Wizard, the Oldenburg who was Adrienne Lyle’s mount for an Olympics and the World Equestrian Games, has passed away in retirement at age 27.
Adrienne Lyle and Wizard in the 2012 World Dressage Masters.
Adrienne, who went from Debbie McDonald’s working student to her assistant before going out on her own, paid tribute to the indomitable Wizard on social media, saying of the son of Weltmeyer, “Rest easy big boy. You were larger than life and I loved you, and your many opinions, fiercely.
“I will never forget the day Debbie first let me ride you in the jumper ring at River Grove. You were young and fiery and powerful, and I was in love. Because the Thomas family (who sponsored both Debbie and Adrienne) and the McDonalds chose to take a chance on a young girl from a farm in Washington State, my life was changed forever.
“Together, you and I learned the Grand Prix, became the U25 National Champions and went on to represent the USA at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 World Equestrian Games.
“You always kept life exciting and kept me laughing, while teaching me every day how to tame a dragon with love and patience. I hope Heaven knows what they are in for when you come charging through the gates.”