Wellington, FL – March 31, 2012 – Adrienne Lyle and Wizard returned to the stadium spotlight and danced away with the win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle during the Global Dressage Festival (GDF) at the $120,000 5* West Palm Beach, presented by Diamante Farms on Friday evening. Their score of 77.275% placed them well above the competition and earned prize money totaling $25,200. Ashley Holzer of Canada on Breaking Dawn was second with 74.000% and collectd $15,360. Anja Plonzke of Germany on Le Mont d’Or received 73.600% and $12,000 for third.
Lyle, 27, an assistant trainer for Debbie McDonald at Peggy and Parry Thomas’ River Grove Farm, has the daily riding and training of Wizard (Weltmeyer-Pica, Classiker) and is very pleased with the way her charge is progressing.
“This was a personal best for us,” said Lyle. “We have scored a 74%; we will take a 77%. In the last two weeks since I’ve been back riding him he has felt like a different kind of horse. He’s got the range of motion and power but is expressive and relaxed and feels fresh in the ring. I think with just a little bit more experience, getting him more relaxed in there, we will be brilliant. He sure doesn’t feel at all limited. It feels like we can do each movement for a 10.”
Holzer was also pleased with Breaking Dawn’s performance. “The horse is just phenomenal. I have ridden enough horses to know I have a good one. The more I pushed the more he gave. I am really thrilled,” said Holzer. “I’ve been careful, knowing how long the season is at this level of competition, not to push him. I go in each time and am happy with what he can give. With someone like Adrienne getting a 77%, I want to push, but know I can’t. I’m careful to let his strength build for August with confidence. He has been eager all season. I cannot ask for more. He’s blown away my expectations.”
Spectators were also treated to a spectacular Freestyle Opening Ceremony with a laser light show, a DJ, and silk dancers.
For more information and ride times for the $120,000 5* West Palm Beach, presented by Diamante Farms, and National Show please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Global Dressage Festival
The Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring five CDIs, including a 5*, the first non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and nine U.S. national events.
The GDF is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for the five international competitions making it one of the richest circuits in the world. In addition to the CDIs with national competitions, the GDF will feature four separate national shows to be held at the newly constructed venue that extends the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds.
The GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The facility includes four outdoor arenas with world class footing. Future planned improvements include a covered arena, permanent covered spectator seating for the central outdoor arena and a permanent Patrons Club and 200 permanent stalls.
Please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.