Laura Kraut (USA) and Nouvelle took home their first major win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), placing atop the $130,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI5*. The pair completed the track in 37.749 seconds to take the well-deserved victory, while Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run's Testify earned second place with a time of 38.012 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala collected third place, completing the track just seven-tenths of a second behind Vanderveen, crossing through the timers in 38.731 seconds.

Competition at the 2016 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District commenced on Thursday, September 22, and will continue through Sunday, October 30, featuring hunter and jumper competition, alongside two weeks of FEI CSI3* classes and the highly anticipated FEI CSI5*.

The winning duo of Kraut and Nouvelle surpassed a jump-off of eleven combinations, while the class featured 55 entries who tested the first round track set by Anthony D'Ambrosio (USA) in the George H. Morris Arena. Kraut and Nouvelle sped to victory, chipping away time at each of the inside turns available on the jump-off track.

"I jumped all three of mine who are here this week in the class, but all for different reasons. The first horse, Confu, I'm planning on jumping maybe one more class with him this week and then he'll go to Washington next week," said Kraut. "Nouvelle is the ride I'm targeting this week and my plan was to jump clear and then be competitive in the jump-off. She's had a long layup with injuries so this is her comeback."

Kraut and Nouvelle also showed last week at TIEC in the CSI3* competition, finishing eighth in the $130,000 Suncast® Grand Prix CSI3*, which Kraut felt was a good learning experience ahead of the duo's anticipated success this weekend. She explained, "Last Saturday she was clear in the class, but felt like she had no energy in the second round. Today felt like a dramatic improvement."

Quick to point out the speed of combinations featured in the jump-off round, Kraut's plan revolved heavily around the round of Lauren Hough and Ohlala, who were one of the fastest combinations in the class.

"The only thing I could focus on was that Lauren had gone into the lead when I went into the ring. Since we show together week in and week out, I know that Ohlala is very very fast. I also knew I had to go as fast as I could and hope for the best," she explained. "It was one of those fun days where it all works out."

As for Nouvelle, Kraut said the 2004 Dutch Warmblood mare (Solitair x Contango) owned by Evita Group is feeling better than ever after having several medical mishaps over the course of her career.

"She feels really good. I rode her back from the prize giving and it felt like she could have jumped two more rounds. I'll save her for Saturday night and I'm very excited to jump the big class," elaborated Kraut.

The success of Kraut and her students has been unmatched, as strong showings in the FEI classes, as well as the Under 25 division for several clients has highlighted the week for Kraut's team to this point.

"It was really nice to be able to come and do this show. I'm so happy for my students. For them to be able to do these classes and the Under 25 is really nice. It's a beautiful facility and it's just great. It's always so nice to have another CSI5* in America," she concluded.