This week’s Sunday Spotlight shines on junior rider Delia Lyle of Boulder, Colorado. Delia and her horse ‘Lucky Life’ are this week’s $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby Non-Pro champions. Delia is under the guidance of Mark Mead and JJ Atkinson-Mead at Sleepy Hollow Farm. WEC chatted with this up-and-coming rider about her horse, her riding career, hobbies and much more.
WEC: When did you begin riding?
Delia: I started riding when I was four. I feel like I have always been on a horse! I got into riding because my older sister was taking riding lessons and I started them too. We were riding at a local barn in Colorado.
WEC: Tell us about your horse, Lucky Life:
Delia: We call him Lucky in the barn and he is just the sweetest. I purchased him while we were in FL this past winter. He has the best personality. He is so calm to be around and he is always in the best spirits.
WEC: Do you have any hobbies outside of horses?
Delia: I am really into robotics and tech. I love coding and computer graphics. My school had a robotics competition, which I entered and won! I then went on to the state competition to compete at that level. Robotics just popped up in my life and I think it is so much fun.
WEC: What are your goals for 2022?
Delia: I’d like to qualify for the Children’s Taylor Harris Medal and I want to qualify for the NHS 3’3 final as well. Longterm, I would love to qualify for the Maclay, Dover, and the other big equitation finals.
WEC: What is your most memorable accomplishment?
Delia: Winning the $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby Non Pro! That was the coolest class to show in and so much fun to win. That was a huge landmark for me as a rider.
WEC: If you could try any other riding discipline, what would it be?
Delia: I love watching western events. I would love to try reining and roping!
Thank you Delia, safe travels to Colorado and congratulations on winning this week’s $10,000 WEC Hunter Derby Non Pro.