McLain Ward and Hilalita B Win the CSI2* Grand Prix of Traverse City

Hialita B is a 14-year-old KWPN mare by Emerald-Vaillant. In 2023, she competed in her first international shows with Sophie Hinners. After competing in their first 1.30- and 1.35-meter jumps at the CSI1* in Riesenbeck, the pair quickly worked their way up the ranks in subsequent competitions, competing in their first 1.55-meter class in Hagen and their first 1.60-meter class in Hohen Wieschendorf. It was clear where this journey might lead.

Paris Under the Australian Flag

Hinners and Hialita B’s time together came to an end fairly soon after that, when the mare was sold to an Australian owner in August 2023 and began competing under Thaisa Erwin. Erwin had recognized the chestnut mare’s potential as an Olympic horse, and that’s exactly how it turned out. At the Games in Paris, the pair competed under the Australian flag but did not advance past the second round. However, they went on to achieve several impressive placings at the highest level in tournaments in the U.S. During this World Championship season, they also competed again in Europe, at the CSIO5* Rome and twice at the CSI4* Valkenswaard, though without any notable successes.

Victory with McLain Ward

, Valkenswaard: The mare’s final competition under Thaisa Erwin took place at the end of July. Just last weekend, she competed again—this time back on U.S. soil and with a new rider: McLain Ward. Although Thaisa Erwin remains a co-owner along with Michael Smith, in November 2025 the mare’s nationality was changed from Australian—which is required to compete in the Olympic Games—to U.S.

She and McLain Ward seem to have clicked right away. The pair completed the first two classes without any faults over jumps, incurring only two time faults in each. In the Grand Prix, they demonstrated that they can also ride fast—at least over 1.45 meters. They were victorious in that event.

GRAND PRIX magazine was the first to report on the new partnership.