In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely.
British Grand Prix rider Charlotte Fry began her dressage career as a pony rider, representing Great Britain at the 2010 European Pony Championships on Andexer. In 2013 she returned on the team with Remming for the European Junior Riders Championships, while at the 2014 Euros she rode Z Flemmenco. After the untimely passing of her mum, British 1992 Olympian Laura Fry, "Lottie" moved to Anne van Olst in The Netherlands. With Z Flemmenco she rode the 2015 European Young Riders Championships and with Dark Legend the 2017 Young Rider Euros. Her Grand Prix career took flight in 2018, claiming kur gold at the European Under 25 Championships with Dark Legend. She won the 2018 World Young Horse Championships on Glamourdale and first represented Great Britain as a senior at the 2019 European Championships in Rotterdam.
Hit & Run - Charlotte Fry
What is your earliest memory?
Riding my parents' horses bareback to the field
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
Anne van Olst, her love for the horses and passion in helping others succeed. Also Carl Hester, I wouldn’t be were I am without his guidance and kindness.
When were you the happiest?
After Glamourdale won gold in the 7-year old World Championships, and then Dark Legend won gold in the U25 European Championships two weeks later
What is your biggest fear?
Losing loved ones
What was your first thought today?
Horses!
What is your most annoying character trait?
Sometimes I can be stubborn
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
Mistreating animals
What is your dearest possession?
My mum's locket
If you look into the future, what do you see?
I hope a similar life to now, enjoying riding amazing horses everyday with healthy friends and family
What makes you unhappy?
When other people are unhappy
What is the love of your life?
The horses and the sport
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
To move to Van Olst Horses in The Netherlands
What's your guilty pleasure?
After Eight chocolates
What do you owe your parents?
Everything! They gave me my love for horses, my mum inspired me everyday in my childhood and my dad has always been my biggest supporter at every competition.
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
Big group of all my family and friends
What was the worst job you ever did?
I’ve been lucky to have never had a bad job
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
I try not to be disappointed, just accept things as they are. But i was really looking forward to riding at the World Cup finals in Las Vegas which were cancelled, it would have been my first time out of Europe! However of course it was the right decision to cancel during this terrible corona pandemic.
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
The past has made me who I am today.
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
More hours in the day
What is your biggest achievement?
Competing in the British Team at the 2019 European Championships at Rotterdam
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
To always look on the bright side
Where would you like to be right now?
There’s no where I like being more than with the horses
What's your favourite scent?
Freshly cut grass
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
I’m not good at Halloween, I’m terrified of people wearing masks
To whom would you like to say sorry?
To anyone I’ve ever upset, I hope no one
What does love feel like for you?
Adrenaline and happiness
When are you most relaxed?
Riding the horses in the forest or walking my dog Bami
What super power would you like to have?
To fly, it would save a lot of time travelling and I could visit my family more often
When did you last cry, and why?
After my Grand Prix in Gothenburg, I was so happy
When were you closest to death?
Luckily I’ve never been close yet!
How do you want to be remembered?
For my passion and love for the horses
Related Links
Glamourdale Dazzles in Prix St Georges at 2019 CDIO Aachen
Glamourdale Shining Star of 7-YO Final at 2018 World Young Horse Championships
Fry Secures Kur Gold at 2018 European Under 25 Championships
Photo Report: Double Win for Fry and Everdale in U25 Division at 2019 CDI Lier
Laura Fry Passed Away