‘Take each alternative, work laborious and have enjoyable’

In our newest episode of an unique new on-line sequence, Horse & Hound catches up with reigning dressage world champion Lottie Fry to study extra about her high horse, her up-and-coming stars, what life’s actually like driving for one of many world’s high dressage breeders, and what recommendation she would give to younger riders eager to make it within the sport.

Which horse is the most important character on the yard proper now and why?

That might undoubtedly be Glammy [Lottie’s world champion ride Glamourdale] – he’s the chattiest. He’s all the time speaking to everybody; while you go into the secure he all the time calls to you.

What makes Glamourdale so particular?

Properly, many, many issues in fact – however undoubtedly his showmanship, he likes to compete and loves the large enviornment. He simply needs to point out off. It’s most likely the nicest factor, while you go to a contest and your horse likes to carry out.

Which horses are you most enthusiastic about proper now?

There’s lots arising truly. Most likely Kjento, he’s eight this yr. And Especial, the gray one, he’s simply had his worldwide debut in Ermelo and obtained 73%. I believe they’re actually gifted and are displaying a lot promise for the long run. Especial has obtained such a very good monitor file and has a lot expertise for the grand prix work. We’ve got excessive hopes for him. I don’t know the place they’re going subsequent – I haven’t deliberate something for after the dressage Europeans, I’ll simply get again, have a little bit of down time and focus on coaching the youthful horses. We would focus on the World Cup indoor season with Especial.

What makes the Van Olst breeding operation so profitable?

The stud’s house owners Anna and Gertjan are each so educated. Gertjan is behind the breeding and he actually has checked out what works and what doesn’t work – he is aware of which mares work along with his stallions, so it’s advanced rather well. They’re additionally eager on the character of the horses – which I believe is tremendous necessary. All of our horses like to work and all the time wish to work. In addition they like to compete.

You’re a really tactful, but efficient rider. Is it a aware determination to journey that means?

I believe so – however it’s also very a lot impacted by the very fact I journey primarily stallions they usually’re huge, robust horses. This implies I’ve to regulate them with my approach and it’s nothing to do with energy, particularly as I’m not very huge. I like to journey like that. I believe it’s one of the best ways to journey the stallions and acquire mutual respect.

What’s Lottie Fry’s go-to coaching mantra proper now?

I believe transitions are one of the crucial necessary issues – I all the time do numerous them throughout my heat up on all of the horses. Simply so you will have them in your aids from the start and you’ve got a mutual understanding. They have to be listening after which they’re able to do different issues.

They are saying you by no means cease studying in horse sport – what’s the very last thing you realized?

I undoubtedly study new issues from the horses every single day – it’s good to recollect they’re animals, something can occur.

Do you are feeling strain driving the Van Olst horses?

Probably not. It appears like a household now – with the three of us, there’s no strain, all of us wish to do our greatest. A lot laborious work goes into each competitors, however there’s no strain.

What’s the subsequent non-equestrian entry in Lottie Fry’s diary?

To be trustworthy, I hardly ever have one! After I do have one, it’s all the time final minute – you by no means know what will occur with the horses they usually all the time come first. Largely with vacation, I’ll do it the week earlier than. As for days off – I’d nonetheless be within the secure for certain and undoubtedly nonetheless be driving.

What recommendation does Lottie Fry have for up-and-coming younger riders?

I’d say take each alternative you may, work laborious and have enjoyable.

Are you able to inform us how your mom Laura, [who competed at the Barcelona Olympics and passed away in 2012] impressed you?

I all the time have that inspiration and drive – she is certainly a significant a part of my success.

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Learn extra about Lottie Fry…