In 2011, Guy McLean, an accomplished horseman from Australia, entertained, inspired and educated spectators at Dressage at Devon. Given the audience acclaim, it’s not surprising that Guy and his equine team – Hope, Sequel, Pride and Spinnaby – have been invited back this year. They have performed in front of millions across the world, showing a level of communication and partnership between man and horse that most have never seen before. He can orchestrate the movements of four horses at once: sitting, rolling, bowing, and much more. Whatever his performances include, they’re sure to amaze and, of course, be sprinkled with a dash of Aussie humor.
“He works the whole team, sharing with the audience insights on each horse’s personality, and the special ingredient they bring to the act,” says Lori Kaminski, President and CEO of Dressage at Devon. Hope is the CEO who leads the way. Sequel, who is laid back, lies down and allows the other three horses to stand over him. Spinnaby is the athlete and behind the scenes joker. Finally, Pride adds a dose of beauty, a bay with dark lines around her eyes and down her legs.
Guy McLean grew up on a 1,600 acre ranch in Queensland. As a five-year old, he already needed to wear glasses and found the typical male sports, which required hand-eye coordination, a challenge. At school, feeling overshadowed by more agile boys, he was shy and never sought the spotlight. He cannot, however, recall a day when horses were not a part of his life, and that is where he sought refuge. When he partnered with horses, he became faster, stronger and braver than his schoolmates. While some might have wanted to dominate the horses, Guy was thrilled just to be their equal. So he has no need for whips or spurs to train them. He says the tools he uses are “knowledge, compassion, patience and imagination.” Through adversity, Guy found his life’s calling—natural horsemanship, or what he calls the “quiet way.” And the shy boy became a man who learned to perform in front of large audiences and rivet their attention.
Reserved seating to see the magic of Guy McLean and other events at the Breed and Performance Show at Dressage at Devon is available at http://dressageatdevon.org/shop/ and general admission tickets can be purchased at the show grounds from 9/25/12 to 9/30/12. Guy McLean’s performances will take place multiple times during show hours on Friday, September 28 through Sunday, September 30.
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Dressage at Devon tickets are $10 for general admission. Children under 12 are admitted free. Reserved seating is $25 on Friday, $35 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday and is available online at www.dressageatdevon.org. General admission is available at the door.
About Dressage at Devon
Dressage at Devon (www.dressageatdevon.org) has been the premier North American Equestrian event since its founding by the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association in 1975, and became a separate organization in 2006. It combines world-class dressage competition and the world’s largest open breed show with the international Fall Festival show and special activities for the entire family.
Dressage at Devon, a 501(c) (3) PA non-profit organization, benefitting equestrian education with an emphasis on Dressage.
