Rubin Al Asad
Lara Butler’s affectionate grand prix partner with a penchant for bananas and unicorns
RESERVE for Olympic and European Dressage Championships teams, could the 2018 World Championships be this dressage powerhouse’s chance to shine?
“I bought him aged seven from Germany and he looked very impressive,” recalls Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer. “Within three months he had got cast in his box and damaged his hock. Six months later, we discovered he had also damaged the ligaments attached to the vertebrae in his back.”
It took another nine months before “Rufus” could come back into work.
“Lara [Butler] had just started with us and it was her project to build him back up. He wasn’t the easiest as he was so keen, but Lara put a lot of work into him and got the hang of him,” adds Wilfried.
Rufus was well into his ninth year before he started his advanced work and was 12 when he mastered his tempi changes and started to become more straightforward.
“It was a high point when he finally got his ones and they were very good,” recalls Wilfried. “He’s had some very good results
since and is still improving.”
Rufus is an affectionate character who loves a cuddle.
His favourite treat is a banana and, as he doesn’t like being on his own while travelling, he is accompanied by a mascot — soft-toy versions of the unicorn from the film Despicable Me, in various sizes.
“Rufus and I have grown together and we’re a strong partnership now,” says Lara, who has had grand prix wins with him at Le Mans and Wellington, Florida, besides numerous top-10 placings. “He’s very sharp but always willing to please.”
Due to his late start, Rufus is at the height of his powers at 16 years old and his connections are hoping that his performances this spring will earn him a coveted place on the British team at the World Championships. It could be third time lucky for Rufus and Lara.