LEGACY OF THE HORSE JUDGES
At Legacy of the Horse, we are proud to present a panel of respected judges who bring decades of hands-on experience, integrity, and deep horsemanship wisdom to the arena. Carefully selected for their diverse backgrounds and training philosophies, these judges embody the values at the heart of this event.
Their role goes far beyond scoring — they are here to evaluate each trainer’s technical skill, feel, timing, communication, and most importantly, their ability to build a foundation of trust with the colt. This panel exists to recognise and honour authentic horsemanship — and to celebrate the heart behind the start.
DR ANDREW MCLEAN - JUDGE
Victoria
Equine Scientist | Trainer | Author | Advocate for Animal Welfare
Dr Andrew McLean is internationally recognised as a leading figure in equine behaviour and learning theory. Winner of the prestigious Eureka Prize for Science, Andrew has reshaped the global understanding of how we interact with and train horses.
As the founder of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC) – once the largest behaviour modification facility in the Southern Hemisphere – Andrew has authored six influential books (including an international bestseller) and published over 55 peer-reviewed journal articles on equine cognition, learning, and welfare.
With over 40 years as an accredited coach, Andrew has competed at FEI level in Dressage and Eventing, represented Australia in Horse Trials, and trained horses across disciplines including Grand Prix Show Jumping. He has also held a racehorse owner/trainer licence and competed in bareback racing in both Australia and New Zealand.
A co-developer of the academic field of Equitation Science, Andrew has delivered lectures and demonstrations across Europe, North America, Africa, New Zealand, and Asia. His research has not only improved training practices for horses but extended to elephant welfare through his not-for-profit charity, HELP Foundation (Human Elephant Learning Program), which applies humane, evidence-based training to working elephants in Southeast Asia.
Andrew is a founding board member of Pony Club Australia, where he helped modernise the national syllabus to reflect current science in learning and welfare. He also serves on the Equine Welfare Advisory Council for Racing Victoria, advocating for improved standards in the thoroughbred industry.
Driven by a lifelong curiosity about the animal mind, Dr McLean is dedicated to improving the welfare and ethical treatment of animals through science, education, and practical application.
We are honoured to have had Dr Andrew McLean join us on the judging panel for Legacy of the Horse 2025. And we look forward to welcoming him back in 2027
Western Australia
Horseman | Trainer | Clinician | Farrier | Horse-breaker
Pete Webber brings a lifetime of practical horsemanship to the Legacy of the Horse judging panel. Raised on horseback in the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia, Pete spent his early years in mustering camps, developing a deep, instinctive understanding of horses and stock work.
In 1981, Pete completed a 16-week farriery course at Muresk College, WA, under the guidance of Master Farrier Scotty Simpson, a representative of Montana State University. He went on to work closely with veterinarian Dr Graham Harradine in the southwest of WA, specialising in complex hoof reconstructions and surgical hoof care — refining a lifelong commitment to soundness and structure.
Across a career spanning over three decades, Pete has started and trained more than 1,800 horses, gaining a strong reputation as a trainer, clinician, and horse-breaker. Through his business, Webber Performance Horses, he has successfully competed in campdrafting, cutting, and reining, while also conducting clinics throughout Australia and New Zealand. His dedication to mentoring young riders has helped many up-and-coming horsemen and women forge their own paths in the equine industry.
Today, Pete lives with his family in WA’s Midwest region, where he continues to train and produce quality Quarter Horses and Paint Horses, delivering honest, practical horsemanship built on decades of experience.
We are honoured to have had Pete Webber join us on the judging panel for Legacy of the Horse 2025, and we look forward to welcoming him back in 2027.
DONAL HANCOCK - JUDGE
Queensland
Horseman | Trainer | Clinician | Horse-breaker
Horses have been part of Donal Hancock’s life for as long as he can remember. Growing up on a remote cattle station, learning to ride was simply part of getting the job done. But it didn’t take long for that practical start to become a true passion — one that’s taken him across the world and shaped him into the horseman he is today.
Donal got his big break with Double Dan Horsemanship, where he was taken on as an apprentice and had the opportunity to travel and work in the U.S. It was there he discovered a love for liberty work and theatrical equine performance, setting a new course for his horsemanship journey.
Since then, he’s spent time learning from top horsemen and women across reining, cutting, campdrafting, and dressage — developing a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to working with horses.
Back home, Donal founded Hancock Horsemanship, focusing on colt starting, restarts, and building horses through trust and solid education. He’s no stranger to the spotlight, having appeared in equine shows, TV, music videos, and competitions around Australia and overseas.
Over the last decade, Donal has remained committed to learning, growing, and doing right by the horses and people he works with.
Key Competition Achievements:
• 2017 – TEQ Trainers Challenge: Champion
• 2019 – NZ Equitana “Way of the Horse”: Team Australia – Win
• 2021 – Cowgirls Gathering Liberty Competition: Champion
• 2023 – Man from Snowy River Colt Start: Competitor
• 2024 – Road to the Horse Colt Start: Reserve Champion
We’re proud to have had Donal join the judging panel for Legacy of the Horse 2025. And we are excited to welcome him back in 2027
