British dressage rider Lara Butler was born into an equestrian family and rode her first horse at the age of two. She then went on to compete in the European Junior and Young Riders Championships, became a substitute rider for the British team at the FIMA World Equestrian Games and the Tokyo Olympics, finished in the top 10 at the competitive World Cup London Olympia, and won the five-star special grand prix in Rotterdam.
After Laura decided to focus on the dressage project, she trained with Emile Faurie for 7 years. After earning a degree in equine science, she began working at Bechtolsheimers in Gloucestershire, ENGLAND, where she has been working for 11 years. She is 33 years old and the mother of a two-year-old boy.
The FIA interviewed Laura about the lesser-known side of the elegant dance rider.
1. Enjoy the most enjoyable moments
People need to relax, especially equestrians. What was the most enjoyable moment after a long or difficult day? The young and elegant dance rider is very honest and generously admits that his hobbies are watching TV, junk shows or soap operas at best.
Another of her favorites is to order Chinese fast food takeaway. Nestled on the couch, while eating Chinese fried noodles, while chasing dramas in "Netflix", that kind of enjoyment, try to know.
2. Night owls
Most equestrian enthusiasts seem to be early bird. After all, the lifestyle associated with horses requires getting up early, especially when it comes to racing. But Laura says she's definitely a night owl, unless she has to get up early when she's competing, but she also feels "tired all the time." In the bumps and tensions of game day, most people do need a few cups of coffee to refresh.
Laura says the hardest part of the morning is getting up and getting moving. She added: "The bed is definitely the most comfortable place! "She was so right!
Is there any secret recipe for treating "lazy cancer"? Laura said most of David Guetta's songs get her motivated, even when she's exhausted. So, if you're also a night owl, try changing your alarm to something even more... A little bit of excitement?
3. Best advice
Laura says one of her biggest mistakes as a rider is "not trusting enough to allow myself to accept tasks that are confident." I've now learned to be more positive about my abilities instead of giving up those opportunities. Her ultimate advice is: "Never give up, stay focused, chase your dreams!" ”
If she could offer some experience to a kid who wants to become a professional rider, she would say, "Seize every opportunity that comes up to learn and gain experience." ”
Overall, Laura's advice is to believe in yourself and always be willing to learn. Honestly, this sounds like advice for almost everything in life!
4. The horse you most want to ride
Whether then or now, if you can choose any horse as a partner...
Laura said, "Blue Hors Matine. I certainly want to ride a lot of horses. But I was impressed by this mare and her performance at the FIMA World Equestrian Games, and I think it was very, very good even when measured to today's very high standards! ”
5. The love of a lifetime
Speaking about choosing a horse she loves the most, Laura said: "By far, my favorite horse is Rubin Al Asad. He was once seriously injured by getting his leg stuck in the stable, but soon after recovering he entered the Grand Prix. Not only that, but he also took me to rio 2016, and we also became a substitute for the British team at the World Equestrian Games and the European Championships. He always went out of his way to respond to my requests, and because of that, horses like him are so special and will make people remember them forever. ”
She also said that her fondest memories of riding a horse were in the free-form music competition she completed with Rubin Al Asad in Aachen. With all the spectators in the stadium, it was an unforgettable feeling, an unparalleled experience.
What about you? The most indulgent enjoyment? The most famous foal to ride? Do you have any friends from your previous horse partners that you will never forget?
Chinese platform