Wellington, United States – January 04, 2026 – Mckayla Langmeier (USA) of East Granby, CT, rode Jiselle NS 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 (USA) and Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) 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 (USA). “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—and Keenan—aboard Happy Time for owner 5 Roosters—both beat her on the clock but pulled one rail apiece to settle for second and third, respectively.
At 25 years old, Langmeier is still making a name for herself as an up-and-coming athlete 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. It’s really rewarding when you have a horse that you bring up win a grand prix like this.”
When asked about her goals for the 2026 WEF season, Langmeier said, “This year is a developing year for the horses because I have some young ones. We are going to take it day by day and see where they are.”
Final Results – $75,000 Dodd Technologies Grand Prix
1) Mckayla Langmeier (USA) & Jiselle NS – 0 / 0 – 42.459
2) Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) & Cyramo – 0 / 4 – 38.027
3) Lillie Keenan (USA) & Happy Time – 0 / 4 – 41.351
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot / Cassidy Klein
