The Dallas-based nurse flies into Traverse City for the inaugural 3’ championship and scores an 89 aboard longtime Makoto Farm partner Vanderpump
In the inaugural $20,000 Frank & Eileen 3’ Adult Equitation Challenge, Grace McReynolds came out victorious, earning a score of 89 and a flawless flat phase for the top position.
“I’m super excited to be here,” McReynolds said, reflecting on her win in the inaugural class. “I am an adult now so I work a lot. I just came in for this class and it was super fun. I’m so thankful for Makoto Farm giving me this horse to ride.”
McReynolds represents a large number of adult riders who balance busy careers with riding, and she does so quite gracefully. As a nurse in Dallas, she flew in Thursday night to compete in the class, and she made it count.
“With adult equitation we rarely get money in our classes so it’s so fun that Traverse City offers these shows and classes like this,” she commented about the ability to show in a class like this. “It makes it special for us adults who have aged out a few years ago and now you can have fun and win some money. It also puts a little pressure on you, so I hope these classes become more common in the future.”
McReynolds has been a regular in Traverse City during past seasons and has trained with Makoto Farm for many years, so her partner for the class, Vanderpump, was already quite familiar.
“He’s been at Makoto for as long as I have known them,” she said of the 17-year-old gelding. “Augusta [Iwasaki] rode him when she was a junior and he’s finally back in the barn. I rode him a few years ago at Ariat [National Adult Medal] Finals and he’s truly the best partner ever. He’s so reliable and so fun to ride. I’m so thankful to ride him today.”
The course presented challenges McReynolds appreciated, allowing her to demonstrate her connection with Vanderpump early and showcase her equitation skills throughout.
“At the beginning they had a unique figure-eight at the trot so that was fun to start out with,” she noted. “I’d never seen that before. It gave a good picture of your position and contact with the horse. The course rode great, so no complaints there.”
Kiera Phlipot and Red Roc finished second with an 86, while Elise Iafrate and Fu Manchu took third with an 82.
All eyes turn to Sunday as the 2026 Traverse City season reaches its grand finale with the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen. The world-class field will take on Alan Wade’s final course of the season, with World Cup points and one of the sport’s most historic trophies on the line. A two-hour highlights program of Sunday’s Grand Prix will air on CBS Sports Network Thursday, September 24, from 8–10 PM ET, with an encore Sunday, September 27, from 10 AM–12 PM ET.
Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App and HippoData for FEI results.
*Feature Photo: Grace McReynolds and Vanderpump share a moment following their victory in the inaugural $20,000 Frank & Eileen 3’ Adult Equitation Challenge. Photo: Megan Giese Media/TCHS
