Best of JN: Making a Champion: McLain Ward

The one you’ve been waiting to see!

From the highlight of McLain’s life to who he says is his favorite horse of all time, this video is pure gold for the American show jumping fan. Señor Ward is remarkably candid about the ins and outs of life at the top of the sport in his interview with Horseware Ireland, and he doesn’t sugarcoat it.

Our favorite excerpt? His feelings on being perched atop the FEI World Rankings this summer, and what it does (and doesn’t) mean to him.

“The world number one was a very interesting thing because I’m not going to tell you I didn’t always think that would be a nice accolade, because it really is a great judgement of consistency amongst your peers. But it was never really anything I chased. If I ever get there, it’ll be on my terms, not the list’s terms, and that’s how I feel about it. If I’m number one in the world because it works for my schedule, my horses, my team, my sponsors, that’s a great accomplishment.”

This sentiment is one that I feel like applies to so many horsemen trying to chase a goal and one we all have to lean into when we can. We may not all have teams and sponsors to manage, but when it comes to our horses, the goal is always secondary, and it’s a philosophy that can travel with you from the puddle jumpers to the top of the world rankings. And so often eludes the people who are in it for the wrong reasons.

You can see all the Horseware: Making a Champion Videos on their Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. Give them a follow!

Go Jumping.