SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Olympic Games

2024 Paris Olympics: Q&A with Adrienne Lyle of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team



Making her third Olympic appearance for the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team, Adrienne Lyle will arrive in Paris with two new additions: her new mount, Helix, and her 9-month-old daughter, Bailey.



A 2012 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and cared for by Marina Lemay, Helix was purchased with the Olympics in mind for Lyle in late 2023. The horse and rider team competed together on just a handful of occasions in spring 2024, but quickly made it clear that they make for an impressive duo.

Horse Illustrated had a quick chat with Lyle ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics to discuss this year’s Games.

Horse Illustrated: What qualities do you look for in an Olympic horse?

Adrienne Lyle: When we’re searching for horses for the Olympics and high performance, we obviously need them to have the physical capabilities and the physical talent to do it. But a huge part of the equation is their heart, how hard they try for their rider, how intelligent they are, and how much they enjoy learning new things. Because to get to the Grand Prix level, they have to really be open to constantly learning new things and evolving. So their character is also very, very important.

HI: What has been the biggest challenge for you in your journey to the 2024 Olympics?

Lyle: This year, my journey to the Olympics was unique for two different reasons—one of which is that Helix and I are a new partnership. That’s not something I had done before in my career, so there’s a lot of new challenges and things to figure out with getting a horse in a shorter timeframe.

And the other thing that made it challenging, or at least different, was that I’m a new mother. I had a daughter at the end of September of last year (2023), so there’s been lots of new additions to my life this season.

Paris 2024 US Dressage Team members Adrienne Lyle and Helix competing in May 2024 at Terra Nova in Florida, where the pair won the CDI3* Grand Prix a month after sweeping the CDI4*. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.com

HI: How does having previous Olympic experiences help you prepare for this year’s Olympics?

Lyle: This will be my third Olympic Games and for sure every time you go, you learn such an incredible amount. Not just about riding and competing, but also what it means to be a good teammate—to be there for other competitors and the honor of representing your country.

HI: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s Olympics?

Lyle: French pastries!

HI: What is your favorite Olympic sport outside of equestrian?

Lyle: Outside of equestrian, I love to watch the track and field and gymnastics. They are just, to me, the pinnacle of amazing things that the human body can do. And it’s pretty cool to get to see them train and compete in person.

HI: How has motherhood changed your preparation for the Olympics?

Well, besides the fact I can’t get anywhere on time ever again for the rest of my life, it’s added just a different element being in Europe here and having my daughter with me. So we’re not only focused on the training, but also obviously the role of being her mom and just figuring out how to delegate our time. It hasn’t taken away anything from the training; I’m still training just as hard and just as focused as before. It’s just kind of added another fun dimension to it.

For more news, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.


 

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

Mary Cage and Jenny Van Wieren-Page

Mary Cage and Jenny Van Wieren-Page are both part of the Horse Illustrated staff, with Mary working as the Digital Content Coordinator and Jenny as a Sales Representative.

Recent Posts

Winter Fitness Tips for Equestrians

These three winter fitness tips for equestrians will help keep your body strong and limber even when the weather may…

7 hours ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Flag Bearer

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 day ago

The Magic of the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival

Much like Dr. Seuss’s fictional town of Whoville, the small city of Lebanon, Ohio, magically transforms into a holiday wonderland…

2 days ago

Barn Banter – Episode 26

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 26, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

3 days ago

Lessons Learned from Senior Horses

There is just something special and priceless about a senior horse. I am grateful my clients and I have received…

4 days ago

Small Business Equestrian Gift Guide

As you’re thinking ahead to the equestrians on your holiday gift list, here are some of my favorite equestrian small…

1 week ago