Jessica Mendoza and In the Air Soar to Victory in Speed Classic CSI3

Traverse City, Michigan – July 25, 2024 – Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain won the Speed Classic CSI3*. The competition took place during the fourth week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF). It was part of a six-week summer FEI series at Flintfields Horse Park.

Course designer Marina Azevedo (BRA) set a challenging track for 40 horse-and-rider pairs. The field included veteran riders like Margie Engle (USA) and Richard Spooner (USA). It also featured rising stars like Zayna Rizvi (USA).

Twelve combinations finished the course without faults. Nikolaj Hein Ruus (DEN) held the lead with a time of 67.69 seconds. Mendoza then delivered a stunning performance with her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, In the Air. She completed the course in 65.58 seconds, beating Ruus by two seconds.

“She’s an absolute freak,” Mendoza said, praising In the Air. “She’s so careful and always wants to jump clear rounds. We took an inside turn near the end, and that made the difference.”

In the Air is special to Mendoza. A group of her clients’ mothers invested in the mare, making the partnership possible. Mendoza sees great potential in the horse.

“She’s sharp and careful, so I’m taking it step by step,” Mendoza explained. “Even though she’s 11, I want to produce her right. She’s ready for the big classes.”

This win proves that Jessica Mendoza and In the Air are a pair to watch. Their future looks bright as they continue to rise in the sport.