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Happy Birthday Laura Tomlinson! H&H celebrates her career in pictures


  • She’s one of Britain’s top dressage riders, with no less than two Olympic medals and an MBE to her name, and today (31 January 2016) Laura Tomlinson (neé Bechtolsheimer) celebrates her 31st birthday.

    To commemorate the occasion H&H has compiled a gallery dedicated to Laura’s illustrious equestrian career to date — from the days of baggy jodhpurs to big moments in the spotlight.

     

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    A four-year-old Laura holding her mum’s show hack turned dressage horse, Freddy. “I spent all my time at the stables and was always wearing my breeches, just in case I was allowed to ride something,” Laura says. “The fundamentals were all about the relationships I had with my ponies, rather than being under pressure to compete. Being relaxed around the horses and bombing around, falling off and getting back on again shaped me into the rider I am today.”

    Laura TOMLINSON riding DUVALS CAPRI SONNE JR; 2nd in the Dressage Competition at Bolesworth CSI **** International, at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, near Chester on the 18th June 2015

    Laura and Duval’s Capri Sonne Jr at Bolesworth International in June 2015.

    Laura Tomlinson Materclass at The London International Horse Show 2015 at Olympia, London , UK on 15th December 2015

    Laura hosts a masterclass at Olympia Horse Show in December 2015

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura and Mistral Højris (Alf) competing at the European dressage championships in 2011 in Rotterdam where they won team gold and individual bronze.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura riding Polar Bear competing in the advanced medium open national dressage championships at Stoneleigh Park in 2012 where they won.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Riding Andretti H at Olympia, the London International Horse Show.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Riding Andretti H to victory at Addington Manor.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    On the way to 4th place at Olympia with Alf in 2011.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura taking time out from dressage to enjoy a day’s hunting with the Duke of Beaufort in 2012.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura’s father Dr. Wilfried Bechtolsheimer has been instrumental in her stellar career — here he is pictured watching on while Laura schools Alf at home in Gloucestershire.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Smiles all-round as Laura clinches the grand prix title at the 2010 national dressage championships with Andretti H.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura and Alf at home.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Riding for Olympic glory at the 2012 Games in London with Alf

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Celebrating an outstanding performance at the 2012 Olympic Games, where Laura and Alf secured individual bronze and team gold medals.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    With team mates Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin on the podium at the 2012 Olympics.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERYLaura takes her boots off after a day of riding at home.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura and Charlotte Dujardin perform a pas de deux at the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour, London.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Riding Unique VIII in the intermediaire 1 British Dressage national championships in 2013.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura trains her long-term stable jockey and successful dressage rider Lara Griffiths on Andretti H at home.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura schools Pamina at home.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura with her husband, top England polo player Mark Tomlinson and new-born baby Annalisa, who is now eighteen months old.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura schools exciting prospect Unique VIII at home.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Alf, who retired at Olympia in 2013, relaxing in the field. He now enjoys lots of hacking and some light work.

    LAURA TOMLINSON GALLERY

    Laura and Lara share a joke while schooling at home.

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