01/09/2026
Growing up on a bush property near Hervey Bay, Queensland, Guy McLean spent his childhood riding ba****ck through the scrub and learning the natural language of horses.
When critics claimed wild Australian brumbies were untrainable and useless for serious equestrian work, McLean set out to prove them wrong.
He worked with untouched horses and Australian Stock Horses with brumby bloodlines, using gentle patience, body language, and trust, rather than force to earn their respect.
Riding his beloved bush‑bred Australian Stock Horses, including his famous mount Quietway Sequel, McLean showcased performances where he guided teams of riderless, bridleless horses using only his voice and quiet cues.
He travelled to the United States and won major international colt‑starting titles, astonishing judges with the intelligence, loyalty, and calm bravery of Australian bush horses.
McLean dedicated his international career to proving that the descendants of Australia’s pioneer stock horses possess a heart and working spirit second to none.
Today, his performances remain a living tribute to the bond between an Australian stockman and our wild heritage horses.
Do you think Australian brumbies get the respect they deserve for their intelligence and loyalty?
Sources: Australian Geographic; Guy McLean Australian Horsemanship; ABC Landline archives.
