’t get to ride past Blenheim Palace but we went through me as in the ‘follow up circles’ of Join Up. As with a more beautiful farmland and woods. There were optional mini cross conventional Join Up, creating country fences at various points, this calmness and trust sets the which were perfect for those of right scene for everything else us who hadn’t jumped since the you want to do with the horse. year before. Then, of course, Photo courtesy of Simon Palmer Into The Lens I was really pleased with how the highlight – we got to gallop Pippin, Madonna and Arthur through the Blenheim water feature. progressed in each instance. I think you can see from ALL our faces that we had a great time! Fun rides really are fun! Monty – The I’m not sure it qualifies as ‘a Scoop (well sport’ but for a great way to get actually out and about with your horse – Photo courtesy of Clare Gelderd and practically guaranteeing The Soup…) getting a rosette (!) – taking part If there is one thing I have to in a sponsored or ‘fun’ ride is share with IH members it has to hard to beat. That’s especially be Monty’s Quick Soup recipe true if you partner up with for when he’s touring. Anyone great company as I did. who thinks you have to live on Buckinghamshire IH garage sandwiches or junk food Recommended Associate, Sandra when you’re busy really needs Williams, invited me to join her to take note of this DELICIOUS and her little horse, Jack, on the HEALTHY recipe. Blenheim Fun ride taking place You will need: • A slow cooker on September 14 over 10 miles is ideal (prices start around £19) or of the Blenheim grounds. Many just a big saucepan • One can of cut such rides take place during green beans in water (Sainsbury’s autumn and I shall certainly be do the best we’ve found so far!) looking out for a new adventure • One can of chopped tomatoes at the same time next year. • One jar of your favourite Lloyd Private audiences – a chance for ‘something a bit different’ For the two months previously Grossman sauce (Monty prefers each time we were teaching Rogan Josh; my favourite is the IH courses, Sandra and I Tomato and Red Wine) compared notes on how we were keeping our veterans fit for the Top: I’ve always looked forward to working with the Monty then adds cut cooked horse or pony I have for the private audience. Bottom: chicken; veggies will obviously big day. We put attempted to put Former IH horse Corky has been out and about and in extra exercise ourselves as came home with a Champion of Champions trophy prefer some other type of cooked well; teaching isn’t particularly protein. For variety you may physical work! occasionally like to add cooked I was a bit concerned Pie might One of the types I tend rice or grated cheese on top. get tired and decided I’d lead not to send away is a horse Put all the ingredients into him the last however many miles that hasn’t learned the the cooker/pan and then slowly if he showed any signs of heat till thoroughly heated tiredness. I don’t know what I value of human touch. through but avoid boiling. was thinking as Pie found the It feeds four, or even five, as I whole thing extraordinarily seem to remember that, on exciting and was up and ready to gallop (or canter) the last tour, Bridget Colston, Ann-Marie Marek and Jim Goddard three miles sideways (whereas I’m afraid I was a spoilsport often used to get a bowlful at the end of the evening as and insisted a steady trot was quite enough for both of us). well as myself!!

so my groom, Megan, offered to take him and he managed what a corker… to wow the judges and came home with the Champion of I had a lovely e-mail from former IH horse Corky’s Champion’s trophy. He was a star. The judges were impressed new owner, Amanda recently: “He has been absolutely with his manners and calmness.” (See main image left) delightful. We have had some amazing hacks and this week It’s always really nice to hear how horses get on in their he went out to his first local show. I couldn’t take him as I new home, especially when that means hearing about was taking my daughter to see War Horse for her birthday, red rosettes and compliments!

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 5 A copy of Perfect Straight from the Confidence by Kelly Marks worth £16.99 horse’s mouth... goes to the writer of our LETTERS & FEEDBACK from our members Star Letter

Making sense of smell Certainly not a bridge too far! Because the horse’s sense of smell is hundreds of What a fabulous November day – sun, blue times more efficient than ours, it’s been said that trying sky, autumn leaves, a happy chestnut to explain its range and influence to a human is akin mare and me, grinning to trying to explain colours to a blind person. It’s also been said that the horse’s sense of smell cannot be Star and relaxing, out in the scientifically studied because it cannot be precisely LETTER countryside. This is a vision I measured; if this is true then we could be missing out could not have really thought on understanding a quarter of the horse’s reasoning would happen a while ago. power (one out of the four senses). In 2011 we took part in an excellent Equine scientists tell us that information obtained through the sense of smell will trigger neurotransmitters; Perfect Confidence Course led by which message the brain to produce appropriate [IHRAs] Julia Fisher, Dido Fisher and hormones and pheromones. These in turn create Linda Ruffle, and I wrote down steps I’d mood or social attitude to conform with the required like to be able to achieve with my mare, response to the smell; and these same hormones Butterscotch. Yesterday I looked at that and pheromones also affect health appropriately. page again and was amazed that I had Does anyone have any experience or scientific now ticked all of them. evidence to enlighten us on this subject? Over the years each step has been Irene French, via e-mail helped by the wonderful Julia Fisher, who has always given sound advice and led me to meet a wealth of people, all experts in their fields. The support HELPER ON A HIGH members give to each other when we meet is also invaluable. I have previously sent you a photo of me This year we have done sponsored rides and, thanks to fellow member in a glider in my IH hat trying to ‘raise Cathy Leahy, horsebox loading and some TREC training, which is fun. IH to new heights’! This is the one taken I have repeated words to Butterscotch for the different obstacles – last week after my first solo flight. ‘weave’, ‘low’, ‘bridge’ – which certainly paid off last week. I have found that gliders are a bit like We often ride through a ford so we were both surprised when we horses in one way; if you are all saw that it was totally blocked by watercress – too wide and high to anxious and stiff, the glider reacts and is all twitchy and traverse. I turned Butterscotch around, said ‘bridge’ and she calmly all over the place, but if you relax it goes all smooth and walked straight over and we continued on our way. What a good girl! does what you want! Oliver Wilson, via e-mail Each time we go out now my confidence grows a tiny bit more and (Ed. – Oliver is officially a super-helper; he has helped she is so much happier with me taking the lead in the partnership. out at over 50 tour demos and was honoured for his There are bound to be more bad and good things ahead but – thank dedication with a pair of new boots by Monty Roberts. you IH for being there to sort us out. Details at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk if you Jill Pearce, via e-mail fancy being a demo volunteer)

ARCHIE’S TALES by Sharon Stephens Some days, staying in bed is best

Come on, Archie, There is nothing you really should get up You must like being toasty warm and stretch your legs! be joking! I think when everyone else is you are doing enough getting soaked! leg stretching for both of us.

6 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 IH Out & About IH’s Rosie Ever wondered what keeps Kelly and her IHRAs busy when they’re not Jones at Your at home working with owners and their horses? Here’s an insight... Horse Live Horses for Forces units has been taken in the absence of systematic evidence. Neighbourhood policing on horses boosts The research found a variety of opinions the visibility of the police and bolsters within the force on the role of police horses, public confidence and trust in the police. ranging from those who saw them as largely That is the finding of a report produced by the ornamental to those that saw them as Police Force and academics from the University essential and irreplaceable. With the help of Oxford, which notes that ‘horses generate of this research, the mounted police force substantially more casual engagement with can now point to the vital role that they play citizens than do neighbourhood foot patrols, in neighbourhood policing. and this difference is attributable in large part to the horse itself’. IHRA Sarah Weston went to the launch Charlie inspires of the report Making and Breaking Barriers: Assessing the Value of Mounted Police Units at his book launch in the UK, which was attended by a wide range IH member Charlie Avent launched his book Rosie [pictured here working with a of people including mounted officers from Following the Hoofprints at the Cotswold RDA client’s horse] said she enjoyed the Your Horse Live experience, and Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, and Denmark. centre at Cheltenham Racecourse on October found watching dressage supremo Also present was Rod Henson, Deputy Chief 25, writes IHRA Sheila Reed. Monty Roberts Carl Hester’s demo inspiring Constable for Gloucestershire and National and Kelly Marks took time out of their busy and educational Policing Lead on Mounted Policing; he is a tour schedule to come along to this event, member of Intelligent Horsemanship and along with his sponsors Simple System Feeds keen to talk to IH about future research. and The Autism Directory. IHRA Rosie Jones impressed

Photo courtesy of Sarah Weston The book tells of how Charlie, who is a large audience at Your autistic, struggled in education and with Horse Live, held at Stoneleigh social situations when he was younger but Park, Warwickshire in overcame bullying and low self esteem by November, during a series being introduced to horses. He now has his of demonstrations which own horse, Spirit, who he trained using IH methods with the help of Dawn Oakley Smith including working with a pony and her team at Heartshore Horses. with a mounting problem, one His communication with Spirit using body with an audience phobia, and language is quite remarkable and he recently another with a biting problem. came 2nd in a Horse Agility competition with her – a great achievement. Charlie took great “I had a great time – all three of pleasure at the launch in showing the audience, the horses I worked with were and especially Monty and Kelly, how good Spirit fantastic students, and IHRAs Police horses are often a ‘catalyst for communication’ is at negotiating the obstacles; she even did Sandra Williams and Julia Fisher between citizens and the police, says the report a little bit of liberty work, going over the were a fantastic support.” tarpaulin and the jump without a lead line. “Thank you to everyone who came “Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority • More information about Charlie’s book can of mounted police activity is in neighbourhood be found at: www.amazon.co.uk/Following-The- to see me; I hadn’t expected the policing, which as well as providing a reassuring Hoofprints-teachable-whisperer/dp/1497437067 seating to be so well occupied!” says presence, could focus on crime hotspots, Rosie, who also sat on two Q&A searching for missing people, and vital panels during the two-day event.” communication. For instance, mounted patrols Fancy footwork “It was great also to see Carl were used during the flooding last year, when Hester’s demo, and I really foot patrols and vehicles could not get through in fancy dress to isolated villages in Somerset,” says Sarah. If the Horse Agility training guide on appreciated how supportive he “The emotional value of the police horse is pages 21-24 has inspired you to have a go, was of his young apprentice. so difficult to quantify but police horses are and you fancy getting into the Christmas It’s a wonderful, rare gift when often a catalyst for communication between the spirit at the same time, why not join IHRA the world’s top horsepeople are citizens and the police. The research showed Sheila Reed at her HA Training day and so generous in inspiring and that interactions with mounted police officers competition at Cotswold RDA centre, educating the next generation were far more likely to be positive too. Cheltenham Racecourse on December 20. with their knowledge and “The researchers were unable to say what it is “Christmas Fancy dress is for horses and experience, and it inspires us all about horses that attract people to them but were humans!” says Sheila, who says bookings to continue learning and teaching content to agree that horses ‘earth’ people. It was can be made online through her website. with the same open attitude.” exciting to hear that, in the future, there may be Sheila will be running regular Horse Agility further research into the physiological response training and competitions at fellow IHRA Ian • Rosie is based in that humans have to horses,” says Sarah Vandenberghe’s Hartsop Farm, Witney, in 2015. Cambridgeshire; more info at The research is vital at a time when the police • Information about these and the www.rosiejoneshorses.co.uk force is facing a second round of cuts in their Christmas competition can be found at funding. Previously, any decision to cut mounted www.sheilareedequine.com.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 7 IH R Members’ PICTURES winnerosette Throughout the year, we will be publishing a selection of our members’ pictures. In each issue we’ll be awarding rosettes for the best member stories, feedback and pictures – snap and send to [email protected]. This issue, Jo Wilson claims the fabulous IH >> Jo Wilson’s four-year-old Highland pony, Einar, clearly finds rosette for her photo of Einar wandering around the field all day just exhausting, judging by >> Here’s Anita Bowen sporting enjoying a stable snooze. his sleepy stable face. “Einar, who rejoices in the registered the very latest thing in holiday wear! name of Tuskerbister Jarl Einar, has been started using IH Anita bought her IH tour t-shirt after methods and has proved to be a sensible, level-headed the demo at Easton College, then sweetheart who goes out of his way to please,” says Jo, promptly took it on her holiday cruise who adds that ‘he’d love to see himself in the IH mag!’ to the Canaries, with husband, Bill. “It was surprising how many people asked us about Intelligent Horsemanship!” says Anita, who assures us she put the t-shirt on back- to-front on purpose for the photo.

>> Dino, right, is 24 and has brought owner Joyce Johnston “nothing but enjoyment and pleasure”. Here he is welcoming new friend, Bogart, to the paddock.

>> Pictured is Monty, Meg Pembrey’s two-year- >> Here’s Philippa Pillow Charlesworth old Highland gelding, enjoying a training session. horsing about with Faye, a four-year-old “He does wonders for his eight-year-old companion, Irish Draft cross Oldenburg. Pip’s mum, Victoria’s, confidence and is a wonderful pony, being Carrie, says her daughter wants to brought up with IH techniques. We hope Monty will ‘be Kelly’ one day! make an excellent family pony,” says Meg.

>> Here’s Sharon Stand out competing Viedora, her super scopey, five-year-old mare known as Cherry at home.

