A huge loss to dressage - In Memory of Laura Fry: 1967 – 2012

The Dressage nation is in shock after the sad news that Olympic Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer, Laura Fry sadly passed away yesterday morning, 26th September after a long battle with cancer.

Laura was 45 and leaves behind daughter, Lottie, 16 and husband, Simon.

Laura had been heavily involved with horses since a young age and first became interested in dressage at the tender age of 12. In 1988, when she won the Horse & Hound 'Search for a Star' competition, Laura's dressage career took off and she never looked back. As part of the competition Laura became a working pupil for Sarah Whitmore and under her guidance, Laura went on to take the ride of Quarryman, her chestnut gelding.

The pair first represented Great Britain in 1988 as part of the Young Rider team and also won their first National Dressage title at Advanced Medium level as well as second in Prix St Georges in the same year.

In 1991, Laura and the stunning chestnut gelding, Quarryman were selected for the European Championships where the team finished in tenth place. They also then went on to take the National title at Grand Prix in the same year. Laura and Quarryman then represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Barcelona where they gained seventh place for the team.

Since then the pair continued with many more successes in dressage, which included qualification for the World Cup in 1993 and 1994, first place at HOYS Dressage to Music, as well as a placing at the World Cup as well as several CDI competitions.

Sadly in 1995, Quarryman retired for competitions but Laura continued to train as well as produce many equally stunning and quality horses including Massenet, Ghandi and Just Another Jacob.

From then on Laura went on to become a BD List 3 judge as well as running her own yard at Frys competition centre.

Daughter Charlotte was trained by Laura and clearly followed in Mum's footsteps by riding for Great Britain in the Pony and Junior teams since 2010.

Laura's last competitive outing was this year in May, at the Somerford Premier League.

To thank Laura for her contribution to dressage throughout the years she was awarded with the British Dressage Medal just a few weeks go at the National Championships.

I am sure I am not alone in saying she will be truly missed and the equestrian community has lost a very brave, courageous and great sportswoman.

(Information was received from the British Dressage website)

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Labels: british dressage , dressage , Great Britain , Laura Fry , Prix St George