AGDF 5 runs from February 8-12 and features CDI 5* competition presented by Diamante Farms, CDI 3* competition presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, and CDI Small Tour competition presented by Engel & Völkers, and is held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).
Adrienne Lyle and Horizon, a 2007 Hanoverian mare (Hotline x Don Schufro) owned by Elizabeth Juliano, took home another victory, this time in the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Engel & Völkers, with a score of 75.325%.
“That was my first freestyle ever with her,” Lyle revealed. “We actually just kind of pulled this together last minute. I wasn’t aware that when we entered we also had to have a freestyle, so once we got here to the show I called some friends and Katherine Bateson Chandler lent me an old freestyle of hers. This was the first time I’ve actually ridden through the whole thing. I was really happy and Horizon was really good and stayed right with me and was there for me, despite winging it.”
Lyle has spent the past few years out of the international competition ring. Commenting on her return, she said, “I’ve been really missing it. It feels really good to get back out there.” Olympic Bronze Medalist Steffen Peters and Bailarino, a 2008 Oldenburg gelding (Breitling x Schila x De Niro) owned by Four Winds Farm, placed second with a score of 75.100%.
“I was very happy with Bailarino. Like I said before, he is not the most motivated horse and for the third day, he still had to work a lot, but he did his job. We had one short change in the three tempis, and that was the difference between the first and second placing.” Peters joked, “I asked Adrienne to take it easy on me. I even pulled the age card since I’m twice her age, but it obviously didn’t work!”
Placing third in the FEI I-1 Freestyle, was Jane Cleveland (USA) and Monique, a 2009 Danish Warmblood mare (Temptation x Kaprice x Matador) owned by Cleveland, with a 72.750%.