I was specifically talking about the “celebrating together” on the podium.
Maybe he’s just not a hugger.
Or maybe he has a sucky personality. So what? 99% of the horse community is crazy.
And as others have pointed out, plenty of other competitors have had their run ins with the FEI. Our own chef d’equipe was involved in a horrible metal pole incident. One of the Canadian riders has sure had his share of drug violations and set downs, yet is not inspiring multiple train wrecks where people make vague statements to associate SOMEONE ELSE’S crimes to the person in question.
Usually I can enjoy a good train wreck, and the patriotism thread struck me as hilarious, but this really is like a lynch mob.
The people I was speaking to are the ones that drew the conclusons. I just informed them of possibly why.
[QUOTE=Fairview Horse Center;3458812]
If the USEF suspends a team rider, you can bet THEY believe the evidence is serious against that person. I believe he was suspended for both the pointed chips, and the cocaine drug test drawn from his horse.[/QUOTE]
Fairview, in fact the USEF reached a settlement with Mclain regarding the drug charge – and settlements are unusual. He was confronted with a positive result, and under the USEF rules he was responsible as trainer. He and the owner denied drugging the horse (Benetton).
Right around the same time that incident occurred, similar ones were occurring on racetracks and while initially people were being accused of drugging their horses, it was later discovered that trace amounts of cocaine on the grooms’ hands – either from using or dealing – were contaminating the feed. It is not unheard of for PEOPLE to use cocaine on the horse show circuit. Though I am obviously not condoning that conduct, it is a possible explanation for how the result turned up positive (and BTW, trainers/competitors know that if they win they are very likely to be drug-tested; you’d have to be a moron to give an obvious drug like cocaine to a horse if you were looking to cheat, and at the time (circa 1999), ML KNEW that he was being watched unusually closely because of his father’s reputation).
People are also much more aware, now, of incidents of lab contamination and false positives – which happen frequently, especially given how sensitive the tests are. That is another possible explanation. Please, look into the Duke rape case if you don’t believe me. I recently sat through a 3 hour presentation regarding false positives related to DNA testing that was mind-boggling.
[QUOTE=Fairview Horse Center;3458861]
I was specifically talking about the “celebrating together” on the podium.[/QUOTE]
From the few times I’ve met Ward I can tell you he’s a cool customer. I would have been surprised to see him hugging and jumping up and down in excitement…it just wouldn’t mesh with his personality. Lets not make judgements based on hug counts.
ETA: I understand the celebration observation wasn’t necessarily your opinion, Fairview…just wanted to throw this out there…this thread is amazing and not in a good way.
[QUOTE=caffeinated;3458866]
Our own chef d’equipe was involved in a horrible metal pole incident. .[/QUOTE]
Just to add to that list…
A top junior hunter, Rain Forest, was shot dead by one of GM’s illegal immigrant grooms at a horse show during an argument about a Poker game, Then there was that problem with Grand Sabre, who became ill at a horse show and died as a result of GM’s and Chris Kappler’s negligence, later proved in court and resulting in a judgment in favor of the owner.
[QUOTE=jse;3458858]
Do you know what the world “allegedly” means?
Here dictionary.com is wonderful:
alleged - adj. Represented as existing or as being as described but not so proved; supposed.[/QUOTE]
HERE YOU GO;)
Horse Show Notices
The Hearing Committee received and considered a plea tendered by Mr. McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, pursuant to which he acknowledged that he was the rider of the horse BENETON at CHIO Aachen on June 15, 1999 (the “Competition”) which was an international event organized under the authority of the Federation Equestre Internationale (the “FEI”), and was conducted under the FEI Statutes, General Regulations and Rules.
On June 15, 1999, it was reported that, during a bandage/boot control inspection at the Competition, two small, pointy pieces of plastic had been seen to fall from BENETON’s right front boot. Thereafter, BENETON and Mr. Ward were disqualified from the Competition.
On October 22, 1999, after a hearing on September 20, 1999, the FEI Judicial Committee found that Mr. Ward, in his capacity as the Person Responsible for BENETON at the Competition on June 15, 1999, had acted in violation of Article 143 of the FEI’s General Regulations, Jumping Regulations Article 243, and Veterinary Regulations Code of Conduct paragraph 8 and Annex XV.1. The Judicial Committee suspended Mr. Ward from participation in FEI recognized competitions for eight (8) months, with such suspension deemed to have begun on September 20, 1999, and thus terminating on May 19, 2000. The Judicial Committee also imposed a fine of CHF 2,500, and costs of CHF 5,000 toward a portion of costs of the judicial procedure, pursuant to Article 174.10 of the General Regulations.
