When Dressage Today and Practical Horseman teamed up with Vita Flex to host a Win-A Day Clinic contest in 2019, they had no idea it would be 2 years later before they could host the clinic. They did secure Vita Flex Victory Team rider, Adrienne Lyle to host the clinic and lot happened in Adrienne’s life in that 2-year window, including winning an Olympic Silver Medal in Tokyo. 

Last month, Lyle flew to Utah to teach the Win A Day clinic for the winner, Para Equestrian, Genevieve Rohner. In 2019, Lexi Rohner entered the Dressage Today contest on behalf of her daughter, winning over 846 other entrants. 

Photo: (Left to right) Lexi Rohner; contest winner, Genevieve Rohner; Adrienne Lyle; and Katie Stevenson from Vita Flex celebrate a fun and successful clinic (Dressage Today Photo)

Thirteen-year-old, Rohner began riding for therapy at age four and was officially classified as a Para Equestrian by age nine. Rohner was born a 28-week premature triplet, and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Disorder (Autism Spectrum), Amblyopia and misaligned right leg bones. Genevieve is a grade IV Para Dressage competitor. She has been the youngest U.S. classified Para for four years and is set to become the youngest globally in March of 2022, when she competes in her first international events. “I spotted her at age seven and encouraged her to pursue her dreams of the Paralympics”, said U.S. Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) President, Hope Hand, a 2000 Paralympic Equestrian. 

In 2020, Rohner rode to first place in both of her Emerging Athlete events at the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2020 Para Dressage Championships in Mill Spring, North Carolina, led by Chef d’équipe, Michel Assouline.

A Dream Come True

Training with Adrienne was a dream come true for Rohner who has her sights set on representing the United States on Team USA at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France. Lyle also thoroughly enjoyed the experience, sharing, “Genevieve is very passionate and committed young lady. It is fun to see such conviction and big goals from an upcoming equestrian.  I even learned some things I didn’t know about Para Dressage from her.  Genevieve is a fearless rider and was game to tackle anything. I have no doubts that we will be seeing a lot from her in the future.”

Rohner trains with Annie Sweet at Sage Creek Equestrian in Heber City, Utah. Adrienne also complimented the facility and the “village” that supports Rohner’s goals saying, “The whole barn family at the host facility was really lovely.  They were all very supportive of each other and I could tell how much they loved their horses. That is really great to see.” 

An Early Love of Horses

Lyle’s own love of horses started early in life on her family’s farm on Whidbey Island, Washington. Originally being introduced to dressage through 3-day Eventing, Lyle decided to focus solely on dressage in her early teens and began training with Olympian, Debbie McDonald, who she has been working with for the past 12 years. Career highlights for Lyle include representing the USA in the 2020 Tokyo (Silver Medal) and 2012 London Olympics, and 2014 World Equestrian Games. Adrienne Lyle has been a Vita Flex Victory Team rider since 2011.

Vita Flex, co-sponsors of the clinic with Dressage Today and Practical Horseman, offers equine health and performance supplements backed by research from nutritionists, veterinarians, and trusted by top riders and trainers from every discipline. Their products include a wide range of antioxidants, joint supplements, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to help keep equine athletes in top condition. Learn more at www.vitaflex.com.