On his Social Media the US top rider states: "While I respect Katie as much as anyone in the sport I think that this view is not only not accurate but also counterproductive. Let's figure out how to improve our weaknesses, and strengthen our base. Let's respect the profession and aim to do it better through more opportunity."
The winner of the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup Final (Neb.) and member of the gold medal-winning teams at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games, McLain Ward, 42, has been jumping at the grand prix level since he was a teenager.
According to McLain Ward the sport is evolving!
McLain agrees Prudent has some valid points, nevertheless he admits it's the sport that is evolving, not the US sport in particular. "The sport has changed and there's no doubt that great riders from the past would still be great today, but they would have to change and evolve and do things slightly differently if they were riding back then."
Things are just different according to McLain. "Like in any sport, the highest level is always getting better. And the people who don't recognize that are the one who do get left behind," states the rider.
McLain states horsesport has always been for the elite. And while it is more accessable today prices might indeed have turned up. No one likes to have the sport labeled Elite therefor we all do our best to help the less fortunate talented young riders.
Prices of horses is what it is ... To conclude McLain points out it is unfair rich kids are labeled not being ambitious while reality is they work and fight hard to get to the top.