Dan James is a Road to the Horse fan favorite; fans have been intrigued with the roman-riding Australian horseman since his first performance at Road to the Horse 2012. James has held many titles at Road to the Horse as a past Champion, competitor, and entertainer. Now he’ll be adding the title of Horseman’s Host to his already impressive list of Road to the Horse titles. As Horseman’s Host, James will use his valuable insight to provide commentary throughout the event, guiding fans through every minute of colt starting action at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 19-22, 2020.
“The competitor lineup for Road to the Horse 2020 is extraordinary and having the expertise of Dan James on hand to help enlighten fans throughout the competition is an honor” states Western Horseman Publisher Ernie King. “Dan James has been part of the Road to the Horse family for many years and he’s the perfect fit to be our Horseman’s Host in 2020.”
James has competed in Road to the Horse in 2012, 2013, and in 2018. It was Road to the Horse 2012, when James claimed his Road to the Horse title, when he joined with fellow Australian Guy McLean to form Team Australia. An invitation was extended to James to compete at Road to the Horse 2020 but opting for a more interactive position with the fans, James sought the role as Horseman’s Host.
“Getting to work alongside Matt West and run a play by play of the round pen action at Road to the Horse 2020 is an honor and a privilege” states Dan James. “I’m excited to be part of the event, in both commentary and as part of the entertainment. I can’t wait to see everyone in Lexington.”
Born in Queensland Australia on a small cattle farm and starting his first colt in his early teens sparked his hunger to understand more about the horse’s thinking patterns. After studying at Longreach Pastoral College, James began traveling the world to gain a better understanding of the horse. In 2008, James joined his good friend, Dan Steers, in Western Australia at El Caballo Spanish Horse Centre where they performed together each weekend. In 2009, Steers and James relocated to New South Wales and founded Double Dan Horsemanship. Now based in the United States, Dan James continues to perform, teach, and inspire horse lovers at the Australian Equine Performance Center, based in Midway, Kentucky. James is joined by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter Isabella and new-born son Jesse.
The three main competitors that have been selected for Road to the Horse 2020 are Wade Black, Craig Cameron, and Ken McNabb. The event will also feature a Wild Card competition featuring three of the nation’s best up and coming colt starters. Wild Cards who have been announced include Cole Cameron and Wylene Davis. A third Wild Card will be announced in July.
Road to the Horse 2020 will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 19-22. Tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Learn more about Road to the Horse and view the event schedule at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.
