UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--McLain Ward on First Lady won the $63,000 FEI Accumulator Costume class on Friday evening, Oct. 23 at the Washington International Horse Show.

McLain Ward on First Lady (Photo by  Erin Gilmore)As the announcer said, Ward gave another lesson in how to win a speed class as he finished with maximum points in 42.13 seconds, a full second faster than second placed Skylar Wireman on Citoki, with 65 points in 43.16, and Mark Bluman of Israel on Phelina de Septon was third with 65 points in 43.54.  

In an Accumulater class, riders get points for every jump cleared, and in this class 65 was the maximum.

Ward competed in jockey silks, while Wireman was a cowgirl, and Bluman was a knight in armor with his horse sporting "armor" of spotted green on her neck.

“It was a great feeling, because I knew she'd performed well,” said Ward. “At that stage, I had a pretty good idea of what the time was, and I felt like we had it in hand, but I knew there were some difficult ones to come behind me. MARS Barn Night and the costume class are great Halloween traditions at WIHS, and it's fun to be able to participate.”

 

THE Accumulator costume class was First Lady’s 14th top-five finish in FEI competition in 2026, and Ward said she is a “week in and week out winner at the highest levels of the sport.”

“She's particularly handy inside, so in a small arena like this, it's really not a problem for her; it’s an advantage." Ward said. "She's been a great partner. The last three years, she's really stepped up and been spectacular.”

Rene Dittmer of Germany on Brunson, dressed as New York Knicks # 11, won the award and prize money for Best Costume,

The inaugural Pony Jumper Championships were a hit.

Estella Waldman, 10 of Palm Beach, Fla., on Ka-Chow was clean in the jump-off in 22.559 seconds to win the Small Pony Championship.

“She’s very bouncy and fast,” said Waldman. “She’s turns really well. If you look somewhere, she’ll turn. It’s been great competing here, and my favorite part was the crowd. It means a lot to win because it’s my last show on Ka-Chow and I wanted to do well for her. I’m grateful for my ponies and my trainers, Ali, Denise, and Kierstin Antoniodis.

Madeleine Warren on Wheemhoeve’s Gamekeeper, was second, clean in  24.076 seconds, and Mattelyn Morrissey on Kit Kat finished third in 24.284 seconds.

Ava Stryk on Gold Digger won the Medium Pony Championship, clean in 23.043 seconds, with Addison Wright Bella Galleria Arturo Amalfi second in 23.915 seconds, and Waldman on Tiny Dancer had her second podium finish of the night, finishiing third in 24.403 seconds.

“It was really fun to ride in this ring,” said Stryk, 11 years old of The Plains, VA. “I was nervous, but once we started our course, I was like, ‘We got this.’ It means a lot to win because it’s our last horse show together. I’ll really remember all of the friends who are supporting me here.”

Sofia Melluzzi on Brock Bee Line, won the Large Pony Championship, clean in 23.727 seconds, with Emilia Cannizzo on Pony Boy second in 23.901 seconds, and Brinleigh Gammill on Fenway Looking Glass third.

Originally from Oxfordshire, England, Melluzzi lives in Ocala, Fla.,, and is 11 years old. 

“He’s very strong, very quick, and loves to jump off,” said Melluzzi of her pony. “He’s a little bit opinionated though. The class was super fun, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be here. I was really trying to win and thought I could do it. I’m really happy!”