Master of Wellington: McLain Ward's Remarkable 60-Win Legacy

In the high-stakes world of international show jumping, consistency at the highest level is the ultimate measure of excellence. Since 2010, McLain Ward has not just competed at Wellington's Winter Equestrian Festival - he has dominated it with an astounding 60 international wins. Perhaps even more impressive is that nearly a quarter of these victories have come in Grand Prix events, with 14 Grand Prix wins including 10 at the prestigious five-star level.

Grand Prix Glory and Five-Star Success

Ward's command of Wellington's biggest classes sets him apart from his peers. With 14 Grand Prix victories since 2010, including 10 at the elite five-star level, he has proven himself particularly adept at rising to the biggest occasions. His ability to produce winning performances when the stakes are highest has become a hallmark of his Wellington career.

Partnerships That Define Success

Throughout this remarkable run, Ward has piloted an impressive string of top horses to victory. The legendary HH Azur contributed multiple five-star Grand Prix wins, while HH Carlos Z particularly dominated in 2015 and 2016. More recently, consistent performers like Catoki and Contagious have maintained Ward's winning form, with Catoki alone securing an impressive 13 international wins in the period between 2020 and 2023.

This season, McLain has already proven he means business. Just three weeks into the new year, he has already claimed a win at WEF in last Saturday’s 1.50m Hermes Classic riding the promising 10-year-old Princess Dalou H.

Looking Ahead to the US Equestrian Open

As the inaugural US Equestrian Open approaches, Ward's exceptional record in Wellington's International Arena makes him a natural favorite for the Rolex Grand Prix. His ability to produce winning performances across different horses, different years, and varying conditions speaks to a deep understanding of what it takes to win in this venue. With 60 international victories already secured here, few would bet against him adding this prestigious new title to his remarkable Wellington record.

About the Series
Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:

• Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.
• Attract a broader audience.
• Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.

Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.

For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:

Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org
Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org