>> Toni Taylor made sure both loves of her life >> Looks like Fiona Egeler got the best part of the (human) deal here, during a day trip to were present on her wedding day, two- and Pembrey beach near Swansea with Bambi and Woody, her sec A friend. “Bambi had been four-legged! “This is me on my wedding day badly mistreated and starved. She had been re-started several times but health problems kept with my horse, Merlyn; I got married October 11 us from really working with her,” says Fiona’s mum, Martina. “She has been back in work now this year which was also both mine and Merlyn’s since the beginning of this year and is really coming in leaps and bounds. Since she didn’t birthday! He means the world to me, so as he really ‘know’ how to use her hind end and flex her joints, the water is great for getting her to is what I count as family there was never any move better.” All five of the Egeler family (horse and human) have done the IH 5-day foundation doubt that he would be there with us!” says Toni. course, as well as getting help along the way from IHRAs John Jones and Rosie Jones.

8 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Spread the word Meet a MEMBER Masha Plotkina 33, Caserta, South of Italy IH R winnerosette

Henry (left) and his friend Sunny at their home in Italy Masha and her daughter with Sunny

How long have you been both enjoy it a lot. I have also introduced And it was also great to meet some RAs in a member? some elements of liberty training person as well as get to know other students, I have been a member for six years and (without the use of treats) and I think it’s some of whom I am still in touch with. a wonderful way to test and improve our my eight-year-old daughter is growing How have Intelligent partnership and communication. up learning about IH principles. I’m also Horsemanship techniques trying to spread the word about the As a child I used to do some show jumping, helped you with your horse? effectiveness of IH methods among but over the years I have gradually shifted I try to use the general IH approach for my friends and acquaintances. towards trail riding as this is what Sunny whatever I do with horses and find it and I enjoy the most. How did you first hear about really beneficial. I try to see things from Intelligent Horsemanship? My second horse Henry is being brought their perspective; I break tasks into up in the same way and has already It’s hard to remember the time when I smaller parts and set myself up for made good progress with leading, basic wasn’t a member, but I think I found IH success by creating favourable conditions after reading one of Kelly’s books. groundwork exercises, desensitising and for whatever I attempt to do. general handling. All this work serves as Do you have horses? gradual preparation for starting him All this turned out to be really helpful I have two horses; an 11-year-old Arab x under saddle next spring. on many occasions, including teaching Quarter Horse chestnut gelding, Sunny, On a typical Sunday morning my daughter my easily-impressionable horse to accept and Henry, a 3.5-year-old Paint Horse x and I take our two horses (in turns) on long the mounting block or making him a Quarter Horse palomino gelding. walks through the surrounding countryside. reliable trail rides partner. I got Sunny when he was four and a half We find it to be a great form of exercise for What’s the best thing about years old, but not yet started, which was all involved, as well as helpful in introducing being a member of IH? actually better for me, because he had Sunny and Henry to all kinds of potentially I’d say it is knowing that I am part of a had all the time he needed to mature scary things they can meet along the way. physically, mentally and emotionally. large group of like-minded individuals My work with him from the start has What involvement have you had with whom I can exchange ideas, advice or included lots of groundwork and exercises with Intelligent Horsemanship? just positive, horse-related experiences. aimed at improving communication as I went to Monty’s and Kelly’s demo in Also IH Magazine, of course, which is well as being useful for developing his Maidenhead in February 2010, got really always full of interesting and insightful suppleness and fitness. inspired and then completed almost all articles on various aspects of horsemanship I still do lots of it on the days I don’t have stage 1 courses in Witney in June 2011, and helps to keep up with various exciting time to ride or before ridden work and we which was a really beneficial experience. projects IH people are involved with.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 9 In the NEWS ...it is designed to test your practical skills, along with your knowledge and understanding of equine anatomy, physiology and psychology.

Her tips for success include:

• Written exams – Prepare! Revise the handouts and course material from each of the courses you attended. For success in practical exams gain as much experience as you can prior to exam week Take the written exams seriously, and do as much revision as you can. Maybe ask someone to help you revise, by setting questions for each other to test your knowledge.

• Practical exams – Gain as much practical experience as you can Advancing prior to the exam week. You can help out on other courses, have lessons with an RA in your area (if you have one!) and observe IH methods at Demos and on to DVDs and read about it in books and Stage 2 the IH magazines. • Homework – don’t leave it to For some, Intelligent Leanne Roger completed her Stage 2 week in September; she says just being invited to the last minute! A few of the homework Horsemanship is just a attend was an achievement in its own right. topics may occur in the exams, so learn To get to that stage, she completed all as much as you can prior to the exam source of (great!) advice the IH courses and the Join Up form, week. submitted and had film evidence approved, – for others, however, • Psychology project – study a and began her psychology project. what starts out as going topic or subject that REALLY interests “After getting the invitation, I received you. You will need to speak on this topic on a course to upgrade the ‘homework’’ questions which need to and explain your study to your examiners their skills becomes a be handed in on day 1 of the exam week. and fellow candidates during the exam The exam week for me was an emotional week, and they will have the opportunity route to a new career. rollercoaster from the very start; it is to ask you questions, so make sure you IH MAGAZINE looks at designed to test your practical skills, along are prepared for this. Don’t be put off by with your knowledge and understanding of progressing to Stage 2 on the the presentation aspect of the exam equine anatomy, physiology and psychology. week; everyone dislikes presenting to road to becoming an IHRA “The week consists of written exams, others! I was literally shaking when I practical assessments and psychology project started introducing my project, but after presentation. This all sounds daunting but, a few minutes (and with the help of my although the week was busy, I was with a prompt cards) I started to really enjoy For any students brilliant bunch of fellow candidates who the presentation, especially when my who are thinking of were all REALLY supportive of each other. passion for the topic engaged the audience and they started asking “We knew exactly how each other felt, doing the Stage 2 questions!! and helped each other through, despite not week, my advice is knowing each other prior to the exam week! I hope I haven’t put you off For any students who are thinking of doing to set yourself up considering the exam week! the Stage 2 week, my advice is to set for success. yourself up for success,” says Leanne.

10 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 And from the other side of the fence … …(examiner and IHRA) Rosie Jones’s Stage 2 snippets

Q: Sometimes it can be useful to think or moves to run through you, turn them off She looked into the reasons why being about how we would deliberately train and praise him to settle him, then repeat. more ambidextrous in the way we handle problem behaviours. How might you train Alternatively, let go of the short rope and our horses might be beneficial for the horses’ a horse to barge right through handlers let him run to his friends. In no time at all the body and their mind. She also conducted a when the clippers are turned on? horse should learn to barge straight though the questionnaire for owners, IHRAs and other nearest person when he hears the clipper noise. equine professionals. This was one of the exam questions in this She found that there were clearly benefits year’s Horse Psychology exam. We loved Psychology projects to be had in handling and mounting from some of the answers that students gave, Part of stage 2 week involves students presenting both sides, and the challenges to be overcome so I have put together some of the the findings of their psychology projects to the included teaching horse people how to be as best elements from various student’s rest of the group and to Kelly. We were really comfortable and effective from both sides. submissions to show you how brilliant impressed by the amount of time and thought they are – all I can say is thank goodness that had gone into this year’s psychology Alwyna: Concerns that a round pen they use their powers for good and not evil! projects, and the students’ enthusiasm about was a ‘pressurised’ environment for the horse, since they have no option to escape from it, Combined answer: Start with a horse who their topics was contagious as they explained prompted Alwyna’s project. She set about has no ground training or manners at all. what they had found out. investigating whether or not the round pen Ideally he should already be unhappy about Here are some of the key things they discovered: was a stressful place for the horse to work being handled and touched on his body. compared to an outdoor arena. Use a badly fitting head collar and short Mary: Rather than focus on horse psychology, Mary investigated the way that people form For her project, she used heart rate readings rope. Work in a small stable so the horse opinions about horse behaviour and make as well as behavioural observations, and worked has no flight option and resorts to fighting training choices. She focussed on different ways horses in a series of different exercises such as instead if he is afraid. of describing horses who are not forward going. groundwork and plastic bag desensitisation in Choose a stable he is unsettled in or never Her investigation involved giving novice the round pen and arena. She found no major been in before; put him with his bottom participants one of two contrasting pieces difference in heart rate in the round pen or right against the corner and his head toward of written advice from ‘authority figures’. arena, and she noticed that the horses were the door. Ideally, leave the stable door open When asked to give advice on a similar issue less easy to distract in the round pen. or ajar, with the gateway to his field open to the one they had read about, she found the She concluded that the round pen is not a just beyond (someone could walk past participants were likely to have already adopted stressful environment in itself, but depends on the door repeatedly with a food bucket). the (positive or negative) language and mindset how you use it, in fact, it can act as a safety zone. Start with a weak and feeble handler of those they considered authority figures. We thought it would make a fascinating further so that he can push them over easily Showing how our horsemanship choices are experiment to look into the way that horses’ then incrementally move onto stronger so easily influenced, there were practical lessons perception and behaviour is different in the handlers so he can develop his technique. for us all from Mary’s project in re-evaluating round pen when experiencing spooky objects. Stand too close so he is looking right over our own ethics and training approach, as well as you and be stressed and shouty. being careful of the impact that our language Jessica: Jess’s investigation focused on Use blunt, big, loud clippers that will pull and attitude will be having on others. the use of breathing techniques to enhance hair, overheat and burn him. Be ready to horsemanship. For her study, she visited make sure you get the whole clip done within Leanne: This project looked at the horses and owners in their own environment the next half hour and to be annoyed at the one-sidedness of British horsemanship. and assessed how breathing could be utilised horse and yourself if that doesn’t happen. Her study included a group of horses who to improve their success and enjoyment Turn the clippers on as you approach the were handled and mounted from both sides for within their horsemanship. horse and put them straight onto his chest three weeks, rather than the usual preference She gave the participants some coaching on or tummy. Growl at him to ‘stand up’ as of the near-side, alongside a control group using breath as part of their handling or riding, you approach, then as soon as he fidgets who were handled and mounted as normal. and then re-evaluated the horses’ behaviour and looked for whether the techniques had caused any changes. She found the breathing techniques particularly useful for helping handlers or riders to relax, take time, and become more mindful; in turn this helped the horses to relax.

Carrie: Carrie’s project was centred on a questionnaire and further research into the ways in which behavioural problems are resolved within the UK. Her project highlighted problems with overbreeding, and some horse owners’ lack of education and experience when it comes to the training of young horses. Many of her survey participants had confidence issues arising from the behavioural problems they were experiencing, and she emphasised the importance of supporting these people with their confidence as well as Students and teachers on the the horse’s behaviour. She also pointed out recent Stage 2 week at IHRA Ian that many behavioural problems are not Vandenberghe’s (pictured far left) easily fixed or eradicated, but require yard near Witney, Oxfordshire ongoing management and training.

Autumn Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 11 By LIZ FALKINGHAM The Big Interview Emma Massingale

All her life, Emma Massingale felt as though she didn’t quite fit in, whether at school or out in the world of competitive riding. So she stopped trying and went her own way as a trainer, using a range of methods including liberty. LIZ FALKINGHAM talks to her...

f you’ve ever watched a liberty trainer at a demo or big still, though, I was interested in the use of whips and event like Horse of the Year Show, it’s possible you felt the ears-back phenomenon in liberty work. I a mix of awe (how do they get those horses to behave “Everything in liberty work comes down to one question: like that?) and angst (what do they do to those horses ‘are you with me?’ In the same way that a horse doing Join to make them behave?) That’s certainly the case for me; Up locks his inside ear onto you, a horse doing liberty work while I loved seeing them work without any tack, I was fixes his ears on his trainer because he is focussing on him. uneasy at the pinned-back ears and long whips. “If I’m Roman riding my horses, I’m up and behind them So when an IH friend said on social media she was going and I need them focussing on me and listening for voice cues to see behaviourist and trainer Emma Massingale at a demo, as well as feeling for touch and other cues, and that means and posted a link to Emma’s YouTube channel, I watched it having their ears back towards me. Ears pricked might look with some scepticism. Ten minutes in, however, and I had nice, but it means the horse is focussed on something else decided Emma was a great candidate for a Big Interview. altogether and trust me, when you’re trotting along stood It’s hard not to be caught up in her infectious enthusiasm with one foot on one horse and one foot on another, you need and love for her horses as you watch her work. Clips of her those horses to focus on you!” laughs Emma, who says she fooling about in the field with them, trotting on the beach is aware of the discussion around liberty training methods. or moor without even a headcollar, or doing various tricks “Sticks are as negative as the person holding them makes in the manège all have the same sense of fun and harmony; them – no stick ever jumped off the floor and hit a horse. All photos courtesy of Emma Massingale courtesy All photos

12 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Everything in liberty work comes down to one question: ‘are you with me?’

Emma Massingale and her team of Connemara ponies

For me, they act as an extension of my touch and a back-up own environment (all hers live out in even-numbered herds to voice commands,” says Emma, who describes it as no matched by age and gender) and seeing what they offer different to applying leg to a horse’s side for an aid. naturally. “If I’m stood on one horse and want to give a command “Each horse has something they are good at and that they to another horse in the team who is out of reach, I start by offer naturally. It’s down to me to use my imagination and using a voice cue. If I don’t get a response, I can use the stick creativity to find a way of incorporating that into the training.” to touch that horse to gain their attention; once the horse Voice cues are an important part of the work, particularly responds, I remove the stick or use it to give a rub as a reward.” when working with a team of horses; Emma begins by This sounds similar to the idea of pressure/release, a teaching each horse to know its own name before moving familiar concept in IH. Certainly, watching the videos of on to attaching voice cues to other things. Emma working, there are flashes of things which echo IH “Horses are capable of learning lots of words but you do have methods but it’s clear when talking to her that Emma’s to be careful in choosing words that are easily distinguishable. way of training is her own. I learnt this the hard way – I could get my team to go ‘right’ “I don’t use Join Up, for example, as I don’t want to send them but not ‘left’ and couldn’t figure out why until I realised the away – I do a lot of work on the beach or out on the moor, so I last ‘t’ sound was too similar; once I changed ‘left’ to ‘lay’, don’t ever want to risk them going away in that environment. the problem was solved!” When I first started working with my current team of Other aspects of the training incorporate incremental and Connemara ponies, they were very ‘in my face’ and rather latent learning; for example, when teaching the horses to follow rude in terms of pushing or running over me; I had to find a her, Emma says she avoids ‘micro-managing’ them by insisting way of adjusting this that kept their desire to be with me but on one side or another, but just builds on what they offer. also set boundaries,” explains Emma, who is based in Devon. “We’ll do five days of doing five laps of the school – I’m just Her training starts with spending time with the horse in its looking for them to follow me, I’m not asking for anything else. >>

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 13 The Big Interview Emma Massingale

>> Once they get it, I put them back in the field and leave them straight off the hills as they milled about in the pens. for a bit – when I start work with them again, they remember “I didn’t want ponies that were right at the bottom of the it immediately – I don’t need to go back over it.” pecking order, or ones which were too dominant either. Body and breathing cues are also essential elements of her I was looking to put together a team so the personalities liberty work; Emma has taught her lead horses used for Roman of each pony needed to be right for team work. riding to respond to foot pressure to move left and right. “All my team, including Nala and Atlantis, came from that “I first started using breath as a cue when I was eventing sale; with Nala, I stood and watched him in the pen and saw Marcus [see box]; I wanted a way of giving a non-verbal cue that he was able to let the world go by and not get overexcited. for halt in our dressage This ability has been key tests. I taught him to halt to him becoming a lead on my out-breath – and horse in the team who immediately we went from is capable of staying scoring 6s to 8s and 9s! – relaxed with me on top now I use breath in the same and transmitting that way for the liberty work.” to the other ponies,” Her current team are says Emma. Connemara ponies she Working with these bought specifically to train ponies, which were all as a liberty team, following ‘clean slates – they hadn’t a serious accident falling even been halter broken’, off one of her sport horses. was highly rewarding. “I was doing Roman riding While Emma had promised with the sport horses, both herself “no more Roman of whom were 17hh plus, riding” after a second and I slipped and fell off accident which resulted backwards. It had been in a dislocated shoulder, raining and the manege the ease with which the surface was very hard; Connemara ponies I ended up breaking progressed and their two vertebrae. enthusiasm for the “Laid in the hospital work meant she soon and being told I had broken broke her promise. my back was very scary – “I really believe that you realise you might not horses know if you are ride or even walk again and trying to do your best I’m very, very lucky that for them and that they wasn’t the outcome for me. respond by being I have a pretty hectic life Clockwise from top: Training is certainly not just for the manege – Emma enjoys willing to work with and don’t get much time working with her horses out on the moors or, as here, on the beach at Newquay; you. I want mine to Flying the flag for unusual riding skills with one of the sport horses; It’s not just have the best life they to sit and think, but those sport horses and Connemaras that put on a show with Emma – these ponies three months in the hospital regularly steal the limelight at demos with their sofa-sitting trick can, which is why forced me to do just that. they live out in herds “I could see exactly why When I look back, I want to have good together for most of the accident had happened the year, and are stabled – the horse I came off stories to tell about my adventures. in pairs at night during struggled with lameness the winter; I never issues and I couldn’t always forget that what I work with him as much as I needed to to keep things safe; want from them is a tiny part of their life as a horse. he was always a bit wild. I knew I couldn’t keep putting “I enjoy the liberty work the most as the horses are free myself at risk by missing out parts of the training; nor to interpret what we do in their own way; I love seeing them did I want to waste time injured. bring their own personalities into what we do. I think they “You only have one chance at life and when I look back, enjoy it too – I watch them in the field playing and they get I want to have good stories to tell about my adventures. into formation and wait for each other. When I realised I didn’t have the right horses to realise my “These horses are my friends and I want them to want to do dream, that’s when I decided to buy a team,” says Emma. things with me. Working with horses can be a rollercoaster This soon translated into a horsebox trip over the Irish but when you reach that high point, it is amazing – you see Sea to the Clifden sale in Connemara, where Emma used that look in their eyes that says they want to share their her observation skills to watch the unbroken ponies herd life with you and that is just the most special feeling.”

14 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 All photos courtesy of Emma Massingale

These horses are my friends and I want them to want to do things with me.

“When we stopped eventing, I thought about the other things How it all started... we could do. I started with getting him to lie down so I could Like lots of riders, Emma started out with dreams of being an get on more easily and it all just went from there.” eventer and successfully competed a stallion, Marcus (pictured above) up to intermediate level. All the time, however, she was aware the part she enjoyed the most was coming home, taking off his tack and spending time with him at liberty. “The turning point came when I saw a horse break a leg eventing. I realised I was putting Marcus at risk and decided to change that; to take on the risk myself and just see what we could achieve by just having fun together.” Time spent with the 17.2hh stallion, who was a typical handful when he arrived, demonstrated to Emma that it was possible to form a willing partnership with such a big, powerful horse. “He’s huge – I was never going to be able to force him to do anything – but it became clear that there was something between Stallion Marcus gave Emma her lightbulb moment; working with him, and us. The biggest challenge was to mean enough to him that he finding a way to work in partnership, inspired Emma to go her own way would stay with me in the field, rather than interact with the others.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 15 the autumn 01 demonstrations highlights of The

TheT autumno tour was uanother veryr successful series of demos; for Kelly, the private audience sessions and problems loaders were personal highlights (see p10-11). Work with veterans plus a great mix of horses, ponies and even a mule meant everyone left with a smile.

01 RAF veteran Chris Mason gets a hug from Monty following his session with Lady 02 Bridget, Jim, Jake and Monty work on Robert, the lovely Welsh Section C who, with his owner, Helen, was badly shaken after a freak driving accident 03 Kelly (on Pie) and Rosie (on George) show exercises to safely overcome separation anxiety at the Merrist Wood demo 04 Maverick at the Hartpury demo shows quite an extreme reaction to his first saddle

05 Bonding in red: Garry wins over farrier phobic Bennie at Arena UK 04 06 Bet you haven’t seen Monty wearing a hard hat on the ground before! Kelly said: ‘Cowboy or no cowboy, you’re wearing it!’ before he was allowed to take on this big stallion at the Merrist Wood demo

07 Kelly and Bridget have fun in the Private Audience at Hartpury with spooky Molly

08 Maverick at Hartpury now accepts his first rider happily

09 Wallace the mule enjoys a Join Up with Monty

10 Our very last time at Gleneagles: A bumper group of helpers and ending with standing ovation were part of what made it an unforgettable occasion 07 08

16 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Photographs courtesy of Simon Palmer/Into The Lens and Ele Milwright

02 03

06

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Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 17 TRAINING STARTING AN EQUINE BUSINESS IH Training Section with

mind your own business... By IH member Lucy Challis Struggling to find answers to persistent lameness in her event horses meant LUCY CHALLIS found a new vocation for herself.

Here, she tells her story of The five years Lucy had with all sorts of different horse lameness issues sent her down the path of thermography becoming a thermographer From eventer to thermographer these proved hard to diagnose, expensive and the MRI findings. It was the thermographs that very frustrating. I also felt I was way behind my gave us the full picture, which we could then treat. peers because of the time I’d had off through In the back of my mind had always been the illness and then my horses being lame. question “what will I do when I don’t event So I bought two new young horses, a mare and anymore?” – I’d had a period of sourcing top a gelding, both with the breeding, athleticism, class horses for clients, but realised it wasn’t and temperament to be top class eventers in the for me. Suddenly, training as a thermographer future. In the first two months I had the gelding, seemed the perfect answer. he didn’t put a foot wrong. The five years I had with all sorts of different He won every competition I entered and all horse lameness issues, followed by a year with was going well until I took him to a BYEH class no horses of my own to ride/compete, sent me (which I have to admit I thought we had in the down the path of thermography. I’m now a trained bag!) How wrong could I be?! Veterinary Thermographer Technician with SyncThermology and want to help people, work My perfect gentleman of a horse suddenly turned with vets and animals and share this amazing, Thermography was everything Lucy was looking for into an absolute lunatic: fly bucking, bronking and medical-grade technology with everyone. totally unrideable. Onlookers, family and friends were telling me to get off, send him back, or send I left school aged 16, and really didn’t enjoy my him away to a ‘strong man who would sort him out’. time there at all; all I wanted to do was ride WHAT IS THERMOGRAPHY? horses, be an international 3-Day eventer and I knew something was wrong, however; a horse Thermography uses thermal imaging ride for my country! I spent two years as a doesn’t totally change his character overnight, equipment to highlight temperature working pupil for Nicky and Jonny McIrvine, so my investigations started. It turned out (finally) differences; for example hot or cold limbs, during which time I won Windsor 3-Day Event to be his patella ligaments which were flicking inflammation or heat in areas such as tendons, and my eventing career started to take off. over his stifles and he was in agony, bucking joints and muscles. It is a quick, non-invasive and bronking to try and flick them back. method of evaluating dysfunction, says Lucy. In 2000 I became very ill with ME (Chronic Fatigue) following a serious riding fall. Poor boy! All I could think was ‘thank God I “You can collect the data from a horse’s body Three operations and a year later, I was back didn’t send him away to be sorted, it could in about 30 minutes and have a full picture as in the saddle and eventing again, only to have finished him forever’. to exactly how the horse’s body is functioning have another fall six months later. without any direct contact with the animal. The mare was with me for two weeks when she There are no drugs or injections; it is non- While this time I only broke my right ankle, spooked and fell onto her knees. A year later invasive and pretty stress-free; something the doctors felt that my original fall shattered she was still lame; after multiple nerve blocks I was very interested in. my immune system. Following a bout of ’flu, and x-rays but still no diagnosis, I started to look “It can be the horse’s ‘voice of pain’, helping I ended up with ME again and totally house into other forms of diagnostics and this is how to assess whether a horse with a behavioural bound, unable to do anything. I found SyncThermology. problem is in pain. SyncThermology work with By 2006 I was back on the eventing circuit, My mare had two MRI scans and the vets, using medical-grade technology – it was but had several horses with lameness issues; SyncThermology camera helped correlate with everything I was looking for,” says Lucy.

18 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 IH TRAINING SECTION TRAINING

Welcome to the IH with training section

In this issue’s IH Training section, we start with 12 tips to get 2015 off to a flying start, plus advice on introducing young horses to cross country, and the second in our series on ex-racers. Don’t miss our four-page guide to Horse Agility for something new to try with your horse! Photos courtesy of Sarah Weston

Intelligent Horsemanship is increasingly part of mainstream horsemanship, with IH techniques being regularly recommended on the most traditional of horse forums

1. ENERGY and INTENT are just time and time It ain’t what it. Don’t lift as important as technique – his leg high you do it’s the way ‘It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do and keep it it’. So think about what you want to achieve and under his that you do it. imagine it happening while you are asking the body at first. horse to do it. If your horse is barging into your space think, “I mean it!” when you ask him to 3. Don’t step back. If you want your horse to move his hindquarters away from you, imagine his inside TIE your Photo: istockphoto By IHRA Sarah Weston leg crossing over in front of the outside one. horse up to teach Intelligent Horsemanship him new is increasingly part of things – It’s easier to school him and use mainstream horsemanship, advance and retreat if you have him in hand when spraying him with fly spray for example. Horses with IH techniques being are more likely to object to new things when they regularly recommended on are tied up and will start to use the space around the most traditional of horse them to keep you away Teach him to accept it first. forums. For those well versed in IH principles and key concepts, however, the next step is to hone their skills.

Here are 12 tips to enhance your 2. INCREMENTAL STEPS skills as the ‘tinsel need to be tiny – For example, when teaching a horse to pick up his feet, ask him to do it for just a couple of seconds more each on your IH tree’: Continued overleaf >>

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 19 TRAINING ENHANCING YOUR SKILLS IH Training Section with Photos courtesy of Sarah Weston

counting your stop down in your head... works from the saddle 4. RUB the area where you too. have sprayed water or fly repellent as a form of release – You can’t take the sensation away so change the sensation to something nice instead. The spray is the pressure, the rub is the release.

7. COUNT YOUR STOPS – If you want your horse to stop when you stop then try counting your stop down in your head ‘1,2,3,4, stop’. It works from the saddle too.

8. TOUCH! – Analyse the way that you touch your horse and see whether he really likes it. Does he move his head away when you fiddle with his nose? Does he stand still when you groom him? Most horses like a deep, flat, slow touch rather than a pointy, tickly one.

5. LOOK DOWN when you lead your horse over a tarpaulin, 11. DIVE IN – Really immerse yourself across a bridge, or down a ramp as if you Photo courtesy of Liz Falkingham in horses and horsemanship. Don’t just dip have lost 50p. Your horse will slow down your toe in. Horses are really interested in how and help you look for it. you can help them.

9. SHOW and TELL – your trainer what you have been doing since their last visit. Then they can see and hear what they need to work on.

12. KEEP IT SIMPLE – The IH concepts are very straightforward. All you need to do is ask yourself what’s the pressure 6. BE CLEAR about what and what is the release in any situation and you want to be clear about – then work with that. Really think about how you want your horse to be and then learn the techniques that will help to achieve that. Horses love clarity.

10. Create a STOP BOX in your school, a square made out of poles which represents a rest place in your work area. Anywhere away from the gate, it can be used to come to a halt, perform some detailed work such as turn on the quarters, and give you • Sarah Weston is a Recommended Associate somewhere to go with your horse if he starts covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, to rush, is prone to bolting, or simply needs Dorset, and Wiltshire. She can be contacted a holiday from other work that you are doing. at [email protected]

20 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 ENHANCING YOUR SKILLS IH Training Section TRAINING PULL OUT & KEEP IH Training Section with

By IHRA and Horse All photos courtesy of Sheila Reed Agility Accredited Trainer SHEILA REED Horse Agility was launched in 2009, with the ultimate aim of horses being guided around a course of obstacles by their handlers without the use of a head collar or lead rope – just as dogs do in Dog Agility. Many of the obstacles are very similar to those used in dog

agility but obviously are a The curtain of ribbons obstacle can be much harder outside, as the ribbons will be moving lot bigger and more robust! – your horse needs to be confident about having the ribbons brushing against him

When you achieve this level of communication, it is amazing to You need to be able to ask your horse be able to work with your horse for one step at a time in all directions.

and to build such a confident Horse Agility is open to horses, ponies, donkeys The aim is to have a ‘smile’ in your line all of the trusting relationship. and mules from the age of two; it is a fabulous time and for the horse to respond to your body way to get them out and about in a low key language and energy cues. In competition, points While you work towards getting to this level, environment with other horses. It is also about are lost for the horse not trotting when you run the focus is very much on the horse following having fun and working on our relationship of (causing you to pull on your line), for example, your body language and cues or voice trust and co-operation with our equine friends. or not stopping when you do. commands with fluidity, and without the need to pull on your lead line at all. The basis for tackling any of the obstacles is The way to master this is to try to work with your some really good, sound groundwork. This horse with a loose line at all times. Even when In competitions points are deducted for not involves being in control of each footfall of your you are walking him in and out of the field, you completing the obstacle as per criteria and can practice walking faster or slower, trotting for horse and his speed and direction at all times. for your horsemanship skills i.e. working with a few steps then going back to walk and putting a loose line. The only equipment required is You need to be able to ask your horse for in the odd stop to make sure that he is listening. a head collar or training halter – Duallys are one step at a time in all directions; forwards, When practicing negotiating the obstacles it is backwards and, when you are more advanced, great for this – and a long lead line (10ft min); really important that you don’t spend too long laterally. You also need to ask your horse to stop for horse agility events, handlers are required doing one thing. If you have a few obstacles set to wear a hard hat and sturdy boots (gloves on cue, too, without pulling on your line to do so. out at the same time, you can do one step of an are also recommended). The less you can use your line, the easier it obstacle and then move on to something else. I have been a Horse Agility Accredited Trainer will be when the time comes to turn your horse What we don’t want to do is drill the horse until since 2010 and decided to get involved as it is loose as he will not be looking for the line as a he achieves the obstacle perfectly. This can really helping people to refine the Intelligent cue. This groundwork can be built upon while take lots of practice so be patient and, if he is Horsemanship techniques that I already working with the obstacles but it is a really struggling with a particular exercise, reward teach. It really gives a purpose to doing good idea to be consistent with your handling even the smallest try by taking him away and groundwork, which many people need so that when there are obstacles involved he doing something he finds easier; you can lots of encouragement to practice. knows exactly what your cues mean. then go back to the trickier ones a bit later. >>

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 21 TRAINING GROUNDWORK FUN WITH HORSE AGILITY IH Training Section with 1. WEAVING THROUGH CONES There are five cones or markers is done as at medium but the horse is in trot; which are 3.6m apart on a straight at advanced 1 star, the horse canters in and out of the cones and at liberty, the horse trots or line. The object is for you and your canters with the handler beside the horse. horse to weave evenly through the To achieve this, while you are walking in and out, markers or cones with a loose line. use your arm as a cue to ask the horse to move At starter level this is at a walk, at first level at a away from you and back towards you without trot and at medium level you keep yourself on one pulling on the line. Then, when you are not THE OBSTACLES: side of the markers and direct the horse to walk in weaving with him, or have no line, you can and out of them. At advanced level, this obstacle still use your arm as a cue to direct him. There are a whole range of obstacles to challenge you and your horse; at each level, the criteria for each obstacle are slightly different.

At starter level, most of the obstacles are a walk through – as you go through the levels, there is much more emphasis on using your energy to ask your horse to go walk to halt, walk to trot, trot to walk, halt to trot, and backing up on cue.

I’ve chosen half a dozen obstacles for this article but there are many others. These include: backing up through a corridor; loading into a trailer; backing over a pole; carrying a load; walking over a tarpaulin; passing through a gate; picking up feet; negotiating an ‘S’ bend; crossing an Having a ‘smile’ in your lead line is important Use your arm as a cue to ask the horse for all the exercises, including a simple one to move away from you and back towards A-frame; passing through a dark, narrow like weaving in and out of cones you without pulling on the line tunnel; stepping through poles, jumps and; a teeter totter/seesaw.

Changing the criteria at the obstacles really helps to keep the horse in the moment 2. The Hula Hoop Stand with you rather than just mindlessly walking This obstacle consists of two plastic over or trotting through something. He has hoops about 1m in diameter, to really be tuned into you all of the time so that he knows what you are asking him positioned on the ground 3m apart. to do and is not second guessing. The aim is to have the horse step

The most important thing is that you cleanly into one hoop with his front don’t over face your horse to the point feet, and stop; you can use the word that he feels that he needs to run away. ‘stand’ in sync with when he stops, Build everything up incrementally; try to so that he associates the word think how many tiny pieces you can break with the action. the training down into and keep everything as calm as possible, rewarding him even Next, you need to step into the other hoop and for trying to do as you ask. stand: at starter level, you hold the end of your line and wait 5 seconds; at medium level, you put the The aim is to have the horse step cleanly into rope around the horse’s neck before you step into one hoop with his front feet, and stop; you can your hoop and wait five seconds. At higher levels, use the word ‘stand’ in sync with when he stops, so that he associates the word with the action The most the horse puts his hind legs in the hoop. important thing is Some horses find this obstacle very tricky and You can build up the amount of time he are unwilling to step into the hoop to begin with. needs to stand in the hoop by initially that you don’t over You can break it down for them and ask them just waiting for one second before to just step over a straight piece of pipe on going back to him and telling him face your horse to the floor, and stop with just his front feet over. how good he is.

the point that he Another option is to use an inflated bicycle You then increase the time to feels that he needs inner tube, so that if he stands on the tube it two seconds and so on until won’t make a sound as the plastic one does. he can stand for 10 seconds to run away. Doing this will help to build his confidence. without moving his feet.

22 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Photos courtesy of Sheila Reed 4. Passing through a curtain of ribbons The curtain needs to be at least 1m wide. The ribbons can be made of plastic or fabric and each ribbon should be between 2 and 4cm wide with the length reaching to within 30cm of the ground.

Introducing your horse to the scary corner must be done very carefully, especially if you are outside as the scary objects will be moving

3. Walking through ‘Scary Corner’ The aim is to show that the horse can If he becomes be safely led through a corridor or Use incremental training to build up to going through corner with objects that he might inquisitive, this is a the full curtain; start with ribbons folded back to one side so the horse just needs to go under the bar find frightening either side. These good thing as his fear is can consist of things like bunting, changing to curiosity. At starter level the handler leads the horse flags, windmills, hawkeyes, wind through the curtain at walk; at first level this swimmers, feather flags, road signs is at trot and at medium level the handler leads the horse through at walk and stops etc – changing the objects regularly half way through for five seconds then trots out. helps with desensitizing your horse. Higher levels include backing through the curtain and passing through at trot or canter At starter level, the handler leads the horse while the handler does not go through. through at walk while staying in a safe position and behaving in a calm manner. At higher levels, This obstacle can be quite tricky for a lot of the horse goes through at trot and canter, horses and very often they will rush through to as well as passing through while the handler begin with. Use incremental training to build passes around the outside. up to going through the full curtain; start with ribbons folded back to one side so the horse Introducing your horse to the scary corner must just needs to go under the bar, then ask be done very carefully, especially if you are Once the horse begins to accept the scary someone to put a few ribbons down on one outside as the scary objects will be moving. objects, ask him to take a step into the corner then reverse him out again as a reward side and keep asking the horse to go through. Always start by walking past the It is also a good idea if the handler walks on corridor with yourself on the inside through the corridor. You can stop him here the side that the ribbons are down, so that she (next to the corridor) so that the is between them and the horse. Keep adding horse can get some confidence and then back him away to reward him for more ribbons but only a few at a time. from you and, if he does get doing as you have asked. worried, he won’t run in to you. You can then build on this and ask for As the volume of ribbons increases they may ‘accidentally’ touch the horse as he passes Remember to let him see it another step before backing him out again. through which will desensitise him to the feel from both sides before you ask Sometimes you can repeat this so that he of them on his body. If at any point the horse comes further in each time and then is him to walk next to the objects. decides that he ‘can’t’ go through, just ask asked to back out until you have walked If he becomes inquisitive and your helper to hold a few more ribbons back the whole way through. wants to sniff at the objects to regain his confidence. this is a good thing as his fear This very much depends on the horse, is changing to curiosity. Eventually you will have all the ribbons as some will want to just rush through to hanging down and your horse feeling confident When he is more begin with. If this does happen you can to walk through. You must have this really accepting of the repeat going through the corridor and he solid before thinking about trotting through objects, you can ask will slow down more each time when he or stopping mid-way; horses that are not him to take a step realises that he survived! Eventually he very confident can very quickly say ‘no’ if as if going to walk will be happy to walk calmly through. we over-face them in the process. >>

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 23 TRAINING GROUNDWORK FUN WITH HORSE AGILITY IH Training Section with Photos courtesy of Sheila Reed ...only when he is really comfortable with walking the whole length can you ask him to stop half way.

To begin with he needs to be comfortable with walking near the bridge. Next you can ask him While the bridge is a challenging obstacle, 5. Crossing if he can walk across the width of the bridge; it is a great one to teach your horse as it will set he may well step across or jump to begin with him in very good stead if he is a difficult loader a bridge so do stay in a safe position. The aim is for the horse and handler As he becomes more confident he may ‘accidentally’ put one foot on and realise that to confidently cross a bridge safely. it is not so bad after all. Keep asking him to The bridge should be at least 6m go backwards and forwards across the width; long and 1m wide. once he has relaxed, go diagonally so he might ‘accidentally’ put all four feet on at once. At starter level the handler leads the horse across the bridge at a walk; other levels include Once he has learned to do this you can then stops on the bridge, different paces and crossing ask him to walk the length; to begin with he the bridge without the handler. This is another may walk across really quickly – only when he challenging obstacle but also a great one to is really comfortable with walking the whole teach your horse as it will set him in very good length can you ask him to stop half way. If you stead if he is a difficult loader or even to be do this before he is ready it may well set you able to cross a bridge while out hacking. back a few steps if he loses his confidence.

6. The podium This obstacle becomes fairly easy to negotiate once you have your horse happily walking over the bridge. It should be made from either a very sturdy pallet with a non-slip surface on top or a tractor tire filled with soil or something similar. At starter level the horse must walk across the podium; at first level stop with two front feet on the podium for 5 seconds then walk or back off, and at medium level trot to podium then step on two front feet for 5 seconds. Advanced level requires a trot to podium, two front feet on for 5 seconds, then back feet as well for 5 seconds, then front feet off for 5 seconds – this is really testing your skill at being in control of each foot fall!

Once you have managed to stop with two front feet, ask him to step on with his back feet as well. Even long horses can manage this!

First familiarise your horse with the obstacle itself well. This requires you being able to move your by asking him to walk around it and let him have a horse forward just half a step to allow room look or sniff if he wants to. If he chooses to walk for the back feet to be on the podium without around it rather than over be careful not to get the front ones stepping off. caught in him just walking round and round; stop This is possible even with long horses who can him and then ask forward one step at a time. bring their back feet underneath the vertical to Once he is happily walking over the podium you can stand on. You can play with moving one foot at ask him to stop with front feet on – just for a split a time without the podium involved to begin second to begin with, then gradually increase the with just to test your skills. time. Once this is mastered a lot of horses really like to stand with their front feet on the podium – • For more information about Horse Once the horse is happily walking over the podium you I think they like being able to stretch out their back. Agility training and the other services can ask him to stop with front feet on – just for a split offered by Sheila Reed, see her website second to begin with, then gradually increase the time Once you have managed to stop with two front feet, ask him to step on with his back feet as www.sheilareedequine.com

24 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING IH Training Section TRAINING In the first of a with two-part series, eventer Amber Woodhouse looks at introducing young horses to cross country. In this one, she looks at tackling steps and ‘skinnies’; in the spring

2015 issue, Amber will focus Photos courtesy of Amber Woodhouse on ditches and water jumps

INTRODUCING young horses Young horses can react unpredictably to the challenge of cross country fences, so always be ready to slip the reins and maintain a secure seat! TO CROSS Confidence is everything with COUNTRY a young horse so take it slowly.

