Upper Marlboro, Maryland, USA – October 24, 2024 – The 2024 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian™ on Thursday, October 24, welcomed riders from around the world to the Show Place Arena for the start of the Fédération Equestre International (FEI) division for international show jumpers.
Among the 34 riders competing in the international jumper division at WIHS, there are 13 countries represented and 14 Olympians, including U.S. team silver medalists McLain Ward (USA) and Laura Kraut (USA) from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The second class of the night offered a different kind of competition, with 27 horse-and-rider combinations in the $32,000 Accumulator costume class. Featuring 11 nations represented in the field, the class upped the ante with athletes collecting points for each fence cleared without penalty and a final “joker” fence that could give them an additional 20 points if cleared, or take away 20 points from their previous score if faulted.
After taking over the top position early into the competition, France’s Nina Mallevaey (FRA) lived up to her Incredibles costume and ultimately claimed the win with the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare My Clementine (O.B.O.S Quality 004 x Kashmir van Schuttershof). While Mallevaey was one of 10 riders to complete the course with a perfect score of 65, her blazing fast time across the track in 43.61 seconds proved unbeatable.
The United States’ first president George Washington, otherwise known as McLain Ward (USA), gave chase on Robin Parsky’s 11-year-old Oldenburg mare First Lady (Don Diarado x Lordanos) and left all the jumps standing in 43.76 seconds to the second place and a thrilled crowd.
Just over one second off the winning time, Jessica Mendoza (GBR) flew to the final position in the victory gallop on her 11-year-old KWPN mare In The Air (Air Jordan x Indoctro).
In addition to the class victory, Mallevaey was presented with the Crown Royal Trophy and My Clementine received the Sue Ann Geisler Memorial Trophy, donated by the Washington International Horse Show.
“She’s simply amazing,” said Mallevaey of her new partner. “I’ve been riding her for six months, and she’s just so smart and fast and careful. She’s just so fun to ride.”
The experience was a first for Mallevaey, who is fully embracing all that WIHS offers, including the fan-favorite costume class and the enthusiasm of Barn Night.
“The costume was actually my groom’s idea, and I think she did a great job,” she said, referencing her and My Clementine’s The Incredibles attire. “I know my horse is quick across the ground and careful, so I wanted to try to win, and she was just awesome.”
Final Results – $32,000 Accumulator Costume Class CSI 5*-W , presented by Walkenbach Equestrian
1) Nina Mallevaey (FRA) & My Clementine – 65 / 43.61
2) McLain Ward (USA) & First Lady – 65 / 43.76
3) Jessica Mendoza (GBR) & In the Air– 65 / 44.72
Source: Press Release from Jump Media for the Washington International Horse Show
Photos: © WIHS / Shawn McMillen Photography
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CSI 5*-W, English, Jumper News France
