About Lara

I am an international Grand Prix dressage rider with over two decades of experience representing Great Britain at the highest levels of the sport. I was a member of the Great Britain Junior and Young Rider European teams from 2004–2009 before progressing to senior international competition.

From 2010 to 2024, I worked as assistant rider to Laura Tomlinson (née Bechtolsheimer), receiving daily training from Laura, the late Dr Bechtolsheimer, and Klaus Balkenhol. During this time, I competed successfully at Nations Cups, CDIO5*, CDI3*, CDI4*, and Championship level, including selection as travelling reserve for the Rio Olympic Games, Reserve for the World Equestrian Games, and Top 10 finishes at Aachen CDIO5*.

Career highlights include multiple international wins, British National Championship titles and reserves, breaking 80% at CDI London Olympia, and becoming the first British rider to win both CDI4* and CDI1* classes at Hagen.

In 2024, I relocated to the Netherlands to join Team Van Olst Horses where I got to showcase at the KWPN Stallion Show in Den Bosch and compete in some internationals alongside Lottie Fry. In 2026 I launched Lara Butler Dressage combining elite competition with professional training and development.