On November 3, 2019, three new inductees were welcomed into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. Since its inception in 2006, a total of 60 champions have been honoured for their contributions to Canadian hunter/jumper sport, including 21 horses and ponies, 31 humans, six organizations, and six teams. In this issue, we look back on the enormous impact Wayne McLellan, who was inducted in the category of Rider at the 2019 Jump Canada Hall of Fame Gala, has had on the hunter discipline in particular.
Rider: Wayne McLellan
Every generation has that one rider who is seemingly impossible to beat in the show ring. In Canadian hunter circles, that individual is Wayne McLellan.
Hailing from Palmerston, ON, and the eldest of five children, McLellan developed an interest in horses after attending Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as a young boy. Intent on learning to ride, he purchased his first pony for $50, soon followed by a package of six lessons. From that point forward, he was self-taught and developed a natural feel and good instincts that would serve him well in the show ring.
When McLellan was 13, his family was living in Caledon, ON, and he met Edna Arrow. He soon became a fixture at her farm, doing chores and looking after the place while she travelled to judge. She also owned several young horses and McLellan soon took on the task of starting them. When McLellan excelled in this role, Edna introduced him to the Cottrell family who gave him his first job. It was there that McLellan developed his keen appreciation for quality horses, proper horse care, and impeccable turnout.
At the age of 18, McLellan bought his first car and continued his self-education by driving to Tampa, FL, to watch the best of the best compete. McLellan attributes his success to sitting ringside, studying the top hunter riders of the day, and emulating their winning style.
In his early 20s, McLellan partnered with Robert Mielsoe to form Gimcrack Stables, an impressive hunter operation that turned out winner after winner for almost 25 years. In 2001, McLellan opened his WGM Stables where he continues to ride, train, and develop top horses and riders. All who come through his door remark on the remarkable horsemanship and incredible attention to detail in McLellan’s program as well as his devotion to treating each horse as an individual.
During a career that has spanned more than four decades, McLellan has produced numerous champions in both the professional and amateur hunter divisions at home in Canada as well as south of the border in the United States. Some of the most notable horses he produced include Mr. Mort, Summer Solstice, Fielding, The Right Stuff, Here’s Jonny, Wiseguy, Forever Scarlet, By Design, Hailey, Pure Abundance, Hazelton, South Hill, Davenport, Starwood, and Lytton Park.
McLellan continues to be extremely active by sourcing new prospects, developing young horses, and coaching riders. Passionate about the sport, he is generous in sharing his knowledge with young professionals. He is also quick to thank the many owners who have believed in his abilities and trusted him with their horses over the years.
Award Sponsored by Jill Irving
For a full list of Jump Canada Hall of Fame inductees, as well as tribute videos, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/jumping/awards
PHOTO – Hunter professional Wayne McLellan was inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in the category of ‘Rider.’
PHOTO CREDIT – Michelle C. Dunn