Edited Press Release
Upper Marlboro, MD – International jumpers took to the arena on Thursday, October 24, to contest the first two classes of the CSI5*-W competition at the 2025 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), presented by MARS Equestrian™. U.S. Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward rode First Lady for owner Robin Cleary Parsky to victory in the $63,000 FEI Welcome Stake.
Course designer Nick Granat (USA) set the tracks for the night’s opening class, and 28 horse-and-rider combinations competed in the opening round. Eight were clear and continued to the jump-off, while one chose not to return. Ward and First Lady set a neat and speedy time of 33.15 seconds for the win.
“I thought it was challenging enough,” said Ward of the course. “Nick is a great course builder, but he builds very delicate. I thought he had the right number clear. It was a fair, welcoming test.
“In the jump-off, I know she’s quick,” he continued. “I thought if I could get the first two jumps done — where sometimes she can jump a little high — I had a very good chance.”
First Lady, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare (Don Diarado x Lordanos), was back in her first five-star competition since March. She sustained an injury in May that took her out of competition until she returned to the FEI ring two weeks ago in two-star competition.
“We gave her a nice two-month rest, then legged her back up slowly, and brought her back up to the level,” explained Ward. “First Lady’s always been brilliant inside, but even with a few unknowns after a long layoff, I think she’s picking up even further along. Maybe she was due a little rest, and now she feels fresh and really enjoying her job.”
Mimi Gochman (USA) and Inclen BH, owned by DG Sport Horse LLC, finished second with a double-clear performance in 33.55 seconds, while world number two rider Ben Maher (GBR) and his own Faltic HB were third in 34.66 seconds.
Words From the Winner
Hunter and jumper action at the 2025 WIHS will continue on Friday, October 24, as the junior hunter divisions crown their champions throughout the daytime schedule. Junior and amateur show jumping competitors will take center stage in The Show Place Arena in the late afternoon for the $10,000 1.20-1.25m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, before high-flying action returns in the evening. The MARS Barn Night, presented by Walkenbach Equestrian, features a full slate of entertaining competition featuring the $63,000 FEI Accumulator Costume class along with Sylvia Zerbini’s Grande Liberté exhibition followed by the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase, presented by Artemis Farms. Don’t miss a minute – buy your tickets now at www.wihs.org/tickets.
