In the latest episode of the Horse & Hound Podcast, Irish Olympian Abi Lyle discusses her return to competition after an injury. The conversation covers the mental challenges she faced and her decision to step back from international events. Lyle, named Inspiration of the Year at last year's H&H Awards, opens up about resilience amid pressures.
Episode 174 of the Horse & Hound Podcast, sponsored by Leader Equine, features an interview with Abi Lyle conducted by the magazine's dressage editor, Oscar Williams. Published on March 5, 2026, the episode explores Lyle's experiences as an Irish Olympic dressage rider.
Lyle recounts finding her rhythm after being sidelined by injury and her enjoyment upon returning to competition. She addresses the pressures of top-class events, her aspirations in eventing, and building resilience following abuse.
Reflecting on a difficult period, Lyle shares: “By the time the year ended, I was in a really bad place mentally. It wasn’t even that I didn’t want to do it – I felt I couldn’t. People said, ‘You’re so lucky, it’s a privilege to have two grand prix horses,’ but I just thought: they don’t care. They don’t care if they don’t go to the Europeans – they’ll still get the same level of care and attention. I knew I needed time to enjoy it again.” This quote highlights her choice to pause international competition to regain passion for the sport.
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