Lyman and Lup the Loop are coming off of an extensive European tour in 2016, which helped the pair gain valuable international experience, which they have been able to translate into their season so far in 2017.
"I was originally entered in the CIC 3* and we had a little blip at Carolina last week when my stirrup broke," explained Lyman. "Today was really difficult even though it was a CIC 2*. I think he came away from this having learned something. We both had to work for it. Even though he has a lot of 3* mileage at this point, it was not easy, so I was happy with the result."
The pair performed a lovely, even dressage test and then finished their weekend efforts today with an efficient and clean cross-country run. Lyman was quick to comment that she felt the weekend not only served as a solid building point for the pair, but continued to emphasize that the pair was able to work in a different environment, which was beneficial to both herself and Lup the Loop.
"I'm really happy with him. For me and my style of cross-country riding, it wasn't the most natural because I like to kick on and go. The terrain made that a bit more difficult and it was a great experience for both of us, learning how to be patient and working with the terrain a bit more than we have before," she commented. "Things came up quickly and he was adjustable and rideable, which is something that we've been working on."
After their win this weekend, Lyman will give Loopy a break before working backwards from a schedule created to aim the pair towards the FEI CCI 3* at Fair Hill in October. "He's done a lot last season and this spring so I think he's earned a little bit of quiet time to do our homework. It seems like a long way away, but it will be here quickly," she concluded.