Laura Shears is about to commence the 2010 event season for the first time as a professional event rider. She is based near Stratford upon Avon where she runs a small competition. Laura is extremely lucky to have a talented team of horses ranging from up and coming youngsters to 4* level, an exceptionally supportive back up team and fantastic facilities. 
Till now Laura has successfully combined top level Eventing with academia and she has recently graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BA Hons. During this time Laura competed at the biggest events in the world including Badminton, Burghley and Blenheim – all on the mare ‘Wulstan Rock On’, of which she started and produced herself since the mare was a 4yr old. 

With top placings and double clears at 3*, World Cups and Advanced level including clear rounds and 20th at Bramham CCI***, Blenheim and Saumur 3*; and 7th at the invitation only British Open Eventers Grand Prix at Birmingham NEC in 2009, it has given Laura the platform to develop her ability and empathy with producing top class horses. ‘Wulstan Rock On’ was a very tricky ride but taught Laura a great deal in horsemanship, and gave Laura the invaluable opportunity to compete alongside the world’s greatest and gain exposure and experience on the elite International scene.

Laura has since been recognised as an up and coming talent and has secured myself a place on the Lottery funded Regional Foundation Programme. This programme launched by the BEF (British Equestrian Federation) is being used to identify talented riders and aims to bridge the gap to the World Class Programme, and provide invaluable access to top class training and sports science. With applications open for the World Class programme this year Laura will be looking to partake in the application process imminently. 

The end of 2009 was bitter sweet for Laura. Kings Fancy, a brilliant 3/4* mare was bought for Lura by a syndicate she put together in the autumn 09 - an amazing opportunity to ride such an able horse, impeccably produced horse by one of eventings greatest, Mary King. Tragically only a few days after Kings Fancy arrived, Wulstan Rock On had to be put down due to an incurable degenerative spinal problem that had suddenly and finally surfaced. A shattering, heartbreaking blow, it proves how tough this sport is and nothing can prepare you for the devastating downs one can encounter in Eventing.

However Laura’s passion and relentless dedication has kept her going through this incredibly tough time. I am surrounded by a fantastic support team and a brilliant team of horses for 2010: with Kings Fancy leading the string we are aiming for a top placing at the Under 25 championships at Bramham CCI*** , Chatsworth World Cup, Blenheim CCI*** and  possibly Pau CCI**** with a view to compete at Badminton again in 2011. Ice First is aiming for CCI** and the 8/9yo class at Blenheim CIC*** Laura also has some promising youngsters aiming for the age classes in the summer. Laura says “I am incredibly excited about the impending season! We are also embarking on a small but hopefully long-term breeding programme using our impeccably bred eventers as foundation mares for the embryo transfer process.”

Laura will be joining the Equestrian Edge team as an ambassador for 2010; Laura will be receiving Sports psychology support as well as fitness training for herself. Laura’s horses will all receive performance related support in the form of Gait analysis, fitness testing and programming as well as regular monitoring with Equine Thermography.

Equestrian Edge will be cheering Laura on during this season and hope to help Laura achieve the Edge on the competition.

Laura will also be writing a blog of her achievements and activities so to keep informed of her news view her blog below: