Andrew McLean
Top to Bottom: Andrew compeeting on Mr Biggles at Gawler 3DE; The Hanoverian Stallion Tintagel Magic, who he trained to, and compeeted at FEI level dressage; With Anky Van Grunsven at the Global Dressage Forum in 2006
PhD (Equine cognition and learning), BSc (zoology), Dip Ed
Andrew McLean developed and manages the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, the most internationally recognised horse training and behaviour modification centre in Australia.
Andrew McLean holds a PhD in horse training psychology, has been an accredited horseriding coach for over 20 years and has written top-selling books and numerous articles. A past winner of the Gawler CCI***, he has also represented Australia in the Trans Tasman Cup, competed at state and national events in FEI level dressage and eventing and has also showjumped to Grand Prix level.
In great demand as a trainer, coach and speaker, Dr McLean currently lectures at universities and conferences around the world. He teaches regularly at three UK universities and the Copenhagen Veterinary School and conducts annual clinics in Belgium and the USA. He continues to coach riders and train horses, as well as educating other coaches in correct technique and training practice.
Dr McLean is a member of the International Society of Applied Ethology, an elite academic group of cognitive ethologists. His articles have been published in academic journals and textbooks and he regularly delivers lectures and demonstrations on the psychology of horses and equitation science.
Recent Career Highlights
Having an instrumental role in in hosting the 1St Equitation Science Symposium which was held at the AEBC in 2005. Annual symposia throughout the world have followed. Andrew was recently elected Junior Vice President of the International Society for Equitation Science.
Conducting lectures and demonstrations at Haras de la Cense Expo in 2006 (France) and Equitana 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005.
Delivering a presentation and demonstration at the Global Dressage Forum in October 2006 for which he was voted second best presentor to Hubertus Schmidt and subsequently asked to return in 2008.
Conducting an interactive presentation at the KNHS (National Training Centre) in Holland, for 50 top-level trainers on the application of learning theory to dressage. After an initial lecture on learning theory, trainers then had to explain what they saw in terms of learning theory when Anky Van Grunsven gave a demonstration ride. The second part of the demonstration involved helping Anky resolve a challenging issue with one of her new acquisitions using learning theory.
Becoming involved in the 'Elephant Training Project', a movement that has resulted in the formation of the Working Elephants Program of Asia (WEPA) for which Andrew is the head trainer. Read more...