International competition came to a close on Sunday afternoon as 32 top horse-and-rider combinations representing 12 different nations vied for the lion’s share of the prize money in the $200,000 Grand Prix CSI4*. After a nail-biting seven-horse jump-off, it was Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza who emerged victorious aboard her own In The Air (Air Jordan x Indoctro).
Canada’s Peter Grant set the closing grand prix tracks, with riders needing to carefully balance pace and precision to stay within the tight time allowed while keeping all the rails in place. The jump-off proved equally challenging, with only two of the seven combinations producing double-clear efforts.
Ashley Vogel (USA) was the first to return for the short course, piloting Voquest LLC’s 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Otis Blue (Jaguar van Paemel x Numero Uno) to a clear round in 49.57 seconds to set the early target.
Several riders attempted to catch the leading time but incurred faults along the way. It wasn’t until Mendoza entered the ring with In The Air that the time was truly challenged.
“I was third to go with some fast riders behind me, and I knew I had to go for it,” she shared. “I didn’t plan on doing that inside turn, but the person in front of me did it, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t know I needed to do that.’ But she’s so athletic. I know I can do that turn on her, and she’d be right there with me.”
The pair flew through the timers in 45.87 seconds, a time that ultimately proved unbeatable.
Mendoza spoke about her partnership with the 13-year-old KWPN mare: “I’ve had her for about two years now. She’s always been amazing, but she’s turned into this superstar of a horse. She loves jumping, and I honestly couldn’t be more grateful to have her. I actually have her brother, too, so that’s pretty special. He also does five-stars. They’re a pretty good family. I got them at the same time from the same breeder; they both have the same mom. They’re completely opposite animals, but they’re both very, very special.”
According to Mendoza, In The Air’s “heart” is her most special attribute. “I think it’s her heart. She’s obviously very talented in a lot of ways, but she just gets in there and wants to give it her absolute best all the time. She’s always trying for me.”
Ireland’s Daniel Coyle, fresh off a victory in the Grand Prix CSI2*, also returned for the jump-off aboard Ariel Grange’s 16-year-old KWPN gelding Farrel (Cardento 933 x Stakkato). Coyle laid down an even quicker time of 45.70 seconds, but an unlucky rail at the first fence dropped the pair into third place.