Mr. Ward voluntarily ceased participating in FEI-recognized competitions after June 15, 1999, and he has represented to the AHSA that since September 20, 1999, he and his horses have voluntarily refrained from participating in any AHSA Recognized competitions.
Mr. Ward has appealed the FEI decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and has requested an expedited hearing. Mr. Ward has requested that the CAS reverse the findings and decision of the Judicial Committee or, alternatively, that it reduce his suspension to a period of three (3) months effective as of September 20, 1999 and terminating December 19, 1999.
In the plea agreement, Mr. Ward states that he has consistently denied that any plastic pieces were in the right front boot of BENETON and thus maintains that it could not have been the case that they fell from the right front boot during the bandage/boot control at the Competition. Mr. Ward also states that he has consistently denied that he instructed anyone to put any prohibited object in BENETON’s boot, that he himself put any prohibited objects in the horse’s boot, that, as he completed the competition on BENETON, he knew that any prohibited object had been put in the horse’s boot. Mr. Ward states that he submitted to the FEI Judicial Committee the results of a polygraph examination of Mr. Ward and his groom, Lee McKeever, and Mr. Ward contends that the results support his position that he had no knowledge of or responsibility regarding the plastic pieces. However, Mr. Ward acknowledges for purposes of his plea agreement, that as the Person Responsible for BENETON at the Competition, pursuant to Article 142.2 of the FEI’s General Regulations, he would be held responsible for the horse’s condition in the event that CAS rules that the factual determination of the FEI Judicial Committee should be permitted to stand.
The AHSA Charge alleges that Mr. Ward’s conduct as Person Responsible for BENETON at the Competition violated AHSA Rule VI, Chapter IV, Article 614 (Reciprocity), Rule VII, Chapter I, Article 702 (Violations), and the AHSA/USET Code of Conduct.
Mr. Ward acknowledges, for purposes of his plea agreement, that the findings of the FEI Judicial Committee would form the basis for a finding by the AHSA Hearing Committee that he violated the AHSA rules and the AHSA/USET Code of Conduct specified in the Charge.
Accordingly, by vote of the members of the Hearing Committee present at the meeting, it was resolved to approve and accept the plea agreement, and therefore it was further resolved that
a. Mr. Ward, during the period of the stated suspension, be found not in good standing and that he be suspended from competing or taking any part whatsoever in Recognized competitions as an exhibitor, participant or spectator pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1(b) and that any horse or horses completely or in part owned, leased or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in any name or for his credit or reputation whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter, be suspended from competing or taking any part whatsoever in Recognized competitions pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1©, for eight (8) months, commencing on September 20, 1999 and terminating at midnight on May 19, 2000, subject, however, to any determination by the CAS upon appeal or the determination of any other appeal, or any further determination by the FEI, to the extent that such determinations reverse, terminate and/or reduce the term of Mr. Ward’s FEI suspension, in which case the AHSA suspension would be terminated or reduced accordingly; and
b. Mr. Ward be fined, pursuant to AHSA Rule VII, Article 703.1(j), the sum of $10,000, such fine to be paid to the AHSA by February 1, 2000, and that should said fine not be paid in full prior to the termination of the aforesaid suspension period, said suspension will remain in effect until such time as it is paid. Said fine will be remitted to Mr. Ward in the event that the CAS or any other appeal decision reverses the findings of violation of FEI rules and the suspension and fine imposed by the FEI.
The Hearing Committee received and considered a plea tendered by Mr. McLain Ward of Brewster, New York pursuant to which he acknowledged: i) that he was the trainer of the horse OLIVER at the American Gold Cup Horse Show held on September 18, 1999; ii) that OLIVER showed in Class 10; and iii) that the urine sample collected from OLIVER tested positive for metabolites of cocaine.
WARD vigorously denies having administered cocaine to OLIVER or having any knowledge as to anyone having administered the drug or how the drug may have been administered to OLIVER or how the horse may have come into contact with the drug, but does not contest that as the trainer of OLIVER he is held responsible for the horse’s condition under the AHSA’s Rules. Accordingly, by vote of the members of the Hearing Committee present at the meeting, it was resolved to approve and accept this Plea Agreement, and therefore, it was further resolved that Mr. Ward be found not in good standing and that he be suspended from competing or taking part whatsoever in recognized competitions as an exhibitor, participant or spectator pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1(b) and that any horse or horses, completely or in part owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in any name or for his credit or reputation, whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter, be suspended from competing or taking any part whatsoever in recognized competitions pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1© for one month, commencing on April 1, 2000 and terminating at midnight on April 30, 2000, provided Mr. Ward is not under suspension pursuant to an FEI Violation and/or an AHSA/USET Code of Conduct Violation and/or any other violation. If Mr. Ward is under suspension in April, 2000 for an FEI violation and/or an AHSA/USET Code of Conduct Violation and/or any other violation, he instead shall be suspended for two (2) months commencing October 2, 2000 and terminating at midnight on November 30, 2000. Furthermore, he shall be fined the sum of $3,000.00 pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1(j), said fine to be paid to the Association’s office by February 1, 2000. After paying such fines and serving such suspensions, said trainer will, barring any further determinations or findings of a violation, be restored to good standing with the AHSA.
