Sport & Results
Abi Lyle Finishes Second in Her Eventing Debut
Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle secured second place with Nice Try II in the GoBE80 class at Little Gatcombe. Four time penalties on the cross-country course cost the pair the win.
Equidara editorial team · 6 October 2026 · 1 min read
Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle has wrapped up her British Eventing debut with a second-place finish. She competed with Nice Try II, a twelve-year-old gelding owned by Becca McCreath, in the GoBE80 class at Little Gatcombe on September 19th. The pair was leading after the dressage and show jumping phases. Four time penalties on the cross-country course cost them their lead.
Clear Rounds in Show Jumping and Cross-Country
Lyle and the gelding, known as Obi in the stable, finished the dressage phase with 24 penalties. They jumped a clear round in the show jumping. To prepare, Lyle had taken lessons with Nigel Taylor. Obi is stabled with his owner in Aston-le-Walls and, according to Horse & Hound, had only four or five eventing starts under his belt prior to this.
The pair also had no jumping faults on the cross-country course. However, Lyle found the course physically much more demanding than expected. Despite the exhaustion, she drew a clear conclusion from her first start: “I’ve never had so much fun.” She hopes to compete in eventing again.
More Starts with Obi Planned
Lyle hopes to be able to borrow Obi for further competitions, provided his owner isn't riding him herself. She particularly enjoyed the friendly and supportive atmosphere among event riders. Nevertheless, she intends to remain loyal to dressage.
Sources
- ‘I’ve never had so much fun’: Olympic dressage rider finishes runner-up on eventing debut (Horse & Hound) (2.10.2026)
Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 6 October 2026.
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