WELLINGTON, Fla.--Mckayla Langmeier of East Granby, Conn., rode Jiselle NS to win the $75,000 Grand Prix on Sunday, Jan. 4 and close out opening week of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Mckayla Langmeier on Jiselle NS (Photo by Sportfot)In a three-horse jump-off, Langmeier went last over the Eric Hasbrouck designed course and knew all she had to do was go clean.

After Lillie Keenan and Jacqueline Ruyle had rails doown, Langmeier adjusted her plan.

“I definitely went a little wider to the last jump once I knew I jumped the first part clear, then I could take a moment to the last,” said Langmeier, who trains with six-time U.S. Olympian Mclain Ward. “It’s a great way to start the season. I’ve had Jiselle NS since she was 6, so I know her well. We’ve worked up to this level together, so for me, my family and North Star, it means a lot to see her perform this well.”

Jiselle NS is a 12-year-old Balou du Rouet daughter bred by the Jacobs family’s North Star Sport Horses.

Langmeier was clean in 42.459 seconds.

 

RUYLE on Cyramo Z and Keenan on Happy Time were both faster, but each had a rail down to place second in 38.927 and third in 41.351, respectively.

Tony Stormanns of Germany on Cassius Clay was the fastest of the four faulters to place fourth.

At 25 years old, Langmeier is an up-and-coming rider at the top level.

“It has taken a lot of patience, a lot of time, and a lot of work put into the horses, but I think that’s what makes relationships and makes days like today possible," said Langmeier. "It’s really rewarding when you have a horse that you bring up win a grand prix like this.”