The Hearing Committee also received and considered a plea tendered by MS. SHARON DAUK of Ridgefield, Connecticut, the owner of OLIVER for all purposes relevant to the exhibition of said horse at the American Gold Cup Horse Show on September 18, 1999. DAUK vigorously denies having any knowledge of, or responsibility for, the presence of the metabolites of cocaine in the urine sample collected from OLIVER but does not contest that the presence of such metabolites in the horse in Class 10 at the American Gold Cup Horse Show is a violation of the AHSA’s rules which requires disqualification of the horse from any winnings at said show. Accordingly, by unanimous vote of the Hearing Committee present at the meeting, it was resolved that DAUK must return all trophies, prizes, ribbons and monies, if any, won by OLIVER at the American Gold Cup Horse Show and must pay a $50.00 fee to the Show in connection with this penalty pursuant to the provisions of Rule IV, Article 406.5, said winnings, if any to be returned to the Show by February 1, 2000.
[QUOTE=caffeinated;3458866]
Maybe he’s just not a hugger.
.[/QUOTE]
I’m not a hugger either. I reserve my hugs for my horses. I don’t like it when acquaintances try to squish me ; )
[QUOTE=Fairview Horse Center;3458797]
I would say some of the people who know him, and the kind of person he is were on that medal podium with him. It was noticed by a Maclain Ward fan that the others celebrated together, while leaving him to himself. They had no clue of any history, but mentioned is casually to me yesterday as it puzzled them. A statement by the rest of the team? Seemed like there was no love lost.[/QUOTE]
You said it.
[QUOTE=ridgeback;3458909]
HERE YOU GO;)
Horse Show Notices
The Hearing Committee received and considered a plea tendered by Mr. McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, pursuant to which he acknowledged that he was the rider of the horse BENETON at CHIO Aachen on June 15, 1999 (the “Competition”) which was an international event organized under the authority of the Federation Equestre Internationale (the “FEI”), and was conducted under the FEI Statutes, General Regulations and Rules.
On June 15, 1999, it was reported that, during a bandage/boot control inspection at the Competition, two small, pointy pieces of plastic had been seen to fall from BENETON’s right front boot. Thereafter, BENETON and Mr. Ward were disqualified from the Competition.
On October 22, 1999, after a hearing on September 20, 1999, the FEI Judicial Committee found that Mr. Ward, in his capacity as the Person Responsible for BENETON at the Competition on June 15, 1999, had acted in violation of Article 143 of the FEI’s General Regulations, Jumping Regulations Article 243, and Veterinary Regulations Code of Conduct paragraph 8 and Annex XV.1. The Judicial Committee suspended Mr. Ward from participation in FEI recognized competitions for eight (8) months, with such suspension deemed to have begun on September 20, 1999, and thus terminating on May 19, 2000. The Judicial Committee also imposed a fine of CHF 2,500, and costs of CHF 5,000 toward a portion of costs of the judicial procedure, pursuant to Article 174.10 of the General Regulations.
Mr. Ward voluntarily ceased participating in FEI-recognized competitions after June 15, 1999, and he has represented to the AHSA that since September 20, 1999, he and his horses have voluntarily refrained from participating in any AHSA Recognized competitions.
Mr. Ward has appealed the FEI decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and has requested an expedited hearing. Mr. Ward has requested that the CAS reverse the findings and decision of the Judicial Committee or, alternatively, that it reduce his suspension to a period of three (3) months effective as of September 20, 1999 and terminating December 19, 1999.
