McLain Ward Set to Defend Title in the $225,000 Empire State Grand Prix
Olympic champions and top international combinations headline the 2026 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows
The prestigious stage of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is once again set to welcome some of the world’s leading figures in show jumping. From May 5 to 17, 2026, the scenic venue in North Salem, New York, will host one of the most anticipated events on the U.S. hunter-jumper circuit, featuring two weeks of top-tier competition.
At the center of attention will undoubtedly be McLain Ward, six-time Olympian and current world number 12, who is preparing to defend the title he claimed in the past two editions of the Empire State Grand Prix Presented by Old Salem Farm. Following back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025, the American rider returns to the international arena aiming to secure a historic third consecutive win.
Joining him is an impressive lineup of Olympic veterans and international stars, including Daniel Bluman, Beat Mändli, Nayel Nassar, and Rodrigo Pessoa, all of whom are seasoned competitors on the global stage and regular contenders in major FEI events.
The show spans two weeks and offers a comprehensive schedule of USEF- and FEI-sanctioned classes. Week 1 (May 5–10) is rated USEF “National-6” and designated FEI CSI3*, while Week 2 (May 12–17) steps up to USEF “Premier-6” and FEI CSI4*. The competition will be preceded by the Welcome Weekend (May 2–3), open to all exhibitors.
One of the defining characteristics of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is its inclusivity, bringing together riders of all ages and levels—from young children on ponies to elite Olympic athletes. This diversity contributes to its reputation as a cornerstone event in the American equestrian calendar.
Over the course of his career, McLain Ward has built an extraordinary résumé, including Olympic medals, victories at the World Equestrian Games, Nations Cup Finals, and the Pan American Games. His experience, combined with his familiarity with the venue, makes him a leading contender once again in 2026.
However, the competition promises to be fierce. Daniel Bluman, currently ranked 14th in the Longines FEI World Jumping Athlete Rankings, and Beat Mändli both boast appearances at three Olympic Games and three World Equestrian Games. Nayel Nassar, renowned for his speed against the clock, has represented Egypt at major championships including the Olympic Games and World Championships.
The presence of Rodrigo Pessoa adds further prestige to the field. A true legend of the sport, Pessoa has competed in eight Olympic Games and achieved countless podium finishes throughout his career. Notably, he remains the only rider in history to have won the FEI World Cup Final three consecutive times.
The entry list also features other prominent international riders such as Mark Bluman, Steven Bluman, Matthew Boddy, as well as Ireland’s Nicky Galligan, Daniel Kerins, and Jordan Coyle, the latter aiming to defend his title in the Old Salem Farm Grand Prix.
The American contingent is equally formidable. Among them is Katie Dinan, a seven-time World Cup Finalist who recently secured a bronze medal at the 2026 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Fort Worth. She will be joined by Georgina Bloomberg and Lucy Deslauriers, both Pan American Games team bronze medalists, along with Brianne Goutal-Marteau, McKayla Langmeier, Peter Lutz, Alessandra Volpi, and 2018 World Equestrian Games team gold medalist Adrienne Sternlicht.
Located just one hour north of New York City, Old Salem Farm boasts a long-standing tradition of hosting world-class equestrian events. Over the years, it has staged U.S. Olympic Team Selection Trials, FEI World Cup™ qualifiers, the FEI North American Youth Championships, and ASPCA Maclay Regional Finals, solidifying its reputation as a premier venue in international show jumping.
With a substantial prize purse and an elite roster of athletes representing seven nations, the 2026 edition of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows promises to be one of the most exciting highlights of the season. Equestrian fans eagerly await to see whether McLain Ward can extend his winning streak or if one of his distinguished rivals will rise to the occasion and claim victory.
Photo credits: © SEL Photography
Source: Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows press release
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