Traverse City, MI – September 15, 2025—A trio of U.S. women led the victory gallop in the $32,000 CIS2* Grand Prix with Stella Wasserman at the front in her first international grand prix victory to close out two-star competition at Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) on Sunday. The 20-year-old piloted Myjorka to victory from an 8-horse jump-off designed by Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA).
In good company, Wasserman was followed by four-time U.S. Olympian Beezie Madden, who clocked in at 33.59 seconds behind Wasserman’s 32.38 time. Madden piloted Micky-Cara, owned by John Madden Sales. Lillie Keenan rounded out the podium in 33.98 seconds riding 8-year-old Emerlon, for owner Chansonette Farm.
“This is really special,” said Wasserman after the prize giving. “I feel like I’ve been close a couple of times now and today it all worked out.
“This is an amazing horse,” she continued of her 10-year-old Hanoverian (Mylord Carthago HN x Quidam’s Rubin), a mare she rides under the direction of five-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward. “She’s game to do anything you ask and my plan worked out.”
The partnership between Wasserman and Myjorka came together at the start of the year. “McLain called one day and [said] he had a really special horse that just came in and I [that] should sit on her. It was like love at first sight. It was not as smooth sailing as some other partnerships, but once we figured each other out, it was great from there.”
When asked about her plan for the competition jump-off, she noted, “I actually changed my plan a bit; the first line was five or six. My horse doesn’t have the biggest stride in the world, so we were planning on doing six, but I met the first turn so well. She was so with me that I saw it. Then, the eight worked out well to number two. From there, her foot speed is so quick that I could really challenge her. I knew everywhere I could give it a shot and trust her.”
Wasserman will next point Myjorka at five-star competition during the coveted American Gold Cup at Flintfields Horse Park.
For complete results from the $32,000 CIS2* Grand Prix, click here.
Madison Ramsey Claims ASPCA Maclay Regional Title
Madison Ramsey is making the most of her final junior year by punching her ticket to the National Horse Show’s ASPCA Maclay National Championship after a win in the Regional Championship for Region 4 at Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS). Twenty-eight riders took to the first course, which was followed by a flat test to determine the final results.
Ramsey, who hails from Palm Harbor, FL, and trains with Frank Madden at Capital Hill Show Stables, piloted 7-year-old Loui K for Oakland Sales & Training. Together they claimed the regional title by impressing the judges both over fences and on the flat.
Ramsey, 18, now focuses on her indoor finals season ahead of attending Texas A&M University after a gap year during which she focused on riding during her final year as a junior competitor.
“I just wanted to have a nice, smooth round and feel confident going into indoors. I think that’s what came out of the day,” said Ramsey. “I rode my younger horse, and it was his first Maclay Regionals. He handled it like a pro, so I feel good taking him to finals this year.”
The day was also a first for Ramsey. “This is my first time doing regionals in Traverse City, but this is one of my favorite horse shows,” she concluded. “The course today was nice as a preparation for indoors. It wasn’t anything crazy, but it was technical enough and we had good judges in the box. There are not enough good things you can say about Traverse City. It’s my favorite place and I look forward to it every year.”
Following Saturday’s regionals, qualified riders will compete at the ASPCA Maclay National Championship at the National Horse Show in Lexington, KY, in November.
Taking the regional reserve was Emily Jurnovoy of Woodstock Valley, CT, and Favorit Julius, owned by Favorit Julius. Claiming third was Katelyn Martin of Tampa, FL, and her own Relevé. From complete results, click here.
Also highlighting equitation competition, Elise Iafrate won the THIS National Horse Show Adult Area Championship riding Fu Manchu, and Xia Tabanou topped the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Area Championship aboard Las Vegas.
About Traverse City Horse Shows
Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) offers 13 weeks of top equestrian competition each summer at Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg, Michigan—just 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City. The venue blends world-class sport with the natural beauty of Northern Michigan and features 12 weeks of FEI-ranked events, including three five-stars and an FEI Nations Cup CSIO3*.
The season culminates in the three-week Tournament of Champions, highlighted by the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup
CSI5*-W—Traverse City and $340,000 American Gold Cup CSI5*. New this year, the $100,000 Dudley and Barb Smith 3’6” Equitation Championship and $50,000 Cherry Capital 3’3” Equitation Championship deliver big prize money and prestige to the equitation ranks.
For more information on the season, visit TraverseCityHorseShows.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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