Andrew McLean

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 equine cogniton and learning, has been an accredited horseriding coach for over 25 years and has written top-selling books and numerous peer reviewed journal articles. A past winner of the Gawler CCI***, he has also represented Australia in Horse Trials, 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 conducts lecture demonstrations at universities and conferences around the world. He teaches throughout Australia, Europe, South Africa, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. Andrew continues to coach riders and National Federations on the optimal use of learning theory for improved welfare of the trained horse as well as improved performance.

Recent Career Highlights

Andrew was recently elected President of the International Society for Equitation Science. He was instrumental in hosting the 1st International Equitation ScienceSymposium which was held at the AEBC in 2005. Annual symposia and conferences throughout the world have followed.

Conducting lectures and demonstrations at Haras de la Cense Expo in 2006 (France) and Equitana 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2008.

Delivering a lecture/demonstration at the Global Dressage Forum in October 2006 for which he was voted best new presenter (Topic: "Training principles that arise from learning theory") and subsequently asked to return in 2008 (Topic: "Learned helplessness in the competition horse").

Conducting an interactive presentation in the Netherlands for elite dressage coaches under the auspices of the Dutch Dressage Federation on the application of learning theory to dressage for improved welfare and performance.

Becoming Head of Science and Training for the Working Elephant Programme of Asia (WEPA). This cooperative project is focussed on the optimal management, welfare and training of working elephants in Asia and includes the development and implementation of new training techniques based on learning theory and the elimination of punishment.