There is nothing more rewarding through the levels. Many of them apply they may feel they might be caught in than producing and progressing to most fences, but it’s easier to use the mouth (or have been in the past). particular fences as an example. And A lot of people find it easy to give the rein a young horse, or regaining remember, we do this for fun, so enjoy it! on take-off, but catch the horse as it lands; confidence in a nervous horse. this goes for every type of fence. Even some This is what I do for a living and STEPS good, balanced riders do this – they don’t I’m very lucky to have a job With steps, I would go ‘up’ first, as looking agree they are until I take a video in the that I enjoy so much. /going down can be daunting for young lesson and show them! horses who don’t know what is on the Test yourself – if you trust your horse, just Confidence is everything with a young horse landing side. Approach the ‘up’ step in a hold the buckle, and even then put your hands so take it slowly; they need to assess what positive trot that isn’t too forward; they forward. They will probably appreciate it! they’re doing. Don’t do too much; it is better need enough impulsion to jump up, but To a double or bounce of steps up, you to do a few things really well and take your not so much speed that they don’t have ideally want a controlled, bouncy canter. horse home feeling fresh and confident with time to read the question or could get Try to get fairly close to the first fence; you good memories, rather than bombarding away from you and scoot out to the side. don’t want to stand off a step and go splat! them with information and them leaving >> Keep a contact and keep your leg on; confused, tired and not so keen to go back. be ready for any exaggerated leaps and They may find everything easy and you be prepared to soften your fingers to can do all and more you set out to achieve. allow the reins to slip through. This But if they find something hard, get it right, avoids catching the horse in the mouth. finish on an easy jump they enjoy doing as Halt soon after the fence, then reward – a reward and call it a day. this teaches the horse not to shoot off after If you run into problems towards the end of a a fence and is essential for control later session, the horse has probably got overtired. on in its training. Turn around and come Avoid this at all costs but, if you get to this back down the same step you’ve gone up. point, you then have to sort it out, so the horse Go in walk, keeping a soft contact on a doesn’t learn he can be disobedient. slightly longer rein, as it is important they When training a young horse, it’s advisable have the freedom to lower their head to to have a recommended, experienced trainer assess what they have to do. A confident with you. Eyes on the ground are essential horse should just walk off a step; leaping off for spotting any mistakes, good points and or shooting off afterwards comes from worry. suitable next steps for you and your horse. Even if you can’t think of a reason why the Here are some tips and techniques I use with horse would be worried, it can be as basic A confident horse should just walk off a step; leaping as not feeling balanced if their rider isn’t all my horses, with the aim of building strong off or shooting off afterwards comes from worry. foundations to allow confident progression balanced down the step. Alternatively,

Autumn Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 25 TRAINING CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING IH Training Section with Photos courtesy of Amber Woodhouse

INTRODUCING young horses TO CROSS COUNTRY

SKINNIES There are lots of ways to build up to skinnies; I would start in the school. All my horses warm up for whatever they do by going in and around the jumps and over poles, not just in a straight line but on an angle through a gap etc.

This keeps them alert, and means that, as their cross country education develops, Keeping your horse straight is key with skinnies; keep your hands roughly neck-width more complex questions don’t come as a apart as, if you have them too wide, you give the horse ‘space’ to run out surprise because they are used to thinking quickly. On hacks, we go through puddles and over any logs that get in our way; taking the tightest (sensible) route through woods and up and down banks, If the horse does run out, it is likely for the same reason. to just be a misunderstanding; don’t This type of schooling means they are thinking about where their feet are and punish them as they will then worry. gaining confidence in you. Make sure you know the ground is safe, though; if they get caught in wire or some boggy ground, skinny pole, on the floor, and two normal Come round again, slowly, and keep or fall in a hole, you will lose a lot of that length poles on the floor guiding the a good rein contact and a strong leg trust, not to mention the injury you may horse into the jump; these should be wider – this way you have four points of be dealing with. on the approach side, gradually getting communication with the horse. Keep Make sure they are confident walking, narrower to the width of the skinny pole your hands roughly neck width apart; trotting and then cantering through by the time they are at the fence. if you have them too wide, I feel you narrow wings with no pole. Then add a give them a bit more space to run When your horse is confident negotiating one direction or the other. this, the skinny pole can become a jump with another skinny pole as a ground line. When taking this XC, to start with Again, when confident with this, make only attempt jumps so small that the guideline poles on the side wider, you can kick the horse over it from a and eventually take them away. standstill/walk. Trot up to the skinny, When the horse is really confident, you not too fast, and with a good rein could change your wings to blocks so contact and strong leg – your aim the wings aren’t holding them straight, is to keep them straight. and if you feel you need to bring your I also like to show my young horses guideline poles back to start this, that’s what they are jumping before I attempt fine. You’re better off preparing not to it. I had a five year old this year who have a run out than fixing a problem; jumped every skinny at Boomerang; make sure your landing is very straight, they were a bit big to walk over, so, as I and I would also halt after this each time. knew I’d be cantering, we went to see But if the horse does run out, it is likely to each jump before we approached any. just be a misunderstanding; don’t punish I let him look and sniff each jump until them as they will then worry. Horses he was bored(!), and he didn’t have any can’t see skinnies very well and have to problems, and has had two fantastic, Stroking your horse is a good way to reassure them trust you and think a lot more than with confident BE Novice XC clears this a wider fence. season.

26 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Urban Horse is the number one online store for a CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING IH Training Section complete range of natural equine products.

DEALING WITH REFUSALS barefoot & bitless

Most horses will stop at some point, particularly young ones needing to look and understand a question – how you deal specialists with it sets the tone for future confidence and their willingness to try new things. Staying calm in this situation is essential. If you have come to a show jump and they’ve stopped, don’t turn away from the fence; ask someone to dismantle the jump into a pile of poles and walk over it from there. While you’re waiting just quietly stroke the horse and try not to let them step backwards or sideways; allow them to look, keeping a small amount of leg pressure and rein contact. 0845 557 0725 A horse needs to learn it’s not acceptable to stop, but more importantly not to panic if it does stop. We all make mistakes, and your horse is no different. www.urbanhorse.com If you hit him for a stop caused by a misunderstanding or fear, you will end up with a horse which either doesn’t want to jump Bringing a natural balance back or one that panic jumps, which can be dangerous. There are times when a horse would actually be more sensible to stop to horse & rider than try and jump and have a fall. On re-approaching after a stop, your fence should stay small. Don’t hurry, keep a contact and don’t ‘throw’ the rein away; imagine holding your rein is like holding a child’s hand on their first day of school – it’s supportive but not restricting. Taking this out to cross country, where you can’t knock the jump down to a pile of poles, start with fences small enough you could jump them from walk or halt if necessary! If they really don’t understand and grind to a halt, allow the rein forward to let them look down if they need to, without giving the contact away I have been extremely impressed with completely, and keep your leg on and see if they’ll jump/climb your company in terms of efficiency, t by Br courtesy and professionalism il it it from there. Massively praise them if they do! u i s

Sue Webb, Bristol B since h If you have to turn around to approach again to give the c 1965 horse the best chance of jumping it, then do, but I try to never r a n re-present the young ones. I want them to have time to assess ft me everything but not to learn that, if they stop, it’s great as you s get to walk away from the jump! By doing this, you teach them that they are expected to jump everything you present them with, first time, but without the panic aspect. If, when you’re jumping bigger fences from canter, you get a run-out or a stop, give them a little stroke to reassure them and come round again, quietly. Don’t fluster the horse and push it out of balance; if you are having real trouble, go back to something smaller, and take the speed away. If you can trot slowly to the fence you were having trouble with, even better. Aim to keep the horse straight and keep your leg on. He can do the rest!

As with teaching young horses to jump skinnies, it can be worth letting them see a fence before trying to jump it. Let them put their head down, look at it, sniff it, lick it, put their foot on it etc! Be ready to re-apply the pressure if they take a step backwards and have your leg on quietly the whole time, but it’s essential Elite Stabling / American Barns / to let them take their own time to assess the problem. Mobile Shelters / Garaging ...and more

For further information visit: or Call us now on • Amber Woodhouse has also been working with Kelly’s horse, George, on progressing his eventing career following his return www.jonwilliamstables.co.uk 01380 850 965 to work after a kissing spine operation. She can be contacted on 07533 007073 or via www.amberwoodhouse.com Netherstreet • Bromham • Chippenham • Wiltshire • SN15 2DW

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 27 TRAINING TAKING ON AN EX-RACER IH Training Section

with Photo courtesy of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre

In the second of a two-part series, LIZ FALKINGHAM talks to the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre’s Kath Pinington about working with and training ex-racehorses ready for life as a leisure horse All the horses undergo extensive physical checks before starting groundwork and reschooling on their road to a new life away from the track A lot of what we do here is about dealing with physical and behavioural On the TAKING ON AN EX- issues, and then finding the right job and home for right each individual horse. track racehorse When most Thoroughbreds The horses which come into the Thoroughbred ulcers where necessary,” says Kath. Rehabilitation Centre (TRC), based at Whinney destined (at least initially) for Schooling work starts with basic groundwork Hill Farm, Aughton near Lancaster, come from exercises on the lunge, with the aim of getting the racetrack are started under a variety of backgrounds. Some come direct the horse to stay in a balanced rhythm. saddle, the schooling concepts from racing following injury, or retirement due familiar to most leisure riders to lack of speed; others come from leisure Long lining is also used to get the horse thinking homes where a change of circumstances about contact and accepting the aids. Kath says – going in an outline, responding has forced the owner to give them up. many riders forget that ex-racers have no idea to leg aids etc – tend not to be what rein and leg aids mean, and make the mistake Kath Pinington is yard manager and trainer of fixing the contact to try and force an outline. high on the priority list. Add this at the TRC; she works with the horses from to the fact most only ever go out the moment they come to the centre, starting “One of the first challenges can be getting them to in company, for exercise sessions with their extensive initial assessments. stay calm and relaxed while schooling. You have She is passionate in her belief that ex-racers to be realistic and accept this will often take time which involve encouraging their can make fantastic leisure horses given the – short sessions which finish on a good, relaxed natural flight instinct, and you right training and owner. note work best,” says Kath, who adds that changes to diet and a gradual increase in turnout can help. can see why some ex-racers can “All the horses we take in undergo extensive be a challenge to re-school! health assessments to identify and, if possible, “Once the horse is capable of approaching a treat any physical issues before training work schooling session in a relaxed way, then we start begins. A lot of what we do here is about thinking about asking for the start of an outline. dealing with physical and behavioural issues, We ask the horse to go ‘longer and lower’ – and then finding the right job and home and this is just for short periods, to introduce for each individual horse,” says Kath. the idea of stretching out the topline. As a basic starting point, before retraining “Some horses find this much harder than others; work starts, each horse must have had a teeth some due to poor conformation and others because they are weak behind. The latter is

Photo courtesy of the TRC check, physio assessment and vet check. common with ex-racehorses, as their hocks This sits alongside adjustments in feed take a lot of wear and tear.” and turnout routine. In this situation, a Pro-Core Trainer numnah “Separation anxiety is common with is used under the supervision of the physio. ex-racehorses; most have spent their lives The numnah has elasticated belly and back straps; on busy yards in set routines, so leaving all the latter loops round the back end of the horse. Most ex-racehorses have not been taught that behind can be stressful. We get them traditional leg aids; it takes time and patience to teach them what is expected onto plenty of fibre and avoid sugary feeds, “The idea behind the Pro-Core Trainer is that it as well as using supplements for gastric encourages even stride length and improves core

28 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 TAKING ON AN EX-RACER IH Training Section Bows

stability. This in turn means the horse works more evenly behind and is more able to work forward into a contact. Shows “I much prefer them to something like a Pessoa [lungeing aid] which Delivering quality rosettes and can be too much for some ex-racers to deal with,” says Kath, who adds show supplies at fantastic prices that the Pro-Core can be used both for groundwork and ridden work.

“The idea of working in an Photo courtesy of the TRC outline and really starting to use their hocks can be hard for some ex-racers, so they need a gentle introduction to the concept. The same applies when asking for coming into an outline in front – elasticated bungees which allow

the horse to flex against Find us on the contact give a gradual introduction to the idea.” “These horses take time to build up their core strength, which is critical if they are to be able to work in an outline and engage their hocks. For ex-racers which can cope with it, hacking gently email: [email protected] 37 St John Street up and down hills is great Time spent with the horses in the stables is just Bridlington website: www.bows4shows.com East Yorkshire for building this strength as important at the schooling work; learning to tel: 01262 604 031 / 07841 1377 187 YO16 7NN again, mixed with short bond with people and enjoy time being groomed can be a challenge after life on a busy racing yard schooling sessions.”

• For more information on the work done by the TRC and how to apply for one of their horses on permanent loan, see www.thoroughbredrehabilitationcentre.co.uk

Win a KBF99 grooming kit RRP £79 The new range of KBF99 products is a revolution in horse health care. Launched by Vale Brothers, the company behind the Pro-Core Trainer, the KBF99 products assist in the prevention of infection and reinfection of various diseases.

