Laura Kraut and Kaylee. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Press release from World Equestrian Center - Ocala, edited by World of Showjumping
Thirty-three renowned athletes met early Sunday morning in the WEC Grand Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) for the CSI2* $65,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix. Pieter Vitse (BEL) set a delicate and technical track, with four-fault scores and a tight time allowed keeping numerous partnerships out of the jump-off.
In the end, just three athletes qualified for the short course: Jad Dana (LBN), Alex Matz (USA), and Laura Kraut (USA). World no. 12 Kraut saved the best for last, delivering the only double-clear effort of the class aboard the St. Bride’s Farm entry, Kaylee (Carrera VDL x Easter Uno M).
Laura Kraut in the winner’s circle presented by Juniper Landscaping. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Thursday’s winner of the CSI2* $32,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix qualifier, Dana was first to return for the jump-off with Fairgreen Sod Farms’ Jetplane (White Snake x Ulen), looking to add another victory to his week. The 12-year-old KWPN mare incurred four faults in 40.5 seconds, ultimately finishing third.
Matz followed with 5 Star Partners’ 10-year-old Oldenburg mare, Viva Pleasure PS (Vivant Van Heffnick x Campina). He too fell victim to the same vertical as Dana, but his quicker time of 39.83 seconds secured the red ribbon.
Coming down the ramp knowing only a clear round was needed, Kraut trusted her careful mount was up to the task. “I’ve had her since June of last year, so not quite a year. I’ve never had a horse quite like her. She jumps every jump over the wings. It’s just what she thinks she’s supposed to do,” Kraut smiled.
World no. 12 Laura Kraut pilots Kaylee to the win in the CSI2* $65,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
“We haven’t actually won that many classes because normally she jumps so high that it takes away from the time. Even in the qualifier, I had a time fault. So today I thought, ‘This is not going to be easy,’ because the time allowed was very, very short,” she shared. “It would have been really bad luck for her to have a fence down in the jump-off because she just does not touch fences. My strategy was to ride a nice course and trust that she wouldn’t knock anything down.”
Having competed with multiple mounts at WEC – Ocala, Kraut emphasized how valuable the venue has been for her entire string. “I can’t believe we’re so lucky to have this. It’s very difficult when you go to a show, and you can only bring two or three horses. Your young horses end up sitting at home and don’t get developed. Being in Florida, this is the time of year to bring them along,” she continued. “The last time I was here, I jumped a young horse in the [WEC Stadium]. I mean, what better atmosphere is that? I just think we’re very fortunate to have this facility.”
The nine-year-old KWPN mare offered a glimpse into a bright future ahead, jumping in top form to secure her first career grand prix victory in 43.2 seconds.
Then