Dressage-News

June 25, 2024

By KENNETH J. BRADDICK

Steffen Peters couldn’t talk for a minute after he was informed he was going to his sixth Olympics this time with his silver medal partner Suppenkasper. Adrienne Lyle was overjoyed and with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be going to her third Olympics. Marcus Orlob summed up in one word being selected for his first Olympics on Jane, “Wow!”

When he received the phone call to tell him he was going to Paris it reminded him of receiving Debbie McDonald’s phone call before the Tokyo Games.

“It was the same emotional response,” he said. “I couldn’t talk for a minute. I’m so proud of Mopsie, he still wants to do it, instead of having to do it.

“Congratulations to my amazing team mates, Adrienne, Endel and Marcus. All three of them have a very young partnerships with their horses and clearly improved consistently each show. I can’t wait for Aachen. And of course I’m even more excited about our team representing the United States of America in Paris.”

Adrienne Lyle said: “I am overjoyed! This news brings me an overwhelming sense of gratitude to everyone who has helped make this feat possible, and a great sense of humbleness that I should be lucky enough to represent my country at a third Olympic Games. It is amazing what can happen in life when you keep doing what you love every day!

“Our sport is so special for many reasons and one of those is how many people’s dreams it intertwines. The rjder, owner, trainer, grooms, vets, farriers, and everyone else in that horse’s life who have all worked so hard to help make this collective dream come true…. Not to mention all of our awesome supporters and fans of dressage in the USA and around the world. It is a feeling not quite like any other in the world, and I am so honored to be a part of it.

“I am eternally thankful to Heidi and her vision and never ending enthusiasm. She really makes you believe that the sky is the limit and we can accomplish anything we set our minds to… and Debbie for her literal years and years of amazing guidance and coaching

… and to Marina Lemay and all of my incredible grooms at home. None of this would be possible without these amazing people and their endless work toward a collective dream! And of course the biggest thank you of all to Helix for being such a great partner and kind soul. He is a horse that always tries his heart out and I have been so impressed by his character and willingness throughout these past several months as we have gotten to know each other and set off on this journey together. I am very lucky to get to be his rider.”

Heidi Humphries whose Zen Elite Equestrian Center owns Helix and Zen Elite’s Bohemian that is the team reserve ridden by Endel Ots said: “We are incredibly honored that Adrienne and Helix have been named to the USA Team for the 2024 Olympic Games, with Endel and Bohemian selected as the reserve combination.

“Our horses and riders have put in immense effort, and we are proud to see their dedication rewarded. Our commitment to the wellbeing of our horses is unwavering, and Adrienne and Endel exemplify this mission. The partnerships they have formed with these horses in such a short period of time is remarkable, and we are thrilled by this achievement.

“We want to extend our gratitude to US Equestrian and the selection committee for their decision. We are proud to support USA Dressage and are immensely proud of Adrienne, Helix, Endel, and Bohemian!”

“It’s honestly a little bit unreal,” said Marcus Orlob. “I would have never thought that we would come this far so fast, because everything has happened so fast.

“Ever since I started in horse sports it was always a dream to go to the Olympics, but it was a dream.

“Now, it comes true. Amazing.

“I am so proud to be considered to represent the United States, because now it’s my home.

“I like the people and the country, and to represent the U.S. at the Olympics is like, ‘WOW!’ I don’t know what else to say.”

Alice Tarjan, owner of Jane since the horse was three and trained up to Grand Prix before turning over the reins to Marcus, commented: “It’s kind of unbelievable, like to even have gotten this far. It’s super exciting.

“How did we get here again?”

She admitted there were no expectations of success this early.

“You’re going to do the best you can with what you’ve got that day. That’s it, whatever it is, is what it is.

“It’s a process. If the horses are all sound and happy tomorrow, it’s a good day as far as I’m concerned. ”