Lyle and Sadis Top Opening Classes at World Equestrian Center April Dressage CDI3*
U.S. Olympic medalist Adrienne Lyle and young talent Katrina Sadis (USA) rode to the top of opening classes on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) April Dressage CDI3* sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The show, which hosts Fédération Equestre International (FEI) and USEF/USDF-rated classes, continues through Sunday, April 14.
Lyle, a mainstay on the U.S. Dressage team in recent years with her recently retired Olympic mount Salvino, has brought her two new grand prix mounts to WEC – Ocala with the goal of gaining qualifying scores for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games this summer. The first of those to compete, Lars van de Hoenderheide owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, led the Grand Prix for Freestyle CDI3* over 12 other competitors with a score of 72% from judges Stephen Clarke (GBR), Alice Schwab (AUT), Raphaël Saleh (FRA), Kristi Wysocki (USA) and Natacha Waddell (BRA).
Marcus Orlob (USA) and Jane, a 10-year-old KWPN mare by Desperado x Metall owned by Alice Tarjan, placed second with a personal best score of 69.913%. With a score of 68.913%, Julio Mendoza Loor (ECU) and Jewel’s Goldstrike, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding by Bretton Woods x Watermill Scandic he owns with Jessica and Justin Mendoza, were third.
“Lars” only came to the U.S. on January 13, so the burgeoning relationship with Lyle has quickly advanced. Lyle credits his previous two years of FEI grand prix competition experience with Charlotte Fry (GBR), which included five wins at CDI3* shows in Europe. Lyle and Lars competed together for the first time just two weeks ago and won the Grand Prix Special in Wellington, FL.
“Lars is a really solid horse. He’s been out there, he’s had a little bit more experience and he seems very reliable,” said Lyle of the 12-year-old BWP gelding by Negro x Layout. “He’s got a great character, and you can’t help but love his personality. He’s got super canter work, very expressive, good piaffe/passage tour, good walk. There are a lot of nice qualities that he has, and he’s fun to ride. He’s a horse that you can really ride, really put the gas on and really go for it. That’s fun to have.”
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