Hello, my name is Lara Dyson and I’m a dressage rider based in the north-east. I think it’s safe to say that I was riding before I could even walk!

Fast-forward a few years of Pony Club activities and in 1997 and 1998 (while competing in FEI pony trials) I was long listed for the GB eventing team on my pony Black Velvet, whom I started myself. I then competed at Young Rider/Advanced level on my grey gelding, Ermin Street, and won the CCIJ at Aldon in 2001.

I caught the dressage bug aged 24 when I became involved in the British Young Dressage Rider Scheme (BYRDS). In 2008 I was selected to represent the northern region in Necarne, Ireland and won reserve novice champion with Cyden Perplex (Plex), a horse I imported from Germany as a “naughty” six-year-old!

I have been a member of the British Dressage northern home international team every year since 2009. I have been the reserve champion in 2009 at medium level and in 2014 at advanced medium level with four different horses. I have also won eight British Dressage regional titles. In 2011 I secured my first British Dressage national title at medium level, returning in 2012 to win my second and then the advanced medium Pet Plan championship in 2013.

2015 was another successful year; I qualified Cyden Oosting Amigo and Cyden Cadans M through to the winter nationals and gained my Great Britain badge and a space on the team in Le Mans, France on Cyden Bodyguard Moorland. This helped me achieve another of my dreams – becoming an international dressage rider and producer.

I am also the British Dressage northern region members’ representative, which I have volunteered for since 2009.

Inspiring Minds has given me the confidence to ride and compete stallions and back my own horses with the help of Guy Robertson. Fitting their training around a full time job can prove somewhat challenging, as I also run a family yard (with 28 horses and ponies) a team of staff and compete two breeding stallions! These stallions are currently at stud with Stallion AI services.

Cyden dressage started their breeding programme in 2013 with their own stallions (Cadans M, Bodyguard and Amigo) and broodmares, so their offspring will be available to watch in the young horse classes in 2017. We welcome people with open arms to the stud if you’re interested in visiting.

As you can imagine my life consists of 5am starts and 10pm finishes. In 2015 I married Gary Edwards and I am pleased to say that we are now expecting our first child in June!