Wizard of Aus By Hazel Plumbley INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN BEHAVIOURIST DR. ANDREW MCLEAN STOPS IN KAMLOOPS
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questrians of all ages from the Kamloops-Shuswap area gathered August 3-4 to learn horsemanship from Australian Dr. Andrew McLean, one of the world’s leading authorities on equine behaviour and learning theory. McLean’s groundbreaking work in equine cognition and his method of teaching horses through the use of simple, readily understood ‘aids’ has helped riders worldwide develop a more humane way of training their horses. A rider himself, McLean’s first equine career was as a distinguished competitor in the Olympic English equestrian events. He represented Australia in eventing and competed to high levels in both dressage and show jumping. His second and continuing career is post-secondary instruction at colleges and universities around the world. McLean has presented at three Global Dressage Forums since 2006, conducted a clinic for the Dutch Dressage Federation with Olympic competitors as his demonstration riders, and instructs clinics on equitation science
and equine learning theory worldwide. Despite the initially sceptical reception for his theory, McLean is advancing humane training in the same way that he works with horses with behaviour issues – very consistently. Given the packed house of over 70 equestrians at his August 3rd lecture and demo, and his fully subscribed clinic the following day, it looks like while conDr. Jennifer Jackson and ex-racehorse “Taggy” work on connection.” tentious, his theories are Photo by Studio Five-O Photography. also contagious. “The more we underShuswap Road, McLean worked with horses stand horse psychology and the processes beginning new careers, such as Kamloops of training, the more we realize we could do veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Jackson’s retired so much better, not just for (horse) welfare, homebred Thoroughbred racehorse, 15-year which is my main motivation… but also for old “Taggy,” being re-trained for competiimproving performances,” says McLean. tive riding. He also worked with experienced During his day at Lanzelot Stables on horses like Sara Sellmer’s “Sloan McQuick,” a Canadian Warmblood competing at CCI** level in the discipline of eventing. Riders of
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Dr. McLean working with Sara Sellmer’s Canadian Warmblood by Florian, “Sloan McQuick,” on dressage and lateral work. Photo by Hazel Plumbley. all levels from varying equestrian disciplines, including three groups of young riders, were among those training with Dr. McLean. The clinic, sponsored by the Kamloops Large Animal Veterinary Clinic, was also well attended by riders who audited and observed McLean’s work from ringside seats. 12 • Saddle Up • September 2015
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