Tested by Coventry University, lab results showed KBF99 was at least 99% effective against strangles, ring work, E.coli and mycotoxin. KBF99 coats the surface of the plastic with molecular strands (similar to tiny spikes) as well as being rich in nitrogen molecules which carry a positive charge; these attract the negatively charged membranes of bacteria, fungi, algae and mycotoxins, which are ruptured by the molecular strands. The grooming kit includes: • Body brush • Dandy brush • Face brush • Hoof brush • Curry comb • Bucket brush 100% • Plaiting comb • Sweat scraper • Mane and tail brush • Standard mane comb To enter, answer the following question: Q. Where is the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre based?

• Email your answer to [email protected] with ‘KBF99 competition’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your name, address and a day time contact number.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 29 WIN and LEARN

Christmas Quiz We’ve got six fantastic prizes to give away. 2

All you have to do is answer the following questions, all based on headline- making horses in 2014: 6

1. Eventer Andrew Nicholson made history at Burghley this year, collecting his fifth title, but was the name of the horse he was riding, also making history for a hat-trick of consecutive wins at the event?

2. Showjumper Scott Brash has retained his world number one 4 spot this year. What is the name of his top ride and the horse he rode to help Britain clinch a team gold at the 2012 Olympics? And here’s what 2. An original mounted 3. Which record-breaking cartoon from Natasha dressage partnership won you can wiN... Herman the 2014 World Cup finals IH member Natasha Herman with performances which works as a pet sitter, but she is 1. Three bags of also a very talented cartoonist. included a new kur to music TopSpec Ulsakind You may have seen some of her wonderful using a soundtrack from We’ve got three bags of TopSpec’s creations on the IH Facebook page. How To Train Your Dragon? brand new feed, UlsaKind. She has very kindly offered us a special Containing scientifically proven 4. Which legendary racehorse, Christmas cartoon as a prize. Featuring ingredients, Ulsakind cubes are Monty doing some of his renowned retired to stud unbeaten, formulated to be highly sympathetic to desensitising (albeit with a rather saw his first daughter born the equine digestive system, even when different four-legged friend), this in January? it is compromised by excess acidity. original work is a real IH one-off The formula is very low in starch and and comes mounted and framed. 5. Which show horse took sugar and high in fibre but still has a the supreme horse title for conditioning index of 12MJ/kg making 3. A place on an IH Horse producer Jayne Ross at Horse these cubes both ‘non-heating’ and Psychology course in 2015 of the Year Show? conditioning. They are ideal where the With dates in February, March and internal surface of the stomach has August, this two-day course with Kelly E-mail your answers to been eroded, because they contain very Marks looks at helping and preventing high levels of -glucans which coat the [email protected] with Christmas Quiz β problems with horses – and gets stomach lining with a protective film. in the subject line; please include rave reviews from participants. your name, address and a contact More information at www.topspec.com More details on this course, number. Closing date is Jan 5 2015; or call 01845 565030 for feeding advice worth £170, plus others available at the editor’s decision is final. relating to any specific health problems. www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

30 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 Introduce a new member & 1 WIN £50 TO SPEND WITH IH

1 ih membership Being a member of Intelligent 3 Horsemanship means access to lots of great resources – from the forum discussion group to the quarterly magazine. We’d like lots more people to enjoy those benefits, as well as spread the IH message on why working in partnership with your horse is the right way forward.

Membership benefits include: • The IH Magazine – a quarterly title packed with advice, features, news and lots, lots more! • Private audience invitation to all the Monty Roberts’ demonstrations – come and see Kelly and Monty work before the 5 main event starts, plus you can bring 4. Six-month as well as running training guests and reserve the best seating clinics around the country. • Access to members’ pages membership of www. on IH Website, including exclusive He’s also the ‘man on the gantry’ equestrianpilates.co.uk videos and access to student you might have seen at IH demos! IH member Sue Gould-Wright has science research projects been a Pilates Teacher and Sports We have a print of Seahorses: • Private members board on Massage Therapist for over 10 years, Racing with friends to give away. the on-line Discussion Group specialising in working with horse You can find more beautiful images – help, advice and support from fellow members and IHRAs owners and riders of all ages, available to buy at www.into-the-lens.com. abilities and disciplines. • Access to all the IH courses with Kelly Marks and Ian Vandenberghe Her book Equestrian Pilates – Schooling 6. Horse Massage for for the Rider is due out spring 2015 and • Great value discounts and special offers throughout the Sue launched a new video membership Horse Owners DVD by Chartered Veterinary year, as well as competition prizes website www.equestrianpilates.co.uk in every issue of IH Magazine this autumn. Physiotherapist Sue Palmer Membership starts from just £20 The website enables Sue to work with Is your horse not performing per year – and it makes a fantastic her clients throughout the UK and beyond. to the best of his ability? Christmas present. Why not give a For a £10 per month subscription you Perhaps he feels a bit stiff, is struggling to friend or family member access to gain access to progressive, bite-sized work through from behind, or his transitions all the above for a unique present Equestrian Pilates training videos covering are not as smooth as you’d like them to be? which goes on giving all year round? topics such as correctly engaging the core, Or perhaps he’s getting on in years and back mobilisation, hip mobility, combating you’d like to help him to be comfortable? lower back pain – and much more! As a thank you... The Horse Massage for Horse Owners If you give a membership as a gift or DVD by IHRA Sue Palmer, Chartered introduce someone who then joins 5. Print by Simon Palmer Veterinary Physiotherapist, places the before 22nd December 2014, we will emphasis on how you can work with your enter your name in a FREE prize draw of Into the Lens to win a £50 IH voucher. To enter, buy own horse. It also gives an insight into Nature photographer, camera man your subscription through the IH how to reduce pain and stiffness in your and member of the British Equestrian website and use the offer code IHBEN: Writers Association Simon Palmer horse as well as improve performance. www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk produces some stunning images More details at www.holistichorsehelp.com

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 31 Photo courtesy of ES Photography By LIZ FALKINGHAM IH R winnerosette Thomas is Just perfect IH Success Story Project horse Tom was just “something to work on” for SAMANTHA ROYLANCE. She never dreamed he would take her daughter to Horse of the Year Show

Anyone involved in showing will tell you that getting to the Horse of the Year Competing in the Search for a Star class at HOYS was a ‘dream come true’ for the Roylances Show (HOYS), held every year at the NEC, Birmingham, is on their equine bucket list. With tens of thousands of horses Tom went fabulously at HOYS and gave and ponies chasing the golden qualifying tickets, only the very select few the judge a perfect ride... we were delighted actually make it. to say the least; it was a dream come true! For Samantha Roylance and her daughter, Kara, HOYS was the last thing on their Kara, now 18, has been riding “since day one, for one of Monty Roberts’ demos at mind when they went to buy ex-racehorse as soon as she could walk” and, like her Reaseheath College, Nantwich. Just Thomas, known as Tom. mum, is horse-mad. Kara and her sister, “We had tried everything with him so, as a Harriet, both had lessons at a local yard “When we sold a horse in 2010, I decided final resort and after reading about Monty I wanted a project to work on; this led to for a year or so, before being bought a and his team, decided to see if they would buying a skinny ex-racer. Tom was simply pony, and later horses, of their own. take him for one of the demonstrations. something to do – we had no hope he “Tom was only two years old when he Monty did a Join Up with Tom and then would ever lead to competing at HOYS,” arrived with us; I decided to give him six dealt with his issues of not standing still. says Samantha. months off to be a horse and forget about “He used a Dually headcollar and anything he had been trained to do. Once we basically, whenever Tom moved when ...we had no hope started to back him he responded well other not asked to, Monty would put pressure than the dreaded ‘standing still’ – he just he would ever lead to on him, teaching him that this would stop couldn’t manage it!” says Samantha. competing at HOYS. when he managed to stand. This has Despite this, with time and TLC, also taken a lot of practice at home after Tom proved himself to be a horse the demo,” says Samantha, who believes of a lifetime. Despite not having much of Tom’s problem was down done much showing before, to anxiety. Kara was soon riding him at Tom and Kara qualified for HOYS at county level, competing in hack Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre in the and intermediate show riding Search for a Star series earlier this year type classes. and made the trip to Birmingham in While he went beautifully in October. his show, however, Tom was still having Skinny ex-racer “Tom went fabulously at HOYS and gave Tom was ‘just a problems standing calmly for the judge the judge a perfect ride. He was still very project to work on’ and in the line-up. As this often meant the anxious and didn’t stand still perfectly – difference between doing well and finally I think both he and Kara were nervous getting that elusive HOYS qualification, – but we were delighted to say the least; Samantha decided to put Tom forward it was a dream come true!”

32 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP AutumnWinter 2014 2014 “Think of a horse you know: then, write down a description of his/her temperament” By IHRA ROSIE JONES Temperamenttalking about

NEW Feature

I am about to start my first year of a PhD at Cambridge University, and I am really honoured to be partially sponsored by Intelligent Horsemanship. IH has been a huge part of my journey in horsemanship over the past 10 years, and so I would like to bring IH Magazine readers along with me on the next stage of my adventure.

will be writing regular articles that keep you up to date on the most Iinteresting parts of my research, I would like to bring and giving you tasks to do to so that you can share in the learning experience. IH Magazine readers along For my first article in the series, I’m with me on the next stage focussing on our horses’ temperaments. of my adventure. TASK: THINK OF A HORSE YOU KNOW: THEN, WRITE DOWN A DESCRIPTION OF HIS/ HER TEMPERAMENT NOW READ ON >>

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 33 talking about Think of the difference between Temperament referring to a horse as ‘grumpy’, or asking why he doesn’t like to SUBJECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS have the saddle tightened.

We all love talking about our horses, and we borrow Photo courtesy of Sarah Weston language from all sorts of places to help us to describe the traits we cherish or find challenging. For instance, we love to spot aspects of our horses that remind us of human personality traits; I often hear horses described as ‘cheeky’, or as a ‘drama queen’. The equestrian field also has its own language for describing equine characters, such as ‘nappy’, ‘sharp’ or ‘green’. But where do all these terms come from and why does it matter what language we use to talk about our horses’ temperaments? This is one of the questions I will be asking over the next three years as part of my research. Looking at research in related fields, I am expecting to find that the language you use to talk about your horse has a profound effect on your ability to train him/her successfully and the relationship you are able to experience. For instance, research shows that participants are much more likely to find the solution to logic problems when they believe there definitely IS a solution that they are capable of finding. This is relevant because horses described as Badly behaved or just fun loving? Our own ‘stubborn,’ ‘crazy’, or ‘stupid’ are labelled with permanent, personality colours our perception of our horses unchangeable characteristics. I believe this makes it less likely that the owner will be fun-loving rider, ‘lacking confidence’ by a rider who is a working on addressing the undesirable behaviours, because natural worrier, and ‘stubborn’ by a rider who has a tendency he/she won’t be seeing them as a puzzle that needs solving toward confrontation. at all, but as an inherent deficiency that can’t be altered. Equine science researchers are all too aware of the The ethical issue is that this language absolves the owner of importance of temperament for the success and safety any responsibility for investigating behaviours which might of the sport, and yet also of the challenges in describing well be related to pain, stress, fear or confusion in the horse. temperament in an objective way. They have come up with Think of the difference between referring to a horse as a few different systems of investigating and describing ‘grumpy’, or asking why he doesn’t like to have the saddle temperament, but these, too, are not without flaws. tightened, or what might be done to make him more accepting of this process. Aside from handicapping your own capacity to resolve QUESTIONNAIRES problems, the way you talk about your horse is going to have A common method of analysing temperaments during an effect on all of the people around you, who interact with scientific research is to use questionnaires. A benefit of your horse on a regular basis. Many social scientists have this method is that, through asking the same questions, shown the damaging effect of negative labels on minority researchers are able to standardise the information groups, prisoners, patients, professionals or school children. that is given to them to make it easier to analyse. I believe horses who are given negative labels are interacted Generally, they will try to cut down on variables such as with very differently from those assigned more positive traits, working area, or the effect of feed and workload, by treating all even when showing the same set of behaviours. On the other the horses the same during the trials. I find it very interesting, hand, this can work for positive means too; there is plenty though, that researchers will then tend to analyse the horses’ of evidence in real life that labelling people has a tangible temperaments based on a variety of models; for instance, effect on their future success. some might identify ‘reactivity’ as an important aspect of I’m also hoping to find out more about how language understanding horse temperament, while other might used for describing horses is inherited from others around identify ‘trainability’, ‘affability’, or ‘emotionality’. us. I have noticed in my work as an RA that the culture of The disadvantage of questionnaire-based research is that we talking about horses can vary greatly from one yard to another. are still very much limited by the subjectivity of the participants I believe that when we are talking about our horses, we are filling in the questionnaires as well as the subjectivity of the also communicating something about ourselves to one another. researchers analysing the results. For instance, one paper found In order to gain the respect of the people around us, we are that rider-judges were more likely to give horses high scores for quite likely to alter the way we talk about our horses in order ‘willingness’ when the horses spent more of the time with their to ‘fit in’, or to make a statement about our riding ability, head behind the vertical, which is obviously a worrying finding. our confidence, or our moral stance. There are some questionnaires available to the public that The way we talk about the horse might reflect something claim to help owners get to know their horse’s true temperament. of our own personal values and attributes. The same horse, Do remember, however, that the only information the showing the same behaviour, might be called ‘cheeky’ by a questionnaire has to work on is the information you put into it.

