Ocala, FL – The final Sunday Spotlight of the World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series shines on former world number one and currently ranked world number 10 Jumping athlete McLain Ward of Brewster, NY. With a stellar career marked by five Olympic appearances, four of which resulted in medals for the United States, Ward’s achievements speak volumes. He boasts three medals for the United States team at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2006, 2014, and 2018. Notably, Ward clinched victory at the FEI World Cup™ Final in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2017 riding the renowned HH Azur. This week, Ward joined the U.S. Jumping team at World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the Longines League of Nations™, contributing to his team’s podium finish and ushering in a new era of Jumping at the venue. We had the opportunity to catch up with Ward and delve into his reflections on the spectacular conclusion of the circuit.
WEC: Can you reflect on how the week went for you and what it meant to have this five-star team competition in the United States?
I think from a competition point of view, the U.S. team had a very solid week. It always could be a little better, but I think we put a strong foot forward leading into a very important Olympic season. I think as Americans we should be incredibly proud of this venue and the events that are being held here and the way we hosted the world. Facility-wise and production-wise it’s the finest in the world, and that’s something we should take a lot of pride in. I’m very grateful to the Roberts Family and their team, and I think that’s how it was received around the world. So, I think this has been an incredibly successful moment for American show jumping.
WEC: What do you think of the Longines League of Nations™ format?
I like this format better than the Olympic format. I think it actually gets the best of both interests. They want something that’s spectator-friendly and easy to understand. Having a drop score in the first round, with only three coming back for the second round is in the best interest of the horse, and it’s easy for the public to understand. So, I actually think it’s the best of both worlds. For sure, if one of your three riders has a bad night or bad day, you’re going to be a little reluctant to be positive about it, but I think it makes for some good drama. I have to say I quite like it.
WEC: Can you talk about the two five-star horses you had competing this week?
I think Ilex is quite spectacular. Callas has been a wonderful partner for the last couple of seasons. She is very predictable and very reliable. Ilex is new; I think we made the mistake at the last fence in the grand prix only because of just a little lack of experience with each other. I couldn’t be more excited about him and all his connections. I think it gives us two really strong candidates going into the summer for the Olympic Games. I’m grateful to everybody and the horses.
WEC: Have you been off the show grounds this week? Is it nice to be able to stay on-site for the horse show?
I haven’t left since Tuesday. The facilities are so phenomenal and so beautiful. To ride your horses here, things are so well thought out, particularly for the horse, but also for the people. At some point I’d probably get a little stir-crazy and leave, but it was nice. We’ve had a long season, and I always say, I sometimes cherish a hotel room. The house is loud right now. A lot of little girls, playing a lot of Taylor Swift in my house. It’s a party every day.
Thank you, McLain for taking the time to chat with us! Congratulations on a fantastic week of top-level sport.