McKayla Langmeier
MAKING HISTORY WITH MOM
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s one of the most prestigious and competitive medal finals, the ASPCA Medal Maclay has been an important date on the horse show calendar since its inception in 1933. Although stories of victories and defeats have accumulated over the decades, in 2015, its 82nd year, an unprecedented triumph occurred. With over 150 entries in the class, winner McKayla Langmeier earned a place in Maclay history alongside her mother, Linda Kossick Langmeier. As the 1983 champion, Linda, who trained with Paul Valliere, had to participate in two work-offs to earn her win. After the top four switched horses, then the top two, Linda and Clea Newman, had to ride the course without stirrups. She took her victory gallop in Madison Square Garden, recollecting the experience like it was yesterday. “I do distinctly remember the look of the Garden when we walked the second course. The stands were packed, not a seat to be had! People were dressed to the nines and the ring had a feeling of greatness.” The intensity of her daughter earning the acclaimed award was quite incredible. “That day [in 1983] for me as an athlete was unforgettable, and as I stood in the Alltech Arena [with McKayla], every single emotion and memory flooded through me all over again, like it was déjà vu,” she explained. “We have so much respect for each other knowing the accomplishment of that victory and how hard each of us had to work to obtain that title.” McKayla’s superb performance stemmed from more than a genetic pool of talent. As a child of a trainer, fifteen-year-old McKayla started young. “While my mom was teaching lessons, she would walk me around on my pony when I was less than a year old.”
A combination of dedication, determination and a life spent in the saddle has led her to multiple victories in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings. And her performance at the National Horse Show added to her resume of championships. Esteemed judges Chris Kappler and Ralph Caristo were duly impressed with her performance throughout the Finals, but most especially because she drew first for the initial jumping phase, nailed it and never looked back. Caristo dubbed the young yet accomplished equestrian the “American Pharaoh” of the competition, as McKayla stayed on top of the leader board throughout the new two-day format. Despite what others would consider a supremely unfortunate draw in the order – her co-trainer Missy Clark walked out of the room when her student’s name was drawn first – McKayla saw nothing but opportunity in the situation. “I wasn’t really nervous, so I was glad to go out there and not have to ponder and overthink the course,” she said. “I also liked the new format because it gave each rider and horse a chance to relax and prepare for each section.” Capping off the 2015 show season in such a monumental fashion has only inspired the rising star to continue her astronomical ascent. Juggling schoolbooks and saddles is a challenge for any young rider, but McKayla has years of experience making the most of both her passions. One of her goals is to earn her college degree after she finishes high school, while simultaneously keeping her eye on her equestrian aspirations as well: winning the three other major equitation finals and earning a gold medal at the Young Rider Championships. She also plans to stay consistent in all three rings, training with her mother year round and meeting up with Clark at shows.
McKayla’s mother Linda Kossick Langmeier shortly after her Maclay win in 1983
With a maturity beyond her years, McKayla acknowledges all of the lessons she has learned inside the show ring and their importance outside the arena as well. “Horses have taught me to be responsible and care for others,” she says. “Be humble and work hard. Have fun and enjoy being able to do something you love every day.”
Image credit: Rebecca Walton/Phelps Sports, Lisa Peterson january/february ·
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