Andrew McLean – The Horse Magazine

Andrew McLean: Thinking about horses – Part 1

March 9th, 2024
“I think that we need to recognize the importance of self-carriage: when you release the reins just for two strides, the horse should stay in your speed, on your line and should stay in its own outline." Read Article 5 Comments »

Stop your horse rushing at the jump!

October 21st, 2022
It's a problem lots of jumping riders have, their horse rushes the jump, and it is a dangerous problem, but Andrew McLean says you can solve the problem, it might just save your life... Read Article 4 Comments »

The Ten Commandments…

January 13th, 2022
Andrew McLean has a 10 point check list to see if your training program is based on sound scientific principles... Read Article 1 Comment »

The Principles of Horsemanship: Pressure / Release

December 2nd, 2021
The first principle is that the removal of any pressure reinforces the behaviour immediately before the removal. This is the principle of negative reinforcement... Read Article 2 Comments »

Andrew McLean on the Crucial First Training Principle

November 26th, 2021
Andrew McLean and the First Principle - This is the principle of negative reinforcement. I think what we need to recognize, is that when we train horses we are duty bound to perform negative reinforcement correctly... Read Article Comments Off

Andrew McLean on Punishment

November 20th, 2021
One of the most important concepts Andrew McLean has introduced to the world of the horse is that horses are not ‘naughty’, they are just being given the wrong signals and message... Read Article 9 Comments »

Self carriage is essential for all riders and horses

September 29th, 2021
Self Carriage is for horses and riders – Dr Andrew McLean tells us: “The horse must travel in-hand and under saddle free of any constant rein or leg pressure, otherwise he will switch off to them. The concept of self-carriage seems simple enough. It means that the horse self-maintains his own rhythm, tempo, stride length, […] Read Article Comments Off

The Ethics of Performance Horse Training with Andrew McLean

June 21st, 2021
“I’m confident that there is no problem with correct training, but there are issues that need addressing. Short necks, tension and conflict behaviours can no longer be brushed off as the horse’s fault or personality. Judges need to be clear and certain about signs of tension. The signs of tension need reviewing and predetermined penalties […] Read Article 1 Comment »

Principles of Horsemanship: Part 6 – Proportional Principle

June 3rd, 2021
Compared to other forms of horse training, performance horses need to be much more responsive in terms of speed and power variations. For example if your aim is simply to enjoy trail riding then the task of training is considerably less complex than that of an event horse or a dressage horse… Read Article 1 Comment »

Andrew McLean, training principles

May 10th, 2021
Share Andrew McLean’s insights to training, and understanding our equine partners, essential knowledge for all: “In dressage, voice aids are not used in competition. Instead, as the horse learns to respond from lighter rein and/or leg aids, the horse becomes increasingly aware of the associations of seat and weight that naturally occur with rein and/or […] Read Article Comments Off