FEI brings horse welfare experts into the team
Dr. Andrew McLean supports the global association with scientific expertise
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In order to place even more focus on horse welfare, the FEI is bringing the renowned Australian scientist Dr. Andrew McLean into the horse welfare team. McLean, an expert in horse behavior and training, will focus intensively on issues of horse husbandry and training.
McLean was awarded the Eureka Science Prize for his research. In his new role at the FEI, he wants to further establish the "First Principles of Training" of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) and thus contribute to more sustainability and optimal well-being in equestrian sport. "It is now more important than ever that riders, trainers and judges learn what they don't know," he emphasizes in a post on Instagram.
What are the First Principles of Training?
- Safety for humans and horses
- Consideration of the horse's natural needs
- Consideration of the horse's mental and sensory abilities
- Consideration of the emotional state of the horse
- Correct use of habituation and sedation methods
- Correct application of operant conditioning
- Correct application of classical conditioning
- Correct use of shaping (step-by-step training)
- Correct use of signals/aids
- Promotion of self-maintenance
These principles are designed to make training more horse-friendly, effective and sustainable.
Who is Andrew McLean?
Dr. Andrew McLean is one of the world's leading experts in horse training and behaviour. The Australian has been awarded the prestigious Eureka Prize for Science and is the founder of the Australian Equine Behavior Centre, the largest equine behavior modification center in the southern hemisphere. To date, he has written six books, including an international bestseller "The Truth about Horses", and has published over 55 peer-reviewed scientific articles.
As a former top rider, McLean was internationally successful: he won the famous Gawler Three-Day event at the highest level, represented Australia in eventing competitions and was nominated for the World Championships. He also competed up to Grand Prix level in dressage and show jumping and was a licensed racehorse trainer.
His expertise extends beyond equestrian sports: since 2007, he has been committed to the animal-friendly training of elephants in Asia and founded the H-ELP Foundation, which is committed to sustainable training methods and the protection of mahouts and elephants. His innovative approach has had a significant impact on elephant training in India.
McLean was a co-founder of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), which has been using scientific findings to promote horse-friendly training since 2005. He also advises organizations such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Equine Welfare Advisory Council of Racing Victoria, where he is committed to better conditions for racehorses and the gradual abolition of the whip.
A renowned speaker, McLean has lectured at universities and conferences around the world, including Australia, Europe, the USA, Canada and South Africa. His work as an expert witness in court cases on animal welfare and training methods underlines his leading role in equitation science.
In his new role at the FEI, McLean will continue to promote horse-friendly training and sustainable improvements in equestrian sport.