Press release from Traverse City Horse Shows

International competition at the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, returned for its second week by opening with the $32,000 CSI4* Speed with thirty-four competitors taking to Bernardo Costa Cabral’s (POR) track. USA’s Jacqueline Ruyle (30) and Cyramo Z had a need for speed and claimed the win in the one-round class in 60.58 seconds. 

The longtime pair beat out all contenders by nearly two seconds. Runner-up Michael Williamson (USA) and Call Me Baby Quick PS (Conthargos x Chacco-Blue) stopped the timers at 62.30 seconds and held the lead for some time before Ruyle entered the ring. Canadian Ali Ramsay aboard Bonita VH Keizershof Z (Bustique x For Pleasure) capped the international podium in 62.73 seconds. 

“I’ve had this mare since she was seven and she’s thirteen now; she’s always been fast and so fun to ride,” said Ruyle of the Zangersheide mare (Clarimo x Vigo D Arsouilles STX). “In the warm-up she’s like a hunter; quiet and slow, and then you go in the ring and she turns on the turbo. She’s barely fifteen hands but has a big enough stride and lots of scope.

“Almost every turn was an inside turn, and I had come from Devon where the ring was small, so I felt prepared,” said Ruyle. “I thought she was pretty fast everywhere. She’s always looking for the jump and always looking to take a tighter turn—she pretty much nailed it the whole way.”

The winning combination have seen success in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring before. During the 2023 season, they clinched their first three-star win together at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament as part of Traverse City Horse Shows’ Tournament of Champions.  

Since then, Ruyle and her mare have made a transition to a new training program, joining John and Beezie Madden’s team at the start of 2024. “I had been riding a lot and been very successful with Daniel Bedoya,” said Ruyle. “I’ve only ever had one person telling me something and thought it would be nice to hear tips from someone else and just see how it goes.

“I loved the way Beezie rode, I mean you can’t say anything bad about Beezie so I gave it a chance. I didn’t realize at what a high level the basics existed in the sport. Someone’s been telling me this my whole life but it just clicked, which is fun and rewarding.” 

Growing up as a self-taught rider in Texas, Ruyle hasn’t always been in the level of training program she’s in now. After riding for fun in her backyard and pursuing a career in engineering, Ruyle decided it was time for a career change. “After working for a few years, I decided that horse riding was what I wanted to do,” said Ruyle. “I met Daniel Bedoya and he really got me where I am.” 

Still based out of Texas, Ruyle hasn’t fully given up her engineering skills and designed her own ranch, alongside her husband, in The Lone Star State. 

While Cyramo Z is done competing for the week, Ruyle plans to return to the arena for Friday’s CSI4* Welcome Stake with her gelding San Chano. Four-star jumper action will continue throughout the weekend, culminating with Sunday’s $182,000 Southern Arches CSI4* Grand Prix.