Show jumping fans often have favorite horse-and-rider combinations, and in recent years, few have been as captivating as the USA’s McLain Ward and his spirited KWPN gelding, Ilex. Together, they achieved remarkable success in a short time, including a silver medal for the U.S. at the Paris Olympics and top finishes in prestigious events like the Rolex Grand Prix in Wellington and Aachen. Their partnership stood out not only for their talent—Ward’s disciplined riding matched with Ilex’s powerful, exuberant style—but also for the unique dynamic between Ward’s methodical approach and Ilex’s theatrical energy, which often delighted audiences despite sometimes costing them precious seconds.
Recently, Ward announced that Ilex would be returning to represent Brazil’s Bonne Chance team, marking the end of their U.S. partnership. While this news is bittersweet for fans, their brief but impactful collaboration demonstrated an Olympic-level bond forged in just six months, with a top-10 finish rate of 58% in 1.60m+ competitions. Ward expressed gratitude for Ilex’s exuberant and kind nature, looking forward to the horse’s continued success, while fans will surely miss the distinctive “secret sauce” that made their rounds so memorable.