34 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 If you tell the questionnaire that your SO HOW SHOULD horse is nervous, spooky, and anxious, HOMEWORK the results you get from the survey are WE TALK ABOUT going to reconfirm your own interpretations. TEMPERAMENT? Look back at the NEW description you wrote Due to a phenomenon known as When I am getting to know a new ‘confirmation bias’, this will give you more at the beginning of Feature horse, I find it most useful to stay this chapter and see confidence in your own interpretations as away from describing his or her well as in the questionnaire you have used. whether you would like temperament altogether. It is much to make any changes to If you have got it wrong and misread more useful to ask ‘what does he it now. Whether you do or your horse, (who, perhaps, was overfed and do?’ rather than ‘who is he?’ not, you might find it interesting fresh) the survey has no possible way of I like to find out how he responds to consider what the language knowing that. It is going to assume that to various pressures, what he finds you have chosen really means, the information you give is absolutely rewarding, how many repetitions are what might it tell me about you, representative of the horse; remember, needed for a new lesson to sink in, your background, your values, no matter how satisfying these tests are to which spaces work best for training, hopes, fear, or habits? Where fill in, it’s unlikely the category assigned or how he is likely to react if his heart did you learn this language, and to your horse is going to incorporate his rate raises. I am investigating the horse what feelings do the words you or her totally unique and complex as I am training him, and, of course, have chosen stir in you? personality comprehensively. training him as I am investigating him. If you would like to try out a Remember that temperament, like couple of ‘temperament tests’ SCIENTIFIC human personality, is never ‘finished’ on your horse, come onto my TEMPERAMENT TESTS but always evolving. It’s more useful facebook page, Rosie Jones Horses, to take part! To get rid of the subjectivity problem, for us to adopt a frame of mind that some researchers have found ways of constantly re-evaluates the horse’s testing temperament in a controlled responses and behaviours, and remains environment, with investigations that open-minded about his innermost nature. give results in numbers rather than After all, the truth is we will never be Remember that words. Reading through these makes able to find a system for knowing or temperament, like me laugh out loud, because it is a lot describing the true temperament of like reading through a list of practical each horse completely; it is too complex, human personality, jokes scientists have played on horses. changing, intricate and unique – and we Examples include lowering an umbrella are inherently limited and biased in the is never ‘finished’ but from the ceiling among a group of horses, way we look at the horse, analyse him, always evolving. and measuring their heart rate; or dropping and describe him. We should accept seven (yes, specifically seven) pots from a the fact that it is a little bit beyond us. height of three metres onto a metal-folding In the meantime, focus on his positive chair behind a screen, and counting how traits, the things that make him brilliant, many seconds it takes the horse to be and unique, and loveable. And reframe led up to the screen afterwards. any negative traits as puzzles that you The good thing about these tests is that are working on; this is the best way they provide results which are fairly easy to a) LIKE the horse you are working to compare and analyse, and this has led to with and b) TRAIN towards some interesting findings. For instance, it getting the horse you is this sort of test that has led researchers would like to have! to be able to investigate hereditary components of temperament. Unsurprisingly, it does seem some aspects of temperament are influenced by inherited genes. These tests have also enabled researchers to show how variables such as diet have an effect on temperament, with high fibre and fat diets creating less reactive test results than high carbohydrate diets. However these tests can only really provide very specific data about the horse’s temperament in a specific moment. Like a snap shot in time, they tell us how the individuals reacted to that test, on that day. Ultimately, for our purposes out of the lab and in the real world, these Unsurprisingly, it does reactivity tests don’t tell us much in seem some aspects of temperament terms of things we need to know to be are influenced by able to train the horse successfully. inherited genes

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 35 Win a £50 IH IH KIDS voucher Dear Sa t ... What’s on yourn ponya’s

WChristmasith Christmas only weeks wish away, children list? (and possibly some adults!) will be busy writing their present wish list for Santa.

>> Riding hats, new rugs, very sore. Because he can’t talk, though, sparkly browbands and sometimes the only way perhaps even a new four- he can tell you his saddle legged friend could all hurts is by getting upset be making an appearance when you go to put his tack IH Kids on, or by bucking when on those lists – but what you’re riding him. Ouch!  Christmas would your pony ask So if your pony gets cross for if he or she could? when the saddle appears,  perhaps he’s trying to g While the latest dazzling turnout rug drawin might be appreciated on a cold winter tell you something.

day, there are other ‘presents’ your pony would probably prefer… 1. Dear Santa, for competition Christmas I would Are you a brilliant artist as 2. Dear Santa, for Christmas I like …. a Dually

well as being pony mad? would like …. lots of lovely hay for headcollar, so my Well we’ve got the perfect my dinner every night person can lead me safely and give Christmas competition for you. Most ponies are jolly greedy, which means if they’re not careful they can get me easy, clear instructions about where I Here at IH headquarters, we LOVE fat – especially if they are native ponies put my feet and want they want me to do >>pictures of people having fun with their like Welsh or Shetland. But it is really Ponies are super clever about lots of things

ponies – there’s nothing better really, important for ponies (and horses) to get (how do they know when you’ve got Polos

is there? So we thought we would have lots of forage to eat (forage can be hay, or hidden in your jacket? Must be X-ray vision) a Christmas drawing competition. haylage or even grass) especially if they but they’re not mind readers. So using a come into the stable at night when it’s headcollar like the Dually means you can All you have to do is send us a drawing of you cold. Forage helps their digestive system give them clear instructions about where to and your special pony (and it can be a pony

you own, or have lessons on, or borrow – to work properly, and eating foragestops go and when to stop. Did you know Duallys or even one you just say hello to over a fence them getting bored in their stable. come in different colours depending on what One way of making sure greedy ponies size you need? There’s a new green one every day. It’s up to you). You can use pencils, specially for small ponies. or paint, or do a collage (if you’re really keen) get enough hay without getting too fat – you can even draw one on your iPad. is to use haynets with very small holes. This means the pony has to work hard 4. Dear Santa, for Christmas I would Then we’ll pick out the ones which catch to pull his hay out – so it lasts longer, like …. some ‘chill pills’ for my person, our eye and put them on our website and so they stay calm and don’t get shouty keeps him occupied and you can give facebook page so everyone can see what a him less. Brilliant! Now of course we don’t mean actual pills total genius you are! Even better – the best (though Smarties make us very happy, so picture will win a £50 IH voucher to spend 3. Dear Santa, for Christmas I perhaps they would do?), but taking time to

on IH goodies. What are you waiting for? would like …. a swizzy new saddle be calm and relaxed with your pony is very Get drawing! that doesn’t pinch my back important. If you’ve had a bad day at school (grrr Have you ever had to wear some shoes teachers! Homework! Maths!) or things aren’t Send your entries to: that were too tight for you and pinched going right, don’t get angry with your pony. IH Christmas Drawing your toes? It’s really horrible,  isn’t it?  Ponies are VERY clever and can tell just by Competition, Lethornes, Fortunately, you can tell your mum or looking at you if you are stressed (they even Lambourn, Hungerford, dad what’s going on and they can get know if your heart is beating faster – how Berkshire RG17 8QP you straight down to the shoe shop. amazing is that?) and that can make them (don’t forget to include your name, A saddle that doesn’t fit your pony worried. In the same way you wouldn’t shout at age and address; please note we properly is the same sort of thing – it can or hit your brother or sister (you wouldn’t, would you?!), it’s never OK to shout at or hit your pony. can’t send drawings back) pinch or rub his back and make it Closing date is 5th Jan 2015 Be happy at Christmas and ALL year!

36 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014

Photo courtesy of HorseWorld of courtesy Photo Photo courtesy of HorseWorld of courtesy Photo

Lin Horwood was presented with an award for 44 years’ service to HorseWorld

As well as whizzing about the UK for the latest demo tour, Kelly Marks and Monty Roberts also took some time to visit HorseWorld at its Bristol base

Photo courtesy of Monty and Pat Roberts Inc Working for

Monty on a Brooke visit welfare As well as whizzing about the UK for the latest demo tour, Kelly Marks and Monty Roberts also took some time to visit HorseWorld at its Bristol IH 2014 CHARITY UPDATE base. Since its formation in 1952, the HorseWorld charity has been dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned, neglected and mistreated Intelligent Horsemanship supports a horses, ponies and donkeys. number of equine charities in various HorseWorld is now responsible for over 140 horses, ponies and donkeys at the Bristol site and over 300 who have been re-homed throughout ways. Here’s a round-up of some of the South West. The charity also runs the ground-breaking Discovery the work we’ve been doing in 2014 educational programme. “IH techniques are particularly effective with the animals we rescue as they are oriented towards overcoming behavioural issues that our ‘typical’ Shy Lowen & Horseworld rescue animals exhibit. Many of our rescue animals are quite wild and are often unhandled or have been mishandled and are naturally wary IH is patron of two charities in the UK, Shy Lowen or fearful of humans – many with good reason,” says HorseWorld and Horseworld. Both do amazing work with managing director Mark Owen. horses which have often had a very hard time. “We use IH techniques in the rehabilitation of our rescue animals While 2014 was a tough year for fund-raising, IH managed to make a and help to make them into suitable loan or companion animals. significant difference to Shy Lowen – to the animals and the people. When animals go out on loan they free up space for us to take in more rescue animals and continue our – work; IH is therefore right “We now have a Rainbow Bridge garden where the kids can go when at the very heart and foundation of the three Rs of the charity’s they need to work through their emotions following the loss of a horse. work – ‘Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome’.” The IH charity PayPal account was very useful when I was snapping up bargain bridges and arches on Ebay!” says IHRA Liz Pitman, who held While at the centre, Monty presented a HorseWorld volunteer with an a course at the centre with fellow IHRA Sarah Weston. award for 44 years’ service. Lin Horwood, who has been working with rescued horses at the charity’s farm in Whitchurch since she was 11 “As many of you know, one of my other passions is photography. I was able years old, was delighted to be presented with a certificate naming to take literally hundreds of shots this year and these, combined with the her as an ambassador for the charity by Monty Roberts. work of some local photographers, now form the basis of a portfolio of our horses, our kids and our work – a valuable resource in our shop window. And finally… “And last but by no means least, I am very proud to now be a trustee of this amazing charity. The IH-Shy Lowen tie feels further cemented, Monty is also ambassador for the Brooke, I hope to our mutual benefit,” concludes Liz. the international animal welfare organisation • The Shy Lowen photographs can be seen on Flickr – www.flickr.com/ dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, photos/120932157@N03/sets/. Prints of any of these shots can be donkeys and mules in some of the world’s poorest ordered by emailing Liz at [email protected]. communities. More on this in a future issue.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 37 Photo courtesy of David V

F t rom he Although they had not been Case files bred for meat, that was the likely atcher destination for the horses. IH is designed to give you the tools to work with your horse, but sometimes we all need a helping hand. That’s why IH has a network of Recommended Associates around the country; people trained and endorsed by us to use non-violent, partnership-based methods.

From The Case Files this issue hears the story of some Percheron mares saved from the meat man by a Dorset couple. IHRA Sarah Weston helped in the process of setting these rather special horses on the road to success and a driving career appearing at shows and events

When Simon and Michelle Beck heard of four Percheron mares in desperate need of a home, they reasoned another four wouldn’t make much difference added to their existing six-strong herd! IHRA Sarah Weston helped get these Simon Beck with one of the Percherons rare breed animals fit for purpose.

When Michelle Beck read on a social networking site in May this year about four Percherons in urgent need of help, she wasted no time in despatching husband, Simon, and their enormous Rare breed rescue lorry to catch the Poole to Cherbourg ferry. The owner of the horses was suffering ill health and, although they had not been bred for meat, that was the likely destination for & training mission the matriarch, Marge, her daughter, Amye, and the two fillies, Valou and Anais.