In the plea agreement, Mr. Ward states that he has consistently denied that any plastic pieces were in the right front boot of BENETON and thus maintains that it could not have been the case that they fell from the right front boot during the bandage/boot control at the Competition. Mr. Ward also states that he has consistently denied that he instructed anyone to put any prohibited object in BENETON’s boot, that he himself put any prohibited objects in the horse’s boot, that, as he completed the competition on BENETON, he knew that any prohibited object had been put in the horse’s boot. Mr. Ward states that he submitted to the FEI Judicial Committee the results of a polygraph examination of Mr. Ward and his groom, Lee McKeever, and Mr. Ward contends that the results support his position that he had no knowledge of or responsibility regarding the plastic pieces. However, Mr. Ward acknowledges for purposes of his plea agreement, that as the Person Responsible for BENETON at the Competition, pursuant to Article 142.2 of the FEI’s General Regulations, he would be held responsible for the horse’s condition in the event that CAS rules that the factual determination of the FEI Judicial Committee should be permitted to stand.
The AHSA Charge alleges that Mr. Ward’s conduct as Person Responsible for BENETON at the Competition violated AHSA Rule VI, Chapter IV, Article 614 (Reciprocity), Rule VII, Chapter I, Article 702 (Violations), and the AHSA/USET Code of Conduct.
Mr. Ward acknowledges, for purposes of his plea agreement, that the findings of the FEI Judicial Committee would form the basis for a finding by the AHSA Hearing Committee that he violated the AHSA rules and the AHSA/USET Code of Conduct specified in the Charge.
Accordingly, by vote of the members of the Hearing Committee present at the meeting, it was resolved to approve and accept the plea agreement, and therefore it was further resolved that
a. Mr. Ward, during the period of the stated suspension, be found not in good standing and that he be suspended from competing or taking any part whatsoever in Recognized competitions as an exhibitor, participant or spectator pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1(b) and that any horse or horses completely or in part owned, leased or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in any name or for his credit or reputation whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter, be suspended from competing or taking any part whatsoever in Recognized competitions pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1©, for eight (8) months, commencing on September 20, 1999 and terminating at midnight on May 19, 2000, subject, however, to any determination by the CAS upon appeal or the determination of any other appeal, or any further determination by the FEI, to the extent that such determinations reverse, terminate and/or reduce the term of Mr. Ward’s FEI suspension, in which case the AHSA suspension would be terminated or reduced accordingly; and
b. Mr. Ward be fined, pursuant to AHSA Rule VII, Article 703.1(j), the sum of $10,000, such fine to be paid to the AHSA by February 1, 2000, and that should said fine not be paid in full prior to the termination of the aforesaid suspension period, said suspension will remain in effect until such time as it is paid. Said fine will be remitted to Mr. Ward in the event that the CAS or any other appeal decision reverses the findings of violation of FEI rules and the suspension and fine imposed by the FEI.
The Hearing Committee received and considered a plea tendered by Mr. McLain Ward of Brewster, New York pursuant to which he acknowledged: i) that he was the trainer of the horse OLIVER at the American Gold Cup Horse Show held on September 18, 1999; ii) that OLIVER showed in Class 10; and iii) that the urine sample collected from OLIVER tested positive for metabolites of cocaine.
WARD vigorously denies having administered cocaine to OLIVER or having any knowledge as to anyone having administered the drug or how the drug may have been administered to OLIVER or how the horse may have come into contact with the drug, but does not contest that as the trainer of OLIVER he is held responsible for the horse’s condition under the AHSA’s Rules. Accordingly, by vote of the members of the Hearing Committee present at the meeting, it was resolved to approve and accept this Plea Agreement, and therefore, it was further resolved that Mr. Ward be found not in good standing and that he be suspended from competing or taking part whatsoever in recognized competitions as an exhibitor, participant or spectator pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1(b) and that any horse or horses, completely or in part owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in any name or for his credit or reputation, whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter, be suspended from competing or taking any part whatsoever in recognized competitions pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1© for one month, commencing on April 1, 2000 and terminating at midnight on April 30, 2000, provided Mr. Ward is not under suspension pursuant to an FEI Violation and/or an AHSA/USET Code of Conduct Violation and/or any other violation. If Mr. Ward is under suspension in April, 2000 for an FEI violation and/or an AHSA/USET Code of Conduct Violation and/or any other violation, he instead shall be suspended for two (2) months commencing October 2, 2000 and terminating at midnight on November 30, 2000. Furthermore, he shall be fined the sum of $3,000.00 pursuant to the provisions of Rule VII, Article 703.1(j), said fine to be paid to the Association’s office by February 1, 2000. After paying such fines and serving such suspensions, said trainer will, barring any further determinations or findings of a violation, be restored to good standing with the AHSA.
