Traverse City, Michigan, USA – July 08, 2022 – McKayla Langmeier (USA) isn’t letting the level of international competition intimidate her in Traverse City. Out of 29 entries, she claimed the win with Bahira S in the $37,000 San Marcos Training Speed Classic CSI 3*, clocking in two seconds faster than any other clear effort.
Over the past year, McKayla and the 12-year-old Oldenburg mare (Balou du Rouet ) have been getting to know each other and moving up the ranks in FEI competition. Thursday’s speed class was built for the occasion, providing a preview of the competition to come at the 2022 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors. The track, set by Mexico’s Catsy Cruz (MEX), featured opportunities for tight inside turns, long lines with options to leave strides out, and several tricky fences that came down frequently as the field whittled down.
Twenty-third in the order of go, Langmeier, a professional rider out of her family’s Kelianda Farm in East Granby, Connecticut, USA, used her mare’s natural footspeed to her advantage. She didn’t take any extreme risks, but her efficient pace and quickness through the air put her in the top spot, setting the Twydil Time to Beat at 61.28 seconds for the field to catch.
Second to last in the order, Ireland’s Simon McCarthy (IRL) gave Langmeier a run for her money, but came up just short with Gotcha (Full Monty x Corland), owned by Rock Ridge Farms, in a clear effort with a time of 63.45 seconds.
“We just moved up to this height starting in Florida,” Langmeier said of her experience with the mare owned by Rafferty Farm LLC. “She took me a while to get used to because she’s so bloody and has so much power. She’s really strong, so we had to take it slow and build the relationship.”With several other mounts in her string, Langmeier will aim Bahira S and Mimosa VD Rollebeek for the $37,000 Innovo Welcome Stake CSI 3* Friday and compete several up-and-coming mounts in national classes.
Livestream 2 (Lordanos x Landadel) and Lisa Carlsen (CAN) rounded out the top three in 64.78 seconds.
“I have to say, ever since the first year we came here it’s been a stop of ours,” Langmeier commented on Flintfields Horse Park. “It’s such a nice venue. They do an amazing job with the facility here. It’s so clean, the footing is great, and there’s so much to do outside of the horse show that makes it such a popular spot.”
Currently atop the CaptiveOne Advisors Leading Jumper Rider Bonus is Beat Mändli (SUI) after accumulating bonus points from his win on the final day of Traverse City Spring, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. While he starts a European tour this summer, Margie Engle (USA) sits just behind him looking to retake her lead during GLEF.
Action continues in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring of Friday with the $37,000 Innovo Welcome Stake CSI 3* where athletes will ride to qualify for Sunday’s $138,600 MeijerGrand Prix CSI 3*.
Final Results: $37,000 San Marcos Training Speed Classic CSI 3*
1) Mckayla Langmeier (USA) & Bahira S: 2010 OLD mare by Balou Du Rouet, Rafferty Farm LLC: 0/61.28
2) Simon McCarthy (IRL) & Gotcha: 2011 HOLST mare by Stakkato x Cassini I, Rock Ridge Farms: 0/63.45
3) Lisa Carlsen (CAN) & Livestream 2: 2010 OLDBG gelding by Lordanos x Landadel, Lisa Carlsen: 0/64.78
4) Lacey Gilbertson (USA) & Damzelle Ste Hermelle: 2013 SF mare by Upercut Kervec x Paladin Des Ifs, Seabrook LLC: 0/65.05
5) Chris Pratt (CAN) & Madiba AG Z: 2012 ZANG mare by Mylord Carthago x Corland, Ashley VogeL: 0/66.20
6) Tanner Korotkin (USA) & Ideal: 2012 SWB gelding by Cardento x Cortez, Castlewood Farm Inc. & Sandalwood Farms: 0/66.30
7) Nick Dello Joio (USA) & Cornet’s Cambridge: 2012 OS gelding by Balou Du Reventon x Cambridge 8, The Berry Group LLC: 0/66.40
8) Mavis Spencer (USA) & Carissimo 25: 2013 HOLST gelding by Cascadello x Clinton, Georgy Maskrey-Segesman: 0/66.70
9) Kelly Arani (USA) & Impossible DreamI: 2013 KWPN gelding by Cardento x Peter Pan, Marigot Bay Farm, LLC: 0/67.85
10) Nick Dello Joio (USA) & Chess: 2011 BWP gelding by Bufero Van Het Panishof x Latano I, Wembley Farms Inc.: 0/69.09
11. Margie Engle (USA) & Aston des Eitsses: 2010 SF gelding by Mylord Carthago x Quidam De Revel: Gladewinds Partners, LLC: 0/69.64
12. Mavis Spencer (USA) & Ekarlus BH: 2009 KWPN gelding by Namelus R x Orame, Rocking D Ranch: 0/70.06
Source: Great Lakes Equestrian Festival
Photos: © Andrew Ryback Photography
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