S1E3- U-Turns, Leaky Buckets and Messed Up Horses: Andrew McLean’s roadmap for keeping horses in sport

This week on Changing Rein, co-hosts Karen Luke and Meta Osborne, chat with Dr. Andrew McLean, a pioneer in studying horse welfare, behavior, and training, and a founder of the International Society for Equitation Science. Dr. McLean shares his journey from zoology to equitation science and the pivotal moments that shaped his research. And Karen and Andrew realise they both owe their start in psychology to same professor! The role of culture in horse training practices is explored, along with the need to prioritize self-carriage (where the horse is able to continue their pace and direction without influence from the rider) in dressage. Andrew shares his roadmap for the future, which includes a reevaluation of judging criteria and the acceptance of alternative equipment, such as allowing bit free and bridleless horses in competition. (If you are curious about exploring bit free and bridleless riding, visit World Bitless Association) In this conversation, Andrew McLean discusses the importance of ethical and humane training for horses. He emphasizes the need for horses to have enrichment in their lives and highlights the role that AI will likely play in the future for measuring horse welfare both during competition and at home. Andrew also advocates for the inclusion of tests of self-carriage in competition to improve the well-being of horses in sport. He also stresses that education and journalism are key in translating scientific research into practice and promoting sustainable equitation. Andrew McLean runs Equitation Science International, a registered training organisation offering courses, lessons and training.