The Hearing Committee also received and considered a plea tendered by MS. SHARON DAUK of Ridgefield, Connecticut, the owner of OLIVER for all purposes relevant to the exhibition of said horse at the American Gold Cup Horse Show on September 18, 1999. DAUK vigorously denies having any knowledge of, or responsibility for, the presence of the metabolites of cocaine in the urine sample collected from OLIVER but does not contest that the presence of such metabolites in the horse in Class 10 at the American Gold Cup Horse Show is a violation of the AHSA’s rules which requires disqualification of the horse from any winnings at said show. Accordingly, by unanimous vote of the Hearing Committee present at the meeting, it was resolved that DAUK must return all trophies, prizes, ribbons and monies, if any, won by OLIVER at the American Gold Cup Horse Show and must pay a $50.00 fee to the Show in connection with this penalty pursuant to the provisions of Rule IV, Article 406.5, said winnings, if any to be returned to the Show by February 1, 2000.[/QUOTE]
These articles mean nothing. My point is, you’re reading this on the internet,and you’re hearing things from horse show circuit people (gossip godesses) you were not there and all of these accusations are ALLEGED accusations. Someone SAW something come out of the boot, and like someone else said, someone at that level is not going to purposefully drug their horse with a substance like cocaine when they are being tested so thoroughly. That’s common sense.
And 1999 is SO ten years ago…get over it by now.
shaking head
It’s McLain. Not Maclain, not mclain, not any other variation. McLain.
This & the 3 or 4 other threads bashing him are a little bit much no? I don’t know that I’ve ever seen more vultures out about a person - this may beat the Paul V threads.
Like him as a person or don’t but lets try to give credit where credit is due. He’s one of the best riders out there, he’s playing by all the rules & has for a long time & he rides the hell out of what is undoubtedly a very difficult horse & has kept her at the top of the game for 5 or 6 years now so obviously he and his team are doing everything right from a horsecare persepctive.
This thread is not about his riding ability, but about claiming he is a true horseman. There is a difference. Start a thread about his riding ability if you want credit for that. The horsemanship is definitely in question.
FYI, this is no internet legend, it was reported in the Chronicle of the Horse at the time.
[QUOTE=jse;3458923]
These articles mean nothing. My point is, you’re reading this on the internet,and you’re hearing things from horse show circuit people (gossip godesses) you were not there and all of these accusations are ALLEGED accusations. Someone SAW something come out of the boot, and like someone else said, someone at that level is not going to purposefully drug their horse with a substance like cocaine when they are being tested so thoroughly. That’s common sense.
And 1999 is SO ten years ago…get over it by now.[/QUOTE]
You are entitled to believe whatever you want…
[QUOTE=Beverley;3458942]
FYI, this is no internet legend, it was reported in the Chronicle of the Horse at the time.:)[/QUOTE]
So what…it’s all media. Whenever has the media been correct? All they ever report is bad news…cause for some strange reason that’s what everyone wants to hear.
Even still all the accusations pointed toward McLain Ward are merely ACCUSATIONS…and ALLEDED ACCUSATIONS at that. All of the articles state that. Can you read?
No one is saying it’s legend- it’s that even the stuff ridgeback pulled up did not definitively prove guilt. Even for the cocaine (someone the other day posted about an interesting case of horses from one trainer repeatedly testing for cocaine. they finally found it was because the grooms were using it, not because it was being given to the horses.) So yes, he got the suspensions, no one is arguing that, but it is all for alleged behavior, nothing that was proven definitively.
If nothing else, this all goes to show that the FEI needs its own “CSI”
[QUOTE=ridgeback;3458950]
You are entitled to believe whatever you want…:)[/QUOTE]
And so are you, however you have absolutely NO proof that any of this was actually ever true. You just read it on the internet or in the news paper and magazines and talk to all your hunter princess friends at all the HITS shows.
Seems to me that the basis for MW’s suspension is a theory of strict liability.
Something bad happened that was provable – cocaine derivatives in the urine – MW vigorously denies personal responsibility – there is no proof about who caused the cocaine to be in the horse – under the rules the trainer of the horse is liable for the condition of the horse, i.e., a positive drug test with no need of proof of the trainer actually doing the deed.
Simlar situaiton on the plastic chips – the rider is responsible without need for direct proof of involvement. Seems like the facts in the boot case are a bit more uncertain but the basis for liability is similar.
Probably a good rule of liability in order to make horse health and safety be taken seriously but not a rule that necessarily produces a guilty party and that is exactly the point of such a rule.
[QUOTE=jse;3458958]
And so are you, however you have absolutely NO proof that any of this was actually ever true. You just read it on the internet or in the news paper and magazines and talk to all your hunter princess friends at all the HITS shows.[/QUOTE]
No actually I don’t really even care but when people call him a great horseman I have to disagree… All I know the charges were filed he was suspended and fined…
As long as these are discussions, we can discuss both sides of a viewpoint, but some just want others to shut up.
