Please could you introduce yourself, and tell us your role and what this entails

My name is Will Lyles, and I am one of Rodrigo Pessoa’s show grooms. My job is to travel to shows across the world, and take care his horses.

How did you begin your career in the industry?

I started off riding and competing myself, and then I decided that I could travel the world and go to better shows if I became a groom for a top rider. So, I change my path and now I get to travel to the best shows with Rodrigo, such as here at Spruce Meadows.

We are here at the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament – could you tell us about the facilities here for not only the horses but also for the grooms?

It is my first time here, and so far everything has been excellent for the horses – there are numerous wash bays and we have access to everything we need to be able to look after our horses. In addition, the groom’s hotel is quite close, so that makes everything easier.

Can you tell us about the horses that you currently look after and their different qualities

We have Major Tom, who is Rodrigo’s top horse and together they competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just a couple of weeks ago. He has a lot of character and likes to be the centre of attention! He is a very capable horse and so I think he deserves to be the centre!

Then we also have our 10-year-old mare, Dhalida with us this week. She is a big girl, but she is our speed horse, and is very easy to deal with and look after.

Just having two horses is much easier when you are on your own, generally their schedules do not clash too much, and so you can care for them both properly without having to rush around.

How do you ensure that your horses are fit and ready to perform, especially after they travel?

I try to make sure that they do not get stressed, and try to keep their routine the same no matter where they are or what they are doing. I try to keep everything simple so they do not have too much change happening around them.

Do you have any superstitions or a certain routine that you have to do at an important competition?

I am not overly superstitious, but if I have saddlecloth that a horse jumped clear in then I will put it on the second horse so that one will hopefully jump clear as well. To be honest, that is about the only thing I do.

Source: Press Release from Rolex Grand Slam

Photo: © Rolex Grand Slam / Ashley Neuhof

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