With a barn name of ‘Maverick’, Hussmans Topgun (Totilas x Atterupgaards Demi) was destined to bring a little swagger to the dressage arena. The 2016 Danish Warmblood gelding may not be the first young horse Adrienne Lyle has brought up through the levels, but with his charm, talent, and just the right amount of attitude, he’s earning his call sign. 

“On the ground he’s like a puppy dog,” said Lyle. “He’s incredibly sweet, cuddly, and so mellow. I put my two-year-old daughter up on him and he just hangs out.”  

That gentle nature comes with a special attachment to his owner, Heidi Humphries. When she visits Maverick at home in Florida or off property at shows, he knows she’s there before he even sees her. “He is a total ham when it comes to her,” Lyle explained. “He hears her voice coming down the aisle and immediately knows it's her and starts doing all these cute faces to get her attention.” 

However, once the bell is rung and they head down centerline, Maverick is all business. “He’s electric and full of energy and power,” Lyle explains. “It has been a huge part of our journey together, learning to harness that power and channel it.” 

At just 9 years old, Maverick has already made a name for himself. Like many young horses, he brings incredible talent. But training such a talented horse comes with its learning curves. “He is really scopey and powerful, but also very physically and mentally sensitive. We have to be creative in our training approach because he remembers things incredibly well.”  

After Humpries purchased Maverick in 2022, Lyle took up the reins and began working towards the end goal of competing at the Grand Prix level. It didn’t take long for the hard work to pay off as the pair continued to train up the levels. The duo successfully competed at this year’s 2025 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, bringing home the championship title in the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Prix St. Georges National Championship with a combined score of 73.075%.  

Competing at this level marked an important turning point for the duo. “It's the first time you’re putting on tailcoats and doing an FEI test,” Lyle recalled. “You train with them every day at home, and you think you know what’s in them, but you don’t really know until you put them in front of the judges. It was a fun milestone for us.” 

Away from competition, Maverick is just as content exploring the trails or stargazing. “All my horses live out 24/7 with big run-ins attached to their stalls,” Lyle said. “He loves living outside, especially at night. I often go to check on him and he’ll be asleep outside or laying down relaxing under the stars.”  

During the day, Maverick and Lyle often go on long trail rides around the property. “We do a lot of hacking out and he loves doing that. I can really tell the difference when he’s been on a trail ride, he is so much happier.” 

From the buzz of the dressage ring to the quiet fields, Maverick is proving himself to be more than just a rising star. With championship talent, a puppy-dog personality, and just enough Maverick swagger, he’s the ultimate wingman, both in and out of the arena.