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In Memory of Laura Fry: 1967 – 2012

Sep 28, 2012

Olympic Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer, Laura Fry, sadly passed away on the morning of Wednesday 26th September after a long battle with cancer. She was 45.

Laura had been involved with horses her whole life, and first became attracted to dressage aged 12. Laura’s dressage career took off in 1988 when she won the Horse & Hound ‘Search for a Star’ competition which resulted in her becoming a pupil of Sarah Whitmore, and under Sarah’s guidance she took on the imposing chestnut gelding, Quarryman. The combination was an excellent one and Quarryman went on to partner Laura throughout the majority of her international dressage career.

Laura and Quarryman first represented Great Britain in 1988 as part of the Young Rider team. In 1991, Laura and Quarryman were selected for the European Championships where the team finished in tenth place. They also took the National title in the same year at Grand Prix. In 1992, Laura and Quarryman represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, culminating in a seventh place finish for the team. In 1993, Laura and Quarryman were part of the silver medal winning team at the European Dressage Championships in Lipica alongside Richard Davison, Ferdi Eilberg and Emile Faurie.

Laura’s international career continued with much success: Highlights included qualification for the World Cup in 1993 and 1994, first place at HOYS Dressage to Music, and a placing at the World Cup as well numerous CDI competitions.

At the National Championships just a few weeks ago, Laura was awarded with the British Dressage Medal of Honour to thank her for her contribution to dressage throughout the years. Sadly, in recent months Laura’s health began to deteriorate until she passed away on Wednesday morning.

Laura leaves behind her husband, Simon and daughter Charlotte, aged 16.

Source British Dressage