During the Excellent Dressage Sales in 2014, the 3-years-old bay stallion Giraldo (Rousseau x Flemmingh) was sold. A year later, Irish dressage rider Abi Lyle started riding this young talented horse. Lyle became more and more enthusiastic about Giraldo during the training, so she decided in 2017 to bought him. Recently the duo were riding their first Inter 2 competition and gaining 69%. So the Grand Prix level seems to be not far away anymore.
Power and elasticity, that’s Giraldo
Lyle: “Giraldo has many fantastic qualities. He has always had so much power, especially in the canter. But what I think makes him extra special, is he is an incredibly elastic mover. When I began the lateral work with him in training, I never had to ‘teach’ hem, he just did it all. He is so naturally supple. He is also very active in his mind, always wanting to work and to move his body.
Beside this qualities as a dressage horse, Giraldo is the most sweer and willing horse. On the ground he is so easy, like a puppy, polite and kind. I trust him with my life. He is the type of person you would want to be. And he tries so hard. Sometimes when things are tough for me, I think of how hard he tries and it makes me try harder too.”
My first owned horse
From 2015 till now, their were many highlights for Lyle and Giraldo. They competed at championships and were able to grow every year. But if you ask Lyle what the best highlight is, she will answer with ‘the day I bought him’. “The day I bought him, is the best day of my life. He is the first horse I ever actually owned myself! He was still just 6-years-old and not long after I bought him, I was selected with him as the first Irish rider to do the World Championship for Young Dressage Horses. Recently we had our debut in the Inter 2 ang gaining 69%. It’s the most special feeling to have trained the horse all that way.”
On their way to the Grand Prix level
The combination has achieved already the Big Tour level, but the ultimate goal is international Grand Prix riding for Ireland. If you talk about dreams, it would be riding on the Irish team. Fortunately they are on their way. “Giraldo is amazing, very nearly ready for Grand Prix, but first I want to make sure he is very happy and confident at Inter 2. That’s what we are working on at the moment. I always thought he was destined for the Grand Prix level and to now find that coming true is so rewarding.”
