Mckayla Langmeier of East Granby, CT, rode Jiselle NS (Balou du Rouet x Voltaire) to the jump-off clear to cash in on the $75,000 Dodd Technologies Grand Prix and close out opening week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at Wellington International.
From a three-horse jump-off, Langmeier returned last over the Eric Hasbrouck (USA) designed course and knew all she had to do was keep the jumps up. After fellow Americans Lillie Keenan and Jacqueline Ruyle had rails, 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 six, 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 (USA).
Langmeier stopped the clock at 42.459 seconds. Ruyle—riding Cyramo Z (Clarimo x Vigo d'Arsouilles) —and Keenan—aboard Happy Time (Quality time tn x Berlin) for owner 5 Roosters—both beat her on the clock but pulled one rail apiece to settle for second and third, respectively.
