Our Team

The son of Andrew McLean, Alistair was introduced to horses at an early age. He began riding at age 4 and competing at age 12. As a professional trainer and coach at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, Alistair demonstrates a clear aptitude for producing well-trained, calm and sound performance horses. He is also in demand as a clinician in Australia and internationally. Most recently, he presented at QLD Festival of Dressage and Equitana.

In 2010, Alistair and his partner Rikke began their own business in Europe starting young horses. Together, they’ve earned a reputation for being patient and compassionate horse trainers. Upon his return to the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre in 2013, Alistair began his role as Director and Head Trainer/Coach, and he continues to specialise in the area of foundation training.

Influenced by his parents, Andrew and Manuela McLean, along with his brother, Warwick McLean, Alistair possesses a natural talent for producing well-trained performance horses. However, he is not only passionate about enabling performance horses to achieve their full athletic potential, but also empowering riders to continue their horse’s training at home. A competent Dressage rider, Alistair is currently bringing his team of young horses up through the levels and achieving notable success. He is consistently scoring about 70% and placing within top five. With a particular interest in Dressage, Alistair intends to develop a clear training system to educate horses from foundation to Grand Prix. Through his role at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, Alistair aims to continue producing consistent and high quality performance horses that are prepared and educated to excel at all levels.

Born and raised in Denmark, Rikke started riding at a young age in pony club. From the beginning, she has been interested in understanding how to achieve harmony between horse and rider. First introduced to Andrew McLean by one of her best supporters, Ute Lehmann, Rikke came to the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre in 2009 as a working pupil and demonstrated her propensity for training using learning theory. After completing 10 months as a working pupil, Rikke returned to Denmark with her partner Alistair to open their own foundation training business.

On commencing her role as Business Manager and Head Trainer/Coach at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre in 2013, Rikke continues to be involved in starting young horses and is also training her own horses up through the levels, in both dressage and show jumping.

In 2015, Rikke’s re-trainer Sorento came 2nd in the 6-year-old Young Event Horse of the Year at the Melbourne International Three Day Event. A fast rising Show Jumper, now competing at 1.25m, Rikke is currently educating her own team of young horses up through the levels. As a rider and trainer, Rikke demonstrates exceptional patience. Like her team at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, her goal is to nurture the best in every horse.

A proficient coach with adult and young riders, Rikke is passionate about giving her students the tools to become more confident and competent with their own horses. She is inspired not only by seeing the changes in each horse, but also the profound changes in each rider who comes to the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre.