Lara Griffith scores first international win

LaraGriffithhas achieved her first international win in the Grand Prix Special at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Florida.

On the up

Lara, who rides for Olympic rider Laura Tomlinson, scored 69.608 percent with Rubin Al Assad.

“This was the second Grand Prix Special I’ve ever done with him and it went really well, but it’s still new to us,” Lara said. “We had a few mistakes today in the test, but in general we’re on the up!”

Close behind

Sharon McCusker (USA) and Wrigley were just behind them in second place with a 69.098 percent while Christilot Boylen (CAN) and Drentano were third on 67.392 percent.

Both Lara and her mentor have enjoyed success at the AGDF. Laura won her first competition since having her baby last year, while Lara came second in the Grand Prix two days prior to her first international win.

Improved dramatically

“This horse show has been very successful for me so far,” said Lara. “He has improved dramatically in the Grand Prix from two weeks ago from the work we’ve put in since being here.”

The 26-year-old, who has been based at theBechtolsheimer’s yardsince 2013, produced Rubin herself. She now has her eye on this year’s European Championships.

“He only had a single flying change when I first started riding him, and I always think its amazing that now we can get 15 in a row,” she said.