THE BALLOON MAN

"America's Favorite Cowboy" shares his circus story

Mar 07, 2011 By Eric Sollman - WAFF.com
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- Many of us have a special bond with our pets. Whether it's a dog, cat, or bird. In the circus, good chemistry is very important between the trainers and animals.
Andre McClain and side-kick Diablo pump up the big crowds for the "Greatest Show on Earth."
"We understand each other, we work as a partnership," said McClain.
Before he met his trusty side-kick Diablo, Andre McClain had never even been to a circus. The third generation cowboy knew plenty about animals, so he auditioned as a one man act for Ringling Brothers.
"I said ladies and gentleman, children of all ages, I am Andre McClain and this is my invisible horse. I had no horse."
The crew he auditioned for got a laugh, and this rodeo star got a job and a horse.
"I went from the greatest show on dirt, to the Greatest Show on Earth," said McClain.
Eight years later, "America's Favorite Cowboy" is doing what he loves, and with a good friend.
"Diablo, he is so funny. He won't do a trick one day, but he will the next like it's his idea."
So what's next for this dangerous duo?
"We're working on getting him to talk, like Mr. Ed. We're working on getting him his own talk show."