Fitness and Flexibility: An Inside Look at McLane Ward's Training System

Photo Shoot: Platinum Performance.

Have you always dreamed of learning the secrets of the Olympic champion’s skill? Now is your chance. In this interview, two gold and one silver Olympic medal winner McLain Ward tells us about his philosophy of working with horses. It takes into account everything from planning for the upcoming season to the mental stability of the horse and rider.

About making a plan for the year for each horse.

McLain Ward plans through a championship lens, usually based on a two-year tournament calendar. Based on this, he builds the work, breaking the schedule into small blocks. Every horse has a work plan for the week, however, McLane talkIt means that the more experienced the horse becomes, the more flexible you can approach his daily work. It is important to plan the main points, the details can be changed. Since every day and every tournament is part of the overall plan, you must be able to quickly make adjustments to suit your horse’s needs. All horses are different. Therefore, they must work differently, according to a specially developed program.

About working methods.

First, keep it simple. McLain believes that the more complex the process of work is built, the less sense it makes. Horses cannot be in a concentrated state for a long time, too complex tasks in the end do not bring any benefit.

When choosing ammunition, one should also be based on the principle of simplicity. Simple bridle, simple auxiliary controls. “Movement, straightness and balance are the basic principles of riding,” he says.

About physical training.

Physical training is the basis of the program, but you should not get hung up on it. Horses don’t have to work three times a day. They do not have to work every day for a whole hour. Everything must be balanced.

Physical fitness is progress. Horses do not have to be at their peak for every event. For major competitions (like Aachen), they should be at their maximum. An athlete cannot always be 100% in shape.

25 years ago, riders were not familiar with such concepts as fitness training or a special diet, however, now endurance exercises, fitness training and the development of a nutrition plan have become integral components of success.

About the psychological state.

«Everything comes from the head, says Ward. “The mindset sets the best apart from everyone else in the sport.” This applies to everything, not just driving. What matters is how you think in general. It turns out that the head is more important than the muscles? Yes, McLain says. “I’d rather have a clear head and less talent.”

You will not be able to take and achieve the ideal way of thinking, this is a constant process of working on yourself (even if you are McLain Ward).

How to find your way in sports.

Your team is your everything. The stable manager, veterinarians, forgers, horse breeders are all components of success. The most successful athletes tend to have longstanding relationships with their team.

Everyone has their own path to success. McLain shares the basic principles with his students, but leaves them free to choose their own path. If they repeat his every move, they will not be able to reveal their best qualities, but will become only a second-rate version of McLain Ward.

Source: Noellefloyd.com