The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is proud to share that internationally recognised equine behaviour expert Dr Andrew McLean from Equitation Science International will lead the Festival’s Education Hub at the 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival, delivering a dynamic and inclusive learning program for horse owners, riders, and enthusiasts.
The Education Hub seminars will be FREE and open to all Festival attendees and ticket holders, reinforcing the Festival’s commitment to education, accessibility, and horse welfare. While sessions are free to attend, registration will be required to help manage venue capacity.
Under Dr McLean’s leadership, the Education Hub will provide horse lovers with the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the behaviour of our beloved horses and develop a clearer understanding of how to build partnerships—aligned with personal goals, ethical training principles, and evidence-based practice.
Widely regarded as a global leader in equitation science, Dr McLean brings decades of research, practical application, and international influence. His seminars will explore how horses learn, how behaviour develops, and how clear communication supports calmer, more confident horses across all disciplines.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is committed to providing spectators with meaningful opportunities to learn and to foster a greater holistic approach to horse welfare and horse sport. The Education Hub has been designed to complement the Festival’s world-class competition program by placing education and welfare at the heart of the event.
By partnering with a figure of Dr McLean’s expertise, and by delivering a carefully curated seminar series, the Festival is confident the Education Hub will attract a broad and diverse audience of horse lovers—from first-time owners and Pony Club families to elite riders and industry professionals.
Additional seminars will be added to the program, including sessions presented by valued Festival partners, with exciting prizes and giveaways available for attendees.
Education Hub – Program overview
Thursday 16 April:
How horses learn: The science behind effective training
Life as a horse: Understanding the natural behaviours of horses
Friday 17 April:
Life after racing: Re-training the Off-the-Track Thoroughbred
Clear signals, calm horses: Training the basics in-hand
Saturday 18 April:
A sustainable future for horse sports
The full Education Hub program will be confirmed in MArch.
Registration details will be announced once the Education Hub program is confirmed.
The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival promises not only elite sport and entertainment, but also a platform for learning, connection, and progress in how we understand, train, and care for horses.
Source: Adelaide Equestrian Festival press release
