Dressage-News

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK

WELLINGTON, Florida, Feb. 25, 2022–The USA Olympic team silver medal partnership of Adrienne Lyle and Salvino logged the highest Grand Prix Special score by an American since the Tokyo Games to win the CDI* at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Friday Night Stars.

Adrienne, based in Wellington, and the 15-year-old Hanoverian stallion that she has partnered for six years scored 79.511% to wrap up their return to competition after the Tokyo Olympics seven months ago. The duo won the Grand Prix Wednesday night.

This event under lights at the centerpiece International Arena for jumping launched their campaign to go to Europe where the American team will be selected for the world championships in Herning, Denmark in August. Adrienne who is coached by Debbie McDonald, and Salvino, owned by Betsy Juliano, were on the team that earned silver at the last world championships, in Tryon in 2018.

Sweden’s seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Devanto were runners-up on 69.617% with Christoph Koschel of German on Favorito third on 69.511%.

“I think that felt like one of our best tests ever,” said Adrienne after the ride. “I’m super, super proud of him.

“He is feeling so solid and secure in his work. I can really step on the gas and trust the power and trust the balance in the collected work.

“He is such an amazing competitor and absolutely tries his heart out in the ring.

“We affectionately call him our little warrior because he truly fights for you every step of the way.

“I feel so honored to be his rider. I love him beyond words.”

Results:

CDI5* Grand Prix Special