Charlotte Fry, also known as Lottie, is a talented dressage rider from England, based in the Netherlands at Van Olst Horses. Growing up on a big dressage yard, horses have always been a big part of her life. With great merits in her backpack, she has become a name to be reckoned with in major shows and championships. In 2021, she won an Olympic Team bronze in Tokyo and a European Team Silver. In 2022, she was crowned the new dressage world champion after triumphing at the FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark. If we are to guess, this is just the beginning. With her talent, determination and good horsemanship in mind, the future looks bright for Lottie.

About Charlotte Fry

• Age: 28 years (born 1996)

• Lives in: Den Hout, Netherlands 🇳🇱

• Occupation: Dressage Rider

• Instagram: @lottie_fry
  
  

For someone who doesn’t know, who is Lottie Fry?

– I am a British dressage rider based in Holland at Van Olst Horses. I’ve won Olympic team bronze in Tokyo 2021, European Team Silver in 2021, and won two World Breeding Championships titles.

When did you first come into contact with horses? 

– I was born into horses basically so I was riding before I could even walk, and grew up on my family’s big dressage yard in England.

When did you begin to focus on dressage? Was it an obvious choice? 

– It has always been dressage for me. It was an obvious choice because my mum had competed at the Olympics in 1992 and was training and competing throughout my childhood.

What is your typical day like?

– I wake up around 5, start by feeding the horses and then I begin riding. I ride around 12-14 horses a day and we will usually be finished around 17:00 or 18:00. Then I go home with my sausage dog Bami, usually I go to bed quite early so we’re ready for the next day. 

You have participated in a lot of big competitions around the world. Now that you look back, is there any special memory or achievement that you are particularly proud of?

– I think definitely the Tokyo Olympics would have to be the most special, and the team bronze medal was incredible.

Can you describe the feeling of competing at the Olympics? 

– It’s almost impossible to describe, it was such an amazing time and I loved every second of it. 

What motivates you? 

– The horses for sure, I’m so motivated every day I wake up to go and ride.

What are your top tips for young riders out there who dream of a successful competitive career in equestrian sports?

– Try to base yourself at a professional’s yard even if it’s not doing the job you want, because you can learn so much from being in that environment, be prepared to work hard, and make sure you have fun and enjoy what you do! 

Do you have anything exciting planned going forward?

– This year we’re aiming for the World Equestrian Games in Denmark!

Which are your favorite MD products? 

– I love all the products, it’s so nice to have found a brand that I literally love every single piece of.