Update on McLain Ward’s Condition: Released from Hospital

According to the USEF, McLain Ward, double Olympic Gold medalist for the U.S. Jumping Team, was released from the Wellington Regional Medical Center late on Tuesday (17/01) afternoon after undergoing surgery to repair a compound fracture of his patella (kneecap).

Ward was injured on January 14th in the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival when Oh D’Eole made a mistake at the double combination and fell, causing Ward to hit his knee on the standard of second element.

Several pieces of the patella were removed, and the surgery was deemed successful.

It will be eight to 12 weeks before Ward can return to the saddle. This pair won the first WEF Challenge Cup on January 12. Dr. Tim Ober evaluated Oh D’Eole following the fall and she was found to be uninjured.

The USEF will continue to post updates regarding Ward’s condition.