Kicking off International Women’s Day, the $62,500 Baxter Miami CSI2* Grand Prix produced an all-female podium on Saturday afternoon of Week 9 at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Texas native Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) took top call riding Cyramo Z, while Abigail McArdle (USA) finished second with Olympia van het Eikenhof, owned by Sweetwater Jumpers LLC, and Maria Costa (USA) was third riding Valentino V Z.
Ruyle was one of 13 to jump Alan Wade’s (IRL) first-round course clear, and knew the short course would be the perfect track for the petite mare she has ridden for the last seven years.
“I loved the jump-off,” Ruyle remarked after her win, which she captured by a margin of nearly two seconds. “I thought it was perfect for her because I don’t have the biggest stride but there were a lot of unrelated distances, so I knew that if I didn’t mess it up I could definitely win the class.”
Cyramo Z (Clarimo x Vigo d’Arsouilles STX) is a small but mighty Zangersheide mare, standing at only about 15 hands. She’s now 14 years old and Ruyle’s faith in her in the ring has molded a very strong partnership. “She has so much heart and we have such a good relationship. I think we both respect each other and fight for each other,” she explained.
The win at WEF was truly special for Ruyle, who has notched ten international-level wins throughout her FEI career. “This is awesome,” continued Ruyle, who currently trains with Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers. “It’s my second grand prix win so I’m in the two grand prix win club. I’m really excited about that. Not many people have that under their belt and she has won both so I’m thrilled.”
Based in Navasota, TX, Ruyle keeps Cyramo Z in working condition most of the year, but she’s about to head back home where her mare will get a break from showing before a summer season in Tryon, NC. “We have a huge ranch where we do a lot of trail riding and hill work. She gets a lot of turnout,” concluded Ruyle.
At the conclusion of the afternoon, Cyramo Z was presented with the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award from Laura Fetterman.
To see full results from the $62,500 Baxter Miami CSI2* Grand Prix, click HERE.
