Wizard, Adrienne Lyle’s career starting Grand Prix horse that took her to her first Olympics, has passed away. He was 27 years old. Wizard was a 1999 born Oldenburg gelding by Weltmeyer out of Pica (by Classiker x Welt As). He was bred by Han Lind.

Photo – Adrienne Lyle and Wizard at the 2014 CDI Wellington (© Astrid Appels)

WCYH Finalist

The bay gelding was owned as a youngster by Belgian Yannick Buyck.

Stefan van Ingelgem initially trained and competed him, debuting him as a 5-year old at the CDN Duffel in April 2004. They were selected to represent Belgium at the 2004 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany, where he finished 19th in the consolation finals.

The pair’s last show was in August 2004 at the CDN Wiekevorst.

Sold to River Grove Farm

Van Ingelgem and Wizard at the 2004 WCYH Verden
Van Ingelgem sold Wizard to the Thomas family of River Grove Farm in Sun Valley, ID, U.S.A.

Lyle’s coach Debbie McDonald trained Wizard up to Prix St Georges level. In 2007 she gave the ride to her assistent trainer Adrienne Lyle.

The young duo achieved its first big success when they became the 2008 U.S. Under 25 Champions by winning the Brentina Cup Finals at Gladstone. They debuted internationally in Burbank in February 2009 and showed in Del Mar too. They won the Freestyle at the 2009 U.S. Senior Grand Prix championships.

Almost a year break from CDI showing followed and they returned in February 2010 in Thermal, followed by Burbank and Del Mar. Lyle made her first trip to Europe to show in Hagen in April 2010, followed by Mannheim.

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