April 21, 2023 
Charlotte Lottie-Fry (GBR) has her eye on Paris 2024—and she’s already laying the foundation for victory in France.
The reigning Dressage World Champion has not made an appearance at an outdoor show since winning the title at Herning in 2022. Until now. This week, she and her famed stallion Glamourdale are contesting the CDI5* at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres in Fontainebleau. Because strategy.
“I chose to start the season with Glamourdale at this event for several reasons, but I guess the fact that Fontainebleau will be a venue for the Olympic Games next year in Paris was one of the reasons. We thought this would be the perfect preparation and, of course, Glamourdale and myself are already looking towards Paris next year.”
Friday’s performance suggests they’ve already proven their case. The favorites in the Grand Prix Devoucoux did not disappoint, scoring 79.935% to take the win. It was nearly five points ahead of the 2020 Olympic team gold medalist Dorothee Schneider (GER) and First Romance 2’s score of 75%. Spain’s Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo and Euclides Mor took third with a score of 73.696%.
“Glamourdale felt amazing in there today! He was really happy to be here. It’s the first outdoor of the season and his first outing since the World Cup in s-Hertogenbosch just over a month ago. So, he was just really happy to be here and he gave me a really great feeling,” said Lottie-Fry.
“Sure, we had a mistake in the two tempis, which is quite unusual for us, but it was my mistake, so I can’t blame him for that! Everything else is just getting better all the time. It was amazing, for me to see how excited he was to be here and how much he enjoyed it; we both enjoyed it.”
On Saturday, they’ll attempt to repeat their win in the Grand Prix Freestyle.
“It’s a huge arena and there is a lot of atmosphere in the arena. I think there will be a bigger crowd and Glamourdale likes it when there is a big crowd and he loves the music. So, yeah, it’s exciting.”
There is one concern on her mind, though…
“I must say there are a lot of show jumpers everywhere so we have to be strong for the dressage riders,” she laughed.
