Lyle & Helix Soar to Five-Star Victory

For the first time in four years, an American rider stood atop the podium at the only CDI5* dressage competition in the Western Hemisphere. Adrienne Lyle and Helix delivered a career-best 80.600% in the Grand Prix Freestyle at Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10, securing a decisive victory ahead of their upcoming World Cup Final appearance in Basel, Switzerland in April.

With a technically demanding freestyle that emphasized precision and harmony, Lyle and the 13-year-old KWPN gelding (by Apache x Jazz) rose to the occasion, besting a field that included some of the biggest names in the sport. Judge William Warren (USA), who presided over the competition from C, praised Lyle’s ride for its harmony and effortless execution.

“It felt easy, which is exactly what I was hoping for,” Lyle said.

“I wanted one more chance to get in an environment like this before we head to the World Cup. My main goal was to have a quiet, harmonious ride, and he felt like he did the whole thing effortlessly—didn’t even break a sweat—and walked calmly back to his stall.”

Despite their dominant performance, Lyle and Helix are still a relatively new partnership, having made their Big Tour debut just under a year ago before representing the United States at the Paris Olympics last summer. 

Mendoza Loor Takes Second in Second Outing

Julio Mendoza Loor and Jewel’s Goldstrike continued their strong return to competition, finishing second on 78.520%. The 12-year-old KWPN gelding (by Bretton Woods x Watermill Scandic), affectionately known as “Goldie,” is fresh off a win in Ocala last weekend, making this just his second show since the Paris Olympics last year.

Mendoza Loor, known for his infectious enthusiasm, was thrilled with the result.

“I’m always happy. If I have to lose against somebody, I’m happy to lose to Adrienne,” he said.

“I’m so grateful to be competing in the five-star with mega riders and horses.”

Goldie, once deemed too difficult to ride, was purchased by Mendoza Loor for just $20 as an eight-year-old. The key to unlocking his potential? 24/7 turnout, which has transformed him into the powerful, expressive competitor seen in the arena today.

Marek Podiums, Stays Atop the Leaderboard

Anna Marek and Fayvel claimed third place with a 77.135%, further solidifying Marek’s dominance in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series. With 88 points, she remains firmly in first place, having now collected scores across six qualifiers.

While Marek is a regular at Friday Night Stars, this week still carried a different kind of pressure. “I usually come in and I don’t look at the crowd after doing so many Friday night freestyles, but this was exciting,” she said. “The really great thing about Fayvel is that he’s the same, and I can trust him to go in any atmosphere. I know that I can have a clean test on him now at the Grand Prix, but now that he is mature and strong, we’re working on the details of making everything just a little bit better.”

Marek, who has been splitting her scores across Fayvel and Fire Fly, is one of the busiest riders in the Series, having competed in half of the East Coast qualifiers so far.

Eger & Kohmann Climb the Standings

With her fifth-place finish (76.755%), Evelyn Eger remains second in the Series standings with 75 points, keeping the pressure on Marek as the season progresses. Unlike Marek, Eger has relied solely on Tabledance 3 for her scores, making her one of the most consistent competitors in the series.

Felicitas Hendricks also remains in contention, finishing sixth on 76.435%, keeping her in third place overall (64 points).

Meanwhile, Kevin Kohmann delivered a crowd-favorite performance, finishing fourth on 76.965% with Dünensee. Spectators judged their test the highest of the night, showing just how popular their freestyle has become. With this performance, Kohmann continues to climb the US Equestrian Open standings, now sitting seventh with 52 points.

Lyle, despite competing in just three qualifiers, has already moved into a tie for fifth (57 points) alongside Denielle Gallagher—a testament to the strength of her performances.

Next Stop Del Mar

Next week, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage heads back to the West Coast for the Del Mar Dressage Affaire, marking the first qualifier on the West Coast since Week 7.

With the season now past its midway point, the pressure is on for riders looking to solidify their Series standings. Watch it all unfold as the Series shifts to Del Mar.