Laura Tomlinson back on top after having baby

Laura Tomlinson has won her first test since the birth of her baby girl.

‘Proper diva’

Laura was competing in the FEI Prix St Georges at theGlobal Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida on her rising star Unique.

The pair won the class with a score of 73.321%, ahead of the USA’s Olivia LaGoy-Weltz on Rassing’s Lonoir (75.789%).

Laura has some time out, while expecting her first child with husband, polo player Mark Tomlinson. This was her first competition since giving birth to Annalisa on 16 July 2014.

“It’s great to get back in the ring,” she said. “It was my mare’s first time out since 2013. We just needed to get back in the ring together, and I am very happy with the way she went.

Laura plans to use her time in Florida to build confidence with the giant 11-year-old Holsteiner mare with her trademark huge ears, who she says is a “proper diva”.

Europeans

Her aim is to make it onto the British team in time for the European Championships in August, but says she needs to get a few Grand Prix competitions under her belt first.

“I know I’m going to have to ride very low-key and more for confidence,” Laura said. “We can’t fuss too much over the details at this point, and that will give me the ability to get a real idea of where we are and see how far I can push the buttons to really make it good. You have to make her feel comfortable or she won’t agree.”