James and McLean win first International Road to the Horse
By Julie Bryant
It was the shout heard around the world as Guy McLean, covering his face with his hands, threw his arms in the air and grabbed teammate Dan James after hearing Team Australia announced as winners of Road to the Horse International March 11, 2012 in Murfreesboro, TN. In a close race over three days filled with excellent horsemanship and moments of high drama, Team Australia made their visit to the United States even more worthwhile with the win.
James of North Arm Cove, New South Wales and McLean of Hervey Bay, Queensland, went into the final round of competition, the challenging obstacle course, in a close race with Team USA, with veteran clinicians Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas, and Pat Parelli of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Team Canada, consisting of British Columbia horsemen Glenn Stewart of Baldonnel and Jonathan Field of Abbotsford, were no slackers either, having taken on two challenging horses to make it to the obstacle course.
Team USA took the first round of competition from inside the W-W Livestock round pens with a combined score of 691 from head judge Mike Kevil of Arizona and judges Jack Brainard of Texas, Dr. Robert Miller of California, Cody Lambert of Texas, Hugh McLennan of British Columbia and Australian Wayne Robinson of Texas.
Going into the second round, Pat Parelli’s original remuda selection was replaced for its protection while Dan James suddenly fell ill during the morning demonstrations. Judges and contestants agreeed that Parelli would receive a new horse and begin again at 5:30 a.m. the final day, while James’s business partner, Dan Steers, would be allowed to serve as wrangler for Guy McLean during the morning training session. After receiving prompt medical attention from the production crew, James did return for the afternoon session. So, at the end of the second round, Team Australia had the slight upper hand with a score of 715 to Team USA’s 699. Team Canada followed with a score of 673.
The final round is the challenging obstacle course, and Bland made it even more so, offering 60 extra points to the team who would switch horses. After a quick conferral, Teams USA and Canada stuck to their original mounts, but Team Australia made the switch.
McLean was the first to take the course aboard Remember Sunset, a gray gelding trained initially by James. After a bit of “getting to know you,” McLean established the partnership and started with his declared moves: a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring; a 180 degree turn each way; mount and dismount; stop and back. Then onto the obstacle course where the gray grew in acceptance of McLean with every step, taking on both mystery obstacles (a bell suspended over a bridge and a water obstacle). McLean ended his performance standing on the back of the horse, snapping two whips simultaneously.
James took Valliant Paddy, a sorrel trained and purchased by McLean, confidently, but carefully through the course. He hit a snag when crossing the ground tarp, but once he showed the horse resistance was futile, it was smooth sailing from that point on.
Team Canada had strong performances as well, with Jonathan Field completing the course in solid fashion on Fletches Stoli and Glenn Stewart making a nail-biter of a performance, spending much time in the round pen saddling and working Sixes Peg prior to starting the obstacle course, and bringing the house down with his own exuberant finish.
Craig Cameron of Team USA brought his humorous perspective to the obstacle course, while Pat Parelli, allowed to go last with Bucks Attraction, gave one of the best performances of the day, working his palomino horse sans bit throughout the AQHA-sponsored obstacle course without a hitch.
Team Australia was crowned the winner with a total score of 2,780, with Team USA in second with a score of 2,687 followed by Team Canada with a score of 2,471.
“This was truly a great birthday,” said McLean, celebrating March 11. “I have so much admiration for the other horsemen who were here today and am so thankful to everyone who supported us. I just can’t believe it.”
James, who purchased his horse following the event, said he was shocked. “It was so close,” he said. “I really didn’t know how it would go, but this was an amazing competition.” Both trainers were awarded with the AQHA Traveler award for their win and the purchase of their horses.
McLean will continue with his tour of the United States, while James is taking up residence at Taylor Made Farms in Lexington, KY.
In addition to a $10,000 cash prize awarded to the charity of their choice, Team Australia took home Martin Saddles with custom Gist conchos memorializing Road to the Horse co-founder Steven “Dooky” Bland, custom headstalls from Daryl Davis and Flying D Enterprises, custom saddle pads from CSI Saddle Pads, hats from J.W. Brooks and custom braided romal reins from elite US braider Kyanna Fejes.
Road to the Horse will relocate to Lexington, KY March 15-17, 2013. For more information, visit: www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325.736.5000.
