Dressage-News

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK

MILL SPRING, North Carolina, April 23, 2021–America’s top Olympic team prospects of Adrienne Lyle and Salvino dominated the CDI4* Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center Friday in the second qualifying event for the top ranked partnership. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz on Lonoir, also seeking to go to Tokyo, was runner-up.

Adrienne of Wellington, Florida and the 14-year-old Hanoverian stallion scored 77.913% for the win in their return to the show grounds for the first time since competing on the U.S. team that captured silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. The pair came into this event already atop the standings for one of three combinations to be selected for the Tokyo Games team, plus a reserve.

Olivia LaGoy Weltz of Haymarket, Virginia on the 17-year-old Lonoir, a Danish Warmblood gelding, were awarded 73.261% for second place. The pair are currently fourth in the standings that are determined by Grand Prix Special results. The Special will be staged Sunday.

Chris von Martels on Eclips were third on 70.552%, the highest placed among a group of combinations vying for places on Canada’s Olympic team. Chris and the 12-year-old KWPN gelding are among the highest ranked with only one CDI–in Canada–remaining on the calendar after this event.

“It’s great to be back in the ring at Tryon,” Adrienne said after the ride on the stallion owned by Betsy Juliano that earned the pair entry into the 80% Club with that score at CDI4* Grand Prix at the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington three weeks ago. “This is one of my favorite venues.

“Salvino had a solid test today and it’s great to have another 4* Grand Prix win. He was a little bit distracted today on the test.

“The weather is dramatically colder than where we came from and I think a lot opf the horses are feeling a bit frisky because of it.

“Our sights are set on the Special on Sunday and I hope we can deliver the power and harmony that he is capable of.”

New into the mix was Tina Irwin on Fancy That placing fourth on 70.456% in their first Big Tour competition since Florida in the winter of 2020. Tina rode Laurencio on Canada’s gold team at the 2019 Pan American Games and on Winston earning team silver at the 2011 Pan Ams.

Megan Lane on Zodiac MW missed out on competing here when they were unable to enter the United States because of coronavirus restrictions. Megan rode Zodiac at the 2018 World Games here and competed Caravella at the 2014 World Games in Normandy and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Results:

CDI4* Grand Prix