Butler shines bright in Cappeln

Lara Butler and Rubin Al Asad have returned home having achieved excellent results at Cappeln CDI4* in Germany last week (9 – 12 August 2018).

The pair produced an assured performance in their Grand Prix test on Friday to take second place behind none other than German world number one Isabell Werth with the Belissimo M daughter, Bella Rose - the superstar mare who has recently returned to competition following a four-year injury break.

Isabell (49), who holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by any equestrian athlete, rode a brilliant test for 79.50%. Lara meanwhile - 20 years Isabell’s junior - rode with great style and accomplishment to earn a score of 71.32% for second, once again reinforcing what a bright hope she is for the future.

On Saturday it was time for the Freestyle, and Lara and ‘Rufus’, riding to their tried and tested upbeat Scottish-themed composition, were awarded with a score of 76.50% to again take a well-earned second spot on the podium. The competitor to take third in both classes was the Netherlands’ Marlies van Baalen with the Johnson x Ferro gelding, Ben Johnson.

Lara, who works as stable rider for Laura Tomlinson and Laura’s parents Wilfried and Ursula Bechtolsheimer in Gloucestershire, has partnered the handsome Rubin Al Asad (Rubin Royal x Wanderbursch II) since he was 10 year-old. Now 16, he’s developed into one of the most successful Grand Prix horses in the UK under the tutelage of Lara and the Bechtolsheimer family. This year, the pair have enjoyed further success still, with a Grand Prix Special victory at Rotterdam in June and exciting results last month in Aachen.

Results of the British rider:

CDI4*
Grand Prix (qualifier for Freestyle)
1st Isabell Werth with Bella Rose, 79.500% (GER)
2nd Lara Butler with Rubin Al Asad, 71.326% (GBR)

Grand Prix Freestyle
1st Isabell Werth with Bella Rose, 87.000% (GER)
2nd Lara Butler with Rubin Al Asad, 76.500% (GBR)