McLain Ward (USA) has opted to ride Clinta at the World Equestrian Games™ – Tryon 2018 after consultation with his supporters, owners, and Chef d’ Equipe Robert Ridland. The 11-year-old grey Oldenburg mare (Clinton x Lord Pezi) has been spectacular ever since joining the American superstar at the end of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

Shortly after, the dynamic duo teamed up for victory in the $382,800 Longines Grand Prix of New York CSI 5* during the Longines Masters of New York CSI 5*,  a victory in the Welcome Stake CSI 3* and second-place in the $131,000 Empire State Grand Prix CSI 3* during the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show CSI 3*.

They went on to claim top honors at the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI 4* late May,  a victory in Aachen against the very best in the world, in the €101,000 Prize of North Rhine-Westfalia CSI 5* and another exclamation point taking the blue ribbon in the €300,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard CSI 5*.

According to US Equestrian:

“His [McLain Ward’s] longtime international partner and 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Champion, HH Azur (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Sir Lui van de Zuuthoeve , sustained a minor injury following competition at the 2018 World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen. In the best interest of “Annie,” the decision was made for Ward to compete with Clinta at the World Equestrian Games.”

Sources: US Equestrian / FEI – Fédération Equestre Internationale

Photo: © Rolex / Kit Houghton