European-based Australian Kate Kyros has enjoyed success in the CDI-Y Young Rider classes at CDIO Lier in Belgium with her 12-year-old KWPN stallion Intro K (Apache x Harmony’s Rousseau).
Kate and Intro K finished on the podium in second place in the CDI-Y Freestyle on Saturday, scoring 70.942%.
Sweden’s Ellen Stymne won the class on 73.783% with Kinetic S.
Earlier, the Australian combination was in the placings for both the CDI-Y Team and Individual tests. In the Team Test on Thursday, Kate and Intro scored 65.490%, and in the Individual Test on Friday they scored 67.941%, for sixth place in both.
“It was a privilege to attend CDIO Lier,” says Kate. “It is always so inspiring to compete alongside athletes such as Lottie Fry, Isabell Werth and Hans Peter Minderhound. Eleven nations were represented in the CDI-Y, showcasing a truly international field. I was so proud to be placed each day and finish second in the Freestyle. The competition environment was incredibly supportive, creating lifelong friendships with young riders from all around the world.”
“The stallion that continues to make my dreams come true…”
Kate revealed the event was also her first solo venture without her mother. “It was a huge milestone. Travelling Intro by myself to a foreign event and managing all aspects of competition was a big task. I am forever grateful to the team at Dressurstall De Ridder for their generosity and guidance. I am also so fortunate to have the most supportive family, with ‘momager’ Heather Kyros on the phone for daily reminders and encouragement.”
Kate and Intro K are based at the De Ridder barn, Gestüt Moosbend, in Belgium – just over the border from Germany and only a short drive from Aachen.
“A final thanks must go to Intro K for trusting me every step of the way. The stallion that continues to make my dreams come true,” concludes Kate.
The weekend also marked Intro’s birthday, with the stallion turning 12 on the days of their Freestyle.
In the CDIO4* at Lier, Belgium’s Justin Verboomen won the Grand Prix and Freestyle with the up-and-coming Zonik Plus on 78.543% and 86.155% respectively. The CDIO4* Grand Prix Special went to Germany’s Katharina Hemmer and Denoix PCH on 75.702%.
Full results from CDIO Lier can be found here.
You can re-watch the action from CDIO Lier via ClipMyHorse.TV.
