Top US showjumper McLain Ward has spoken up after adults made “atrocious” comments on social media about his young daughter’s success.
The five-time Olympic medallist asked people to think twice before they make negative remarks about “an 11-year-old with big dreams”, in response to comments on a video of Lilly’s success at a show.
McLain said he tries to post and comment only positive messages on social media, such as gratitude to his horses and the people he is “very blessed to have around me and who support my team and my family”.
“I’m proud to congratulate those whom we work with on their accomplishments and at times I’ve weighed in on topics I feel strongly about,” he said.
“After a very rewarding week of competing at the Devon Horse Show for my daughter and our family, ClipMyHorse posted a very nice recap video of her success.
“The majority of the comments were kind and positive for my 11-year old-daughter but there were a handful of individuals that felt the need to be negative and diminish her success because she’s my daughter, or even more shocking, because she’s my father’s granddaughter, whom she never met.
“While I never defend myself from such commentary and feel confident that my legacy and how I am judged will be on my own deeds despite my own mistakes, the fact that grown adults feel the need to make such atrocious comments about an 11-year-old young girl is quite reprehensible.”
Lilly enjoyed a successful Devon Horse Show, which runs in Pennsylvania, winning and being placed in a variety of jumping and flat classes with her ponies. And although most people praised her results, some chose not to.
“It’s a reflection of so much of what I see in our world today, instead of celebrating each other’s growth and success we choose to tear it down,” McLain said.
“I’m an adult and to some small degree a public figure. I accept that criticism of myself may be public and I can handle your opinions but I ask before commenting negatively on an 11-year-old who has big horse dreams, and who may stumble upon these comments that you use some judgement and class.”
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