This one gives me a lot of pleasure to write. I first spoke with Angela about 6 months back and straight away we hit it off. We chatted about life, work, being at one with yourself, competing (that was Angela 😉), building confidence and reaching your full potential.

It excited me to see Angela competing at The Dressage National Championships. It excited me a lot more when I saw how well she did. So we had to reach out to Angela for an Interview so she could tell her Dressage National Championships story.

Let’s kick it off and see what Angela had to say about the event, how she got on and the future.

Tell us about the event and how you got on this weekend?

We competed at the Dressage Ireland National Championships at Elementary and Medium levels. The weekend was a roller coaster but ended on a fantastic high with wins in both Freestyle Championships and placings in the overall championships. 

Tell us about your horse this weekend?

My four legged friend I’d Woodcroft Santa Cruz,  Tommy to his friends.  He is a talented but opinionated Hannovarian gelding. 

How do you prepare for an event like this?

I was at a bit of a plateau in preparation.  I wanted to try find a bit more so with the help of my 2 great trainers Anne Marie Dunphy and Tara Oliver Donohoe,  we found that bit more and peaked just in time.

How did it feel to win the Medium Freestyle to Music Championship? What feelings were running through you afterwards?

 It’s a total shock. I’m showing my age now but in the words of the A -Team..” I love it when a plan comes together!”  Everything went right  .Timings,  music,  tests and even Tommy was on board. 

So two big results this weekend, how are you feeling about your achievements and what would you put these results down to?

I’m drifting into Oscars acceptance speech area but I’m so delighted we did it not only for myself but for everyone who helps and supports Team Tommy.

What are you most proud of this weekend?

I’m most proud of our improvement (in and out of the arena). Lots of judges commented on how well we were going.

Did you deal with pressure competing in events like this?

Usually flying by the seat of my jodhpurs while trying to look composed,  this year I wasn’t that nervous.  We had a plan and stuck to it. And thank god it was a good plan.!

How did it feel to win both Elementary Freestyle to music Championship and Medium Freestyle to Music Championship over the weekend?

Best feeling in the world showing what Team Tommy could do. We did our trainers and sponsors proud.  We did justice to the beautiful music by Gaynor Colbourn and of course we did all of Team Tommy proud. 

It takes a village to get prepared and get results. Do you have any partners, people or sponsors you’d like to thank or give a shout out to?

I couldn’t do it without all the support I get and all the help from Steve, the ever suffering husband. Trainers Anne Marie Dunphy and Tara Oliver Donohoe whose patience knows no bounds.

I have to mention my ever supportive sponsors Bluegrass Horse Feeds, Mervue.ie,  Dressage TestPro,  Gaynor Colbourn and Emma Robertson physio. 

What advice do you have for people wanting to achieve these kinds of results Angela?

Trust in yourself and your abilities but know when it’s time to ask for help. There are great people out there ready to give a hand. 

What is up next for you?

A bit of time off now while we bask in our glory. Then it’s back to getting fit and setting some new goals for the winter season. 

Have to say I loved this interview. Knowing what Angela has gone through, the sacrifices made and the never-ending commitment given… it was my pleasure to be able to interview Angela Lyons the 2022 Elementary Freestyle to music Championship winner and the Medium Freestyle to Music Championship winner at the Dressage National Championships.