North Salem, New York – May 10, 2025 –Six-time U.S. Olympian and World #8 McLain Ward (USA) added another victory from the annual Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows to his record on Saturday, this time claiming top honors in the $65,000 Evergate Stables’ New York Welcome Stake with High Star Hero. Ward and Heroblazed faultlessly through the timers in 31.62 seconds.

One of the premier stops on the American hunter-jumper horse show circuit, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Week 1 (May 6-11) is USEF ‘National-6’ rated for hunters and jumpers and designated FEI CSI3*; Week 2 (May 13-18) is USEF ‘Premier-6’ rated and designated FEI CSI 4*. 

Course designer Alan Wade challenged 40 entries representing nine nations to a technical, 16-effort track set at 1.50m for Evergate Stables’ $65,000 New York Welcome Stake.

Of the 15 horse-and-rider combinations who made it to the jump-off, Jordan Coyle (IRL) and King Kannan GP took an early lead, tripping the timers in a blistering 32.93 seconds.

Only two other pairs caught that time: first Daniel Bluman (ISR) aboard Hummer Z(0/0/32.33), then Ward aboard High Star Hero as the penultimate entry (0/0/31.62).

“Having experienced horses like Daniel’s and mine helped a lot [when catching Jordan’s time], especially in that turn from Fence #1 to #2,” Ward said. “These classes are very competitive, and the levels are very high. With a great surface [like the Old Salem Farm International Arena], even after the many inches of rain that we’ve had, we were able to compete at 100 percent.

“He’s a wonderfully talented horse,” he added of Michael and Wendy Smith’s 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding. “We’ve had some great moments, and we’ve had some down moments. But we’ve really hit our stride from the second half of the season in Florida, performing there very consistently and continuing that here today. We’re looking forward to a great summer in Europe with him. I’m going to be using my tried-and-true partner First Ladyin the Grand Prix tomorrow, and then both of these horses go to Europe next week to compete in [the Nations Cup of] Rome the following week.” 

Bluman earned second place for his blistering performance with Abigail Wexner’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Coyle ultimately landed in third place aboard Elan Farm’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Final Results – $65,000 Evergate Stables’ New York Welcome Stake 

1) McLain Ward (USA) & High Star Hero – 0 / 0 – 31.62

2) Daniel Bluman (ISR) & Hummer Z – 0 / 0 – 32.33

3) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & King Kannan GP – 0 / 0 – 32.93

Source: Press Release (edited) by Marty Bauman / Classic Communications for Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows

Photos: © OSF / SEL Photography

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