My name is Lara Oles and I am a Para Equestrian training to represent the USA on the Para Dressage Team.
Lara Oles and Wolkenpiper in June 2017.
(Portrait thanks to Rebecca Tolman)
I have been riding horses since I was 4 years old, but a skiing accident that paralyzed my right arm and damaged my spinal cord in 2006 changed my life forever. It wasn't until I attended the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and witnessed the Para Dressage competition that I decided to start riding dressage again.
In 2014, my lucky stars aligned and we were able to purchase my amazing and gorgeous super-mare, a Canadian Warmblood named Bella. The two and a half years of success I had with Bella were like a dream. At our first CPEDI*** in June 2015 at Rancho Murieta, California, we won both the Team Test and Individual Championship Test for Grade III. Then in November 2015, Bella and I placed in the top ten at the U.S. Para Nationals in Katy, Texas. By June 2016, at the CPEDI*** in Langley, Canada, we had improved enough to earn over 70% and the high overall score each day. Finally, in November I accepted the Para Rider of the Year Award - 2016 Grade III Reserve Champion from the US Dressage Federation.
Tragically, Bella died suddenly on October 20, 2016. The depth of her loss is beyond words. She was a priceless member of our family, as well as a fierce competitor. Heartbroken, I was ready to quit. Then a week later, an International-quality German-bred Oldenberg horse named Wolkenpiper was donated to me so I could continue my journey. Throughout all the highs and lows, I am forever grateful to my horses for giving my life purpose.
In 2014, my lucky stars aligned and we were able to purchase my amazing and gorgeous super-mare, a Canadian Warmblood named Bella. The two and a half years of success I had with Bella were like a dream. At our first CPEDI*** in June 2015 at Rancho Murieta, California, we won both the Team Test and Individual Championship Test for Grade III. Then in November 2015, Bella and I placed in the top ten at the U.S. Para Nationals in Katy, Texas. By June 2016, at the CPEDI*** in Langley, Canada, we had improved enough to earn over 70% and the high overall score each day. Finally, in November I accepted the Para Rider of the Year Award - 2016 Grade III Reserve Champion from the US Dressage Federation.
Tragically, Bella died suddenly on October 20, 2016. The depth of her loss is beyond words. She was a priceless member of our family, as well as a fierce competitor. Heartbroken, I was ready to quit. Then a week later, an International-quality German-bred Oldenberg horse named Wolkenpiper was donated to me so I could continue my journey. Throughout all the highs and lows, I am forever grateful to my horses for giving my life purpose.
Lara and Bella competing in California, June 2015.
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Lara, Bella, and trainer Annie Sweet after winning the Thunderbird CPEDI*** show in Langley, Canada, June 2016.
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