By Julie Bryant
It was the shout heard around the world as Guy McLean, covering his face with his hands, threw his arms in the air and grabbed teammate Dan James after hearing Team Australia announced as winners of Road to the Horse International March 11, 2012 in Murfreesboro, TN. In a close race over three days filled with excellent horsemanship and moments of high drama, Team Australia made their visit to the United States even more worthwhile with the win.
James of North Arm Cove, New South Wales and McLean of Hervey Bay, Queensland, went into the final round of competition, the challenging obstacle course, in a close race with Team USA, with veteran clinicians Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas, and Pat Parelli of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Team Canada, consisting of British Columbia horsemen Glenn Stewart of Baldonnel and Jonathan Field of Abbotsford, were no slackers either, having taken on two challenging horses to make it to the obstacle course.
Team USA took the first round of competition from inside the W-W Livestock round pens with a combined score of 691 from head judge Mike Kevil of Arizona and judges Jack Brainard of Texas, Dr. Robert Miller of California, Cody Lambert of Texas, Hugh McLennan of British Columbia and Australian Wayne Robinson of Texas.
Going into the second round, Pat Parelli’s original remuda selection was replaced for its protection while Dan James suddenly fell ill during the morning demonstrations. Judges and contestants agreeed that Parelli would receive a new horse and begin again at 5:30 a.m. the final day, while James’s business partner, Dan Steers, would be allowed to serve as wrangler for Guy McLean during the morning training session. After receiving prompt medical attention from the production crew, James did return for the afternoon session. So, at the end of the second round, Team Australia had the slight upper hand with a score of 715 to Team USA’s 699. Team Canada followed with a score of 673.
The final round is the challenging obstacle course, and Bland made it even more so, offering 60 extra points to the team who would switch horses. After a quick conferral, Teams USA and Canada stuck to their original mounts, but Team Australia made the switch.
McLean was the first to take the course aboard Remember Sunset, a gray gelding trained initially by James. After a bit of “getting to know you,” McLean established the partnership and started with his declared moves: a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring; a 180 degree turn each way; mount and dismount; stop and back. Then onto the obstacle course where the gray grew in acceptance of McLean with every step, taking on both mystery obstacles (a bell suspended over a bridge and a water obstacle). McLean ended his performance standing on the back of the horse, snapping two whips simultaneously.
James took Valliant Paddy, a sorrel trained and purchased by McLean, confidently, but carefully through the course. He hit a snag when crossing the ground tarp, but once he showed the horse resistance was futile, it was smooth sailing from that point on.
Team Canada had strong performances as well, with Jonathan Field completing the course in solid fashion on Fletches Stoli and Glenn Stewart making a nail-biter of a performance, spending much time in the round pen saddling and working Sixes Peg prior to starting the obstacle course, and bringing the house down with his own exuberant finish.
Craig Cameron of Team USA brought his humorous perspective to the obstacle course, while Pat Parelli, allowed to go last with Bucks Attraction, gave one of the best performances of the day, working his palomino horse sans bit throughout the AQHA-sponsored obstacle course without a hitch.
Team Australia was crowned the winner with a total score of 2,780, with Team USA in second with a score of 2,687 followed by Team Canada with a score of 2,471.
“This was truly a great birthday,” said McLean, celebrating March 11. “I have so much admiration for the other horsemen who were here today and am so thankful to everyone who supported us. I just can’t believe it.”
James, who purchased his horse following the event, said he was shocked. “It was so close,” he said. “I really didn’t know how it would go, but this was an amazing competition.” Both trainers were awarded with the AQHA Traveler award for their win and the purchase of their horses.
McLean will continue with his tour of the United States, while James is taking up residence at Taylor Made Farms in Lexington, KY.
In addition to a $10,000 cash prize awarded to the charity of their choice, Team Australia took home Martin Saddles with custom Gist conchos memorializing Road to the Horse co-founder Steven “Dooky” Bland, custom headstalls from Daryl Davis and Flying D Enterprises, custom saddle pads from CSI Saddle Pads, hats from J.W. Brooks and custom braided romal reins from elite US braider Kyanna Fejes.
Road to the Horse will relocate to Lexington, KY March 15-17, 2013. For more information, visit: www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325.736.5000.
