British grand prix dressage rider Lara Butler is returning to the UK after over a year training at Van Olst Horses in the Netherlands. She plans to set up her own operation at Laura Tomlinson's Cranmore Farm in Tetbury. The move combines career growth with family priorities.
Lara Butler, a prominent British dressage rider, has decided to return to the UK following her stint at Van Olst Horses, where she spent more than a year honing her skills. She relocated to the Dutch yard in October 2024, after 14 years with the Bechtolsheimers, during which she achieved significant milestones, including serving as British team reserve on Rubin Al Asad at three major championships and winning the national title in 2018.
Reflecting on her time abroad, Butler described the experience as transformative. “It’s been really good. I’ve learned a lot,” she said. “It was all new to me, and I had to learn a completely different system from what I was used to. But I think the best things happen when you get pushed out of your comfort zone and get challenged.” Key differences included a higher volume of riding—up to 10 to 12 horses daily—which demanded greater time discipline. The diverse range of horses, from young to experienced and varying in strength, enhanced her adaptability.
Butler highlighted the benefits of the immersive environment at Van Olst, including training alongside teammate Lottie Fry and her horse Glamourdale, and proximity to international shows. “Being around the training environment... has been amazing,” she noted. “I feel like I’ve got many more tools in my toolbox now. When I come back, I want to take the good bits from both the Bechtolsheimers and the Van Olsts and turn that into my own system.”
Family played a crucial role in her decision. Having lived in a “stable and horse bubble,” Butler missed connections back home. Her husband managed school runs while their son attended an international school, providing cultural exposure but also highlighting the emotional distance. “It isn’t too far away, but it’s far enough that you still miss out on things,” she explained.
Upon returning in March, Butler will rent seven stables at Cranmore Farm in Tetbury, aiming to launch in April with training and competition liveries. She views the transition as a new challenge, building her string from scratch. “It’ll be nice to be back in a familiar base, but out on my own this time,” she said. Previously, leaving the UK felt “bittersweet,” but now she feels prepared: “I’ve done everything I possibly can to make it work—so now I’ve just got to bite the bullet and do it.”
