Mclain Ward, one of the most decorated figures in American show jumping, secured a pivotal victory this week at the CSI 3* in North Salem, New York. Riding Lestro van de Valckenborg, Ward claimed first place in the 1.50m class, marking the first international win for the pair since they began their partnership in October.
The victory came during a high-stakes jump-off, where precision and speed were the deciding factors. Ward and the KWPN gelding delivered a flawless double-clear performance, crossing the timers in 34.65 seconds to edge out a competitive international field. The win is a significant milestone for Ward, who is renowned for his meticulous approach to developing young equine talent.
The event, held at the prestigious Old Salem Farm, served as a proving ground for several top-tier combinations. While the victory provides momentum for the U.S. Rider, the podium reflected the global nature of the competition, with riders from Egypt and the United States filling the top three spots.
A Partnership Defined by Patience
The success of Lestro van de Valckenborg—a son of Stakkato Gold and Animo—is the result of a focused training period. Ward has been associated with the horse since October, a timeline that suggests a deliberate integration into the veteran rider’s string. In the world of elite show jumping, the first international win is often the most hard, as it validates the horse’s ability to handle the atmosphere and technical demands of a CSI 3* environment.
Ward’s ability to maintain a tight line through the jump-off was the catalyst for the win. The 1.50m height requires not only raw power from the horse but a high degree of rideability and trust between the athlete and the animal. By clocking in at 34.65 seconds, Ward demonstrated that Lestro van de Valckenborg possesses the agility necessary to compete at the highest echelons of the sport.
International Contenders and the Podium
The competition for the top spot was fierce, with Egypt’s Nayel Nassar delivering a strong performance to take second place. Riding Igor van de Wittemoere (BWP, Cooper van de Heffinck x Orlando), Nassar finished with a time of 35.58 seconds. Nassar is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having previously secured the Grand Prix at the CSIO 5* of St Gall in 2021 with the same mount, proving that the pair remains a formidable force on the global circuit.
Rounding out the top three was American rider Mckayla Langmeier. Aboard the Selle Français Isidore de Chalusse (Clarimo x Vigo d’Arsouilles), Langmeier clocked a time of 36.67 seconds. Langmeier’s presence on the podium highlights the depth of American talent currently competing in the New York region, blending youth and experience against seasoned international veterans.
| Rank | Rider | Horse | Nationality | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mclain Ward | Lestro van de Valckenborg | USA | 34.65s |
| 2 | Nayel Nassar | Igor van de Wittemoere | Egypt | 35.58s |
| 3 | Mckayla Langmeier | Isidore de Chalusse | USA | 36.67s |
Technical Analysis of the North Salem Course
The 1.50m class is designed to test the limits of a horse’s scope and a rider’s strategy. At this level, the fences are not only higher but more technical, often featuring narrow “skinny” jumps and complex combinations that penalize the slightest hesitation.
The jump-off (barrage) is where the psychological battle occurs. Riders must balance the risk of knocking a rail—which would immediately remove them from contention—against the need for extreme speed. Ward’s victory was predicated on a “double clear,” meaning he navigated both the initial round and the jump-off without a single fault, a feat that requires absolute synchronization.
Notably, the event saw a lack of French representation in this specific class, as no French pairs were listed at the start. This left a vacuum in the field that the American and Egyptian riders were quick to exploit, turning the event into a showcase of North American and Middle Eastern equestrian prowess.
The Significance of Breed and Pedigree
The podium featured three distinct and prestigious breeding lines, reflecting the diversity of modern sport horse breeding:
- KWPN (Dutch Warmblood): Lestro van de Valckenborg represents the Dutch tradition of breeding for athleticism and temperament.
- BWP (Belgian Warmblood): Igor van de Wittemoere exemplifies the Belgian focus on power and jumping technique.
- Selle Français: Isidore de Chalusse carries the French legacy of agility and bravery.
For Ward, utilizing a KWPN horse like Lestro van de Valckenborg allows him to leverage a specific type of elasticity and stride that is often advantageous in the tight turns of a jump-off.
Looking Ahead
With this first international victory under their belt, Mclain Ward and Lestro van de Valckenborg have established themselves as a pair to watch as the season progresses. The win at North Salem serves as a critical confidence builder for the horse, transitioning from a developmental phase into a competitive one.
Official results and full event data continue to be updated via the Ryegate system, while live streams and on-demand replays of the CSI 3* North Salem events remain available through ClipMyHorse.tv for those analyzing the technical aspects of the victory.
The equestrian community now looks toward the remaining schedule of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show to see if Ward can replicate this success in the higher-category Grand Prix events scheduled for the coming weeks.
Do you think this victory signals a new era for Ward’s partnership with Lestro? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this story with fellow equestrian enthusiasts.