Photo courtesy of Tracey Parnell) Simon arrived at the French farm at 8am In fact they turned out to be a delight, and spent the morning grooming and accepting new things with little hesitation befriending the mares. It took a fair while to providing they understood what they were get all of the horses loaded, since none of being asked to do. Simon and Michelle them had been stabled before never mind work along IH lines with all of their driving transported but, by 4.30pm, Simon was on horses; they had made good progress with his way back home fully laden. the French Percherons when I was asked to tie up some loose ends. They joined the couple’s existing six Percherons at their small farm in Dorset By the time of my visit in August, three out and, during their period of quarantine, of the four horses had worn harness and Michelle and Simon started to assess what were beginning to be driven in the sand they had bought and to begin their school. Marge would not accept fly spray, education. Three-year-old Amye had not however, and all of them needed some “I have never had a situation in which a blue even been weaned from her mother but it work on desensitisation and loading. Dually is too small, so we just had to work seemed that while the horses were pretty with whatever fitted!” says Sarah – seen here Asked to accept fly spray when tied up in working with Marge on accepting fly spray unhandled, they had not been man-handled either, and so were ready to learn. the barn, Marge would swing away into the

38 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP AutumnWinter 2014 2014 Photo courtesy of David V Photo courtesy of Sarah Weston atcher

Driving out on the airfield Helping Blue overcome his fear of backing into driving shafts using soft, mock shafts Photo courtesy of Tracey Parnell Photo courtesy of Michelle Beck

Desensitising using Sarah’s new Tango orange tarpaulin The rescued French Percherons on arrival at the Becks’ farm in Dorset

other horses or squash people up the wall. weight, and back out again, lowering worked, Simon could consider covering the In this situation, the art is to teach the task their heads as they came down the ramp. real shafts in something similar for a while. first and only tie the horse up once it has The finale to the session involved Blue, one Using advance and retreat, I asked Blue to been established. of the horses that Simon and Michelle had accept the ‘shafts’ against his sides and once Working in the round pen, I used advance bought some years ago. “We don’t know what this was done he was asked to back into them. and retreat and soon Marge was standing happened to him in his previous home,” says Bear in mind, I’d assessed the risks very still to accept the fly spray. I spray once and Michelle, “but he has always been frightened carefully and we worked extremely quietly rub the area twice to change the sensation; of backing in to the shafts. Once he is going with him, just asking for one step at a time. in this way the horse learns that there is forwards in the carriage he is absolutely fine.” The great thing is that he started to be able to a reward for accepting the spray. I asked whether he had ever kicked as he back up straight and with far less anxiety than Each of the new horses worked beautifully had been put into the shafts and then began before. I’m hoping that this is the start of him through the desensitisation exercises and to work with him with two mock shafts – realising that no-one intends to hurt him. accepted new things with alacrity. Even the one a length of pipe insulation and the other Tango orange new tarpaulin didn’t worry a swimming Woggle. I’ve used these before It’s always extremely them one bit, which augurs well for the as fake back bars in the trailer and found fulfilling to work with people

future when the horses will be driven at that they reassure the horse that they who have their horses’ best all kinds of colourful events with flags won’t be hurt. and noisy crowds surrounding them. interests at heart. There’s something about the warmth and Loading also went well with the two horses feel of them that encourages the horse to It’s always extremely fulfilling to work with that were worked with. The tarpaulin work just relax against them. After that, they people who have their horses’ best interests had helped to set them up and they were seem to accept the proper back bar without at heart and who enjoy being around their soon going up the ramp into the little the same level of fear as before; I thought it horses all day, every day. It was a great horsebox, which rocked a bit with their was worth a try in this situation and, if it privilege to work with such lovely horses.

AutumnWinter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 39 I have really enjoyed taking my own ponies out to events this year, spotlight on including showing, cross IH Recommended Associate country and fun rides Sandra Williams

I am also in the throes of becoming a Horse Agility Trainer.

Based in Oxfordshire, IHRA Sandra Williams What’s important to you when you see an owner will be a familiar face to any IH members and their horse for the first time? who attend courses or go to the demos. To ensure the owner feels at ease with anything I do or say with them and their horse. To observe, listen and hear what the owner and horse are saying; Sandra was author of the ‘Trailer Loading and to give them one exercise to work on and encourage self-thinking in Alone’ feature in the Autumn IH Magazine. order to enable them to become the owner their horse would choose. How long have you been involved with horses? What are the common challenges you face Almost half a century! in your work as an RA? Why did you decide to qualify as a Fitting everything into my car... and I’ve got a big truck! I like to be prepared and although my clients complete an owner form before my visit, which helps Recommended Associate? to ensure I understand their expectations and find out about facilities, it is still I knew there was something missing within my equine education. vital to have everything with you in order to carry out the best work you can. I had the pleasure of attending my first Monty Demo in 1996; watching how he communicated with the horses and Kelly communicating with If you could change one thing in the world the audience I knew immediately what was missing. After attending of horses what would it be, and why? my Foundation Course in 1999, I felt like I had ‘come home’. Education, education education – to lose the “but that’s the way we’ve What is a typical day for you? always done things” attitude. Having adopted two dogs from a rescue centre a year ago, my days have changed considerably. I didn’t have to think at all with our What would be the first piece of advice you would give previous dog (of 18 years) he just went with me like my right arm. someone looking at buying/loaning their first horse? It has been a little different with our new family; lots more planning Take your time. Choose a horse that best fits your requirements and you his; and logistical organising. With this in mind I decided to limit the if he is for riding, become rider-fit and get use to riding a varied mix of horses. distance I travel to see clients and become more home-based. What is the most common issue you have to Taking on a second yard eight months ago has made it easier for me to deal with when working with horses? offer options to owners as this yard has a manège and off-road hacking. My day always starts and finishes with the dogs and the yards; in between I would say the first 10 years of my work with IH was with loading/ is … a varied mix of visiting clients; clients visiting me; teaching on IH travelling worries but in the past few years this has shifted more to courses; making my reece reins; starting out before a problem arises with young or newly-owned horses. hacking/schooling my own ponies; I do sometimes wonder if this is more about ‘like finding like’ rather supporting my liveries; answering than there being less problem loaders out there! a varied mix of e-mails for the IH What are your plans for the future? office; advising/guiding IH students through courses towards Stage I am currently studying to gain my UKCC Level 1 and should know whether two; assessing MRPCH holders I have passed by the time this goes to print. I am very excited as it has with their portfolios; writing up reignited my love for coaching rider and horse. I’d archived my riding tuition RA testimonials and ensuring in the vaults and I am enjoying being reminded of things I had forgotten their details are kept updated I knew. I am also in the throes of becoming a Horse Agility Trainer... and, more recently, continuing I have really enjoyed taking my own ponies out to events this year, my own education in order to including showing, cross country and fun rides, so I am definitely keep offering the best service planning on prioritising this for 2015. I possibly can (so lots of studying and compiling Sandra now offers more facilities of my own portfolio) Phew! More information can be found at www.hearinghorses.com to owners at her second yard

40 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 IH Recommended Associates client feedback While working with your horse to solve problems and build a better partnership is very satisfying, sometimes a helping hand from a professional can be essential. Here’s what clients are saying about IHRAs:

IHRA Adam Goodfellow Gloucestershire IHRA Sheila Reed Gloucestershire “We needed help “We had watched a with loading” demonstration by Sheila Adam was completely brilliant, very impressed; at our livery yard” not only did he get our horse loading but he Sheila was dealing directly with my taught us a lot more as well. 15yr old daughter while I watched; she We will be inviting him back soon. We would explained and demonstrated everything definitely recommend Adam to other horse owners. clearly and in a way accessible to my daughter. She hit the Dr J French, Gloucestershire right tone of humour and transmitting information. We had an e-mail conversation beforehand so she was ready with information I’d given her and could get straight down to IHRA Sam Austin Oxfordshire work on what we needed. I would say Sheila is a great example of her association – loads of knowledge, positive approach “We know Sam through and lots of useful, relevant tips; we would definitely the Pony Club and recommend Sheila to other horse owners. wanted help with cross K McKenna, Gloucestershire country techniques” Sam helped my daughters (aged 11 IHRA Bronwen Packham Somerset and 14) with two very different ponies learning some cross country techniques; our inexperienced “We had watched Bronwen but bold young 14.2 and our 12.2, who is brilliant at almost at a demonstration” everything except ‘solid-looking jumps’ – he is also worried Bronwen explained exactly what my horse about puddles, so we never attempt proper water. was doing and how to use the Dually Sam not only helped the pony and rider with techniques to grasp halter effectively. She reassured me my that solid-looking jumps are no problem (the pony is very good problems with my horse were solvable. over show jumps) but most impressive was gently teaching the pony I was very impressed with her work and explanation of everything to go through water – my daughters and I did not think we would she was doing and why. In a very short time, Bronwen had my ever see it! I recommended Sam the following day to a neighbour. horse responding politely without resorting to hurting him. C Toms, Reading For anyone who wants their horse trained without violence, IH is the place to go. I am very grateful to Bronwen and look forward to working with her to improve me and my horse. IHRA Kelly Brotherhood Lincolnshire M Davis, Somerset

“I had attended an IH IHRA Rosie Jones Cambridgeshire course and wanted to continue my education” “Confidence problems I needed help preparing my two 3-year-old with a young horse” horses for backing next year and wanted to Rosie was understanding and made me do long lining; Kelly explained this really feel relaxed straight away. With the well and broke it down into manageable steps. The horses also advice and techniques she showed me responded really well too; she is very knowledgeable and took I soon created a bond with my young her time with me and my horses. horse and saw results from the first I did not feel rushed in any way. I was very impressed; Kelly is session. The needs of my horse came first at all times and a true asset to IH – please keep up the good work! I was extremely impressed with the service. S Gozney, Nottinghamshire K Lock, Bristol

Contact details for all IH Recommended Associates can be found at www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk in the Horse Help section.

Winter 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 41 IH Training 2015 IH COURSES Come and have the experience of a lifetime with our expert tuition in the art of ‘horse whispering’ and equine behaviour. It will change the way you view not only your relationships with horses, but also the people around you and the relationship you have with yourself. Perfect Manners 2 Day Course, £325 March 7-8 (SOLD OUT), June 6-7, July 11-12, July 25-26, August 22-23

The psychology course is very interactive and students are encouraged to question how Horse Psychology, £170 horses think, see and feel – and come away thinking about horses in a whole new light! February 28-March 1, March 2-3, August 8-9 (Travel Saving Course) Foundation Course, £575 March 9-13, March 16-20, June 1-5, Focus on... The Horse July 13-17, July 20-24, August 3-7 (Travel Saving Course), August 10-14 Psychology Course (Travel Saving Course) Stud Practice / Handling If you’ve ever thought about attending a course but have not been sure the Young Foal with Ian of what it is about and what the benefits are, this section is for you! Vandenberghe, £170 (£85/day) Each issue we’ll be looking in more depth at one of the courses; July 30-31 (Travel Saving Course) we start with the horse psychology course (see page 31 for details Feeding For Good Behaviour of how to win a place on one of the 2015 courses) & Health/Maintaining Your Horse’s Physical Health For Life With Ian Vandenberghe, Horse Psychology Don’t just take our word for it; here’s what previous students have said about the £170 (£85/day) – helping and preventing horse psychology course: February 26-27, August 1-2 problems with horses (Travel Saving Course) “Just a quick note to say how much I with Kelly Marks enjoyed the Horse Psychology weekend. Intermediate Course: Leading This is a 2-day, This was my first IH course and I had no and Loading the Less Easy classroom-based idea what to expect and I was pleasantly Horse, £250 course held at surprised. A complex subject but I think the August 15-16 (Travel Saving Course), Oaksey House course was pitched at the right level and August 17-18 in Lambourn, has given me encouragement to read more. Berkshire. It is I was also thrilled to meet such a variety of Intermediate Course: very interactive people too, who all share the same quest Handling the Untouched and students are to put ‘intelligence into horsemanship’. Horse, £250 TBC encouraged to Krystyna Rogers question how horses Stage 2, £575 TBC “Loved the psychology course – it’s a think, see and feel great course and helps to reinforce and Reservations can only be made on receipt – and come away make sense of training/communication of a 50% deposit. You must also be a thinking about horses in a whole new light! member of Intelligent Horsemanship, methods learnt on the other courses. which costs from £20 per year; see page On this very popular weekend course The yes/no game totally shows how hard 30 for details on all the great benefits, your studies will include: it is to communicate what you are aiming as well as a special prize draw for • How to approach ‘problems with horses’ to teach to your horse.” Emma Wood those referring new members.

• How behaviourism relates to our We also welcome spectators at a cost Photos courtesy of Sandra Williams • IH membership costs only £25 a year work with horses of £30 per day – you are welcome and gives you a whole host of benefits – to observe and take notes. • The uses of positive and negative see p31 for more details. If you would like See www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk reinforcement to become an IH member you can join for more details. • The uses of pressure/release training online at www.intelligenthorsemanship. • How horses learn / Horse sense co.uk, or call the IH office on 01488 71300.

42 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP Winter 2014 NEW UlsaKind

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Will also help horses and ponies:

• Prone to, being treated for or recovering from laminitis, providing they are not overweight • That exhibit ‘fizzy’ behaviour on high starch feeds • With muscle dysfunction due to high starch feeds • With digestive disturbances or intolerances caused by high starch feeds • Which need a low starch diet to help maintain correct limb development

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Autumn 2014 INTELLIGENT HORSEMANSHIP 43 This was my first time seeing Kelly and Monty, and I can say it was the most inspiring event I’ve ever been to. LD

<< Monty and Wallace the mule proving that great teaching makes brilliant students!

Monty Partnership Roberts & Kelly Marks for Performance march Tour >> How small changes can mean BIG improvements for you and your horse 2015

DON’T MISS OUT on a fun, action packed and enlightening evening – BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! Book before January 14th to get Early Bird Tickets at £25! TUESDAY 24 MARCH THURSDAY 26 MARCH SATURDAY 28 MARCH Special - HADLOW COLLEGE – NORTON HEATH EC – THE HAND EC Guest Tonbridge Rd, Hadlow Fingrith Hall Lane Davis Lane Clevedon, Somerset Kent TN11 0AL Blackmore, Essex CM4 0JP BS21 6TG with Martin Clunes!

Advance tickets – only £30 per ticket, otherwise £35 on door For tickets and more (if available). Main demonstration 7.30pm – 10.30pm information go to: (with 30 minute interval). www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk Doors open at 6pm for IH Members’ Private Audience or call us on 01488 71300 and 7pm for main demonstration (PLEASE REMEMBER to quote your IH (Mon-Fri between 9am and 4pm) Membership number to gain access to the Private Audience and pick the best seats!) We also have limited free spaces for volunteers so call us today. Join Kelly Marks & Intelligent Horsemanship on Facebook