Tag Archives: Laura Kraut

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut Notches CSI5* Victory in Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix at WEF

Laura Kraut & Baloutinue. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington International was brimming with horse sport fans on the edge of their seats Saturday night as top show jumping talent from across the globe jumped for the $425,000 Lugano Diamonds CSI5* Grand Prix title. The Winter Equestrian Festival’s (WEF) Week 7, sponsored by Lugano Diamonds, saw U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Laura Kraut and her Tokyo Games partner Baloutinue take the top spot.

From a seven-horse jump-off, the stage was set for a U.S. battle as Kraut, Brian Moggre, and McLain Ward were the final three to jump off. Course designer Steve Stephens (USA) tested them in true five-star fashion, which got the best of Moggre and longtime partner MTM Vivre le Reve as the pulled a brick from the wall to eventually finish fifth. Kraut’s winning time of 40.26 seconds stood after Ward gave his best aboard Contagious, but finished just three-tenths shy of the winner’s mark.

Kraut beamed as she clinched a five-star victory in Wellington after knocking on the door several times recently. “I’ve not had many successful jump-offs and I’ve not jumped very many with him,” said Kraut of Baloutinue, a 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Balou du Rouet x Landor S) owned by St. Bride’s Farm. “I always try to go faster than I probably should, but he’s fast enough on his own, and tonight I just let him go his speed and that seemed to work better.

“He’s a trier, he’s elastic, and he’s very careful,” she continued. “It was a fantastic crowd; the atmosphere here at night is as good as it gets. We feel like the crowd is really behind us; when I was clear it was an explosion.”

Laura Chapot Captures Ethel M. Chocolates CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier

Sixty-eight horse-and-rider duos took to the International Arena on Friday, all vying for a spot in Sunday’s $50,000 Ethel M. Chocolates CSI2* Grand Prix. The $39,000 CSI2* 1.45m Qualifier was the gateway to grand prix glory and saw Laura Chapot (USA) take top call riding Chandon Blue.

Seven riders representing seven unique nations battled it out over the tie-breaking jump-off track, but Chapot and her longtime partner Chandon Blue could not be caught.

“He really likes it down here in Florida; this is probably the one time of year he works the hardest, but he doesn’t need a lot of practice,” explained Chapot of her and Mary Chapot’s 18-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Chacco-Blue x Landcapitol). “He loves to compete. He gets bored when he is at home, and I wonder sometimes if something is wrong, but then he gets to the show ring and just grows.”

Wellington International
news@wellingtoninternational.com
www.wellingtoninternational.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Triumphant Return for Confu and Laura Kraut in $216k Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI4*

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Laura Kraut and Confu. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 19, 2022 – Events at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Saturday, March 19, culminated in the $216,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI4* during the “Saturday Night Lights.” At the night’s conclusion, Olympic team gold and silver medalist Laura Kraut (USA) took home the top prize with her long-time partner, Confu, owned by St. Bride’s Farm.

Forty-five entries from 14 nations across the globe contested Michel Vaillancourt’s (CAN) opening course. His challenge for the riders included two double combinations, a triple combination, and a triple-bar early on at obstacle three. The first clear-round came as the fifth rider on course, Ashley Vogel (USA), produced a top ride aboard Madiba AG Z. Two horses later, Sweden’s Petronella Andersson put in her bid for the top title and ensured a jump-off. As the class neared its halfway mark, the field of returning riders grew with Mark McAuley (IRL), Lillie Keenan (USA), and Ben Maher (GBR) adding their names to the coveted list. Belgium’s Abdel Saïd put forward a heroic effort to repeat his winning performance in the WEF 9 grand prix but tipped just over the time allowed of 83 seconds and incurred a single penalty.

A final tally of 10 world-class pairs set the stage for an exciting jump-off across the evening’s final short course. Vogel led the charge but would not see the top of the podium as she accrued four faults. Andersson was the first to put in a successful double-clear, but McAuley was quick to up the ante. The night looked to be in the bag for the Irish as McAuley sat in second and Conor Swail put in a blazing round as the second to last to go into the lead, but Kraut and Confu clearly had other plans as the last to go in the jump-off.

The duo proved they are never a pair that should be counted out. Kraut and the 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contact Me x Cambridge 8) exploded into action, finishing with a final time of 36.44 seconds.

The luck of the Irish was clearly still strong during the penultimate day of the Horseware Ireland week as both Swail and McAuley joined Kraut in the lap of honor. Swail once again locked in the honors of the runner-up position, this time with his own 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Vital Chance De La Roque (Diamant De Semilly x Rivage Du Poncel) after flying over the final fence in 37.10 seconds.

McAuley and SNC McAuley Equestrian’s 13-year-old BWP gelding Jasco VD Bisschop (Dulf Van Den Bisschop x Krunch De Breve) duplicated their third-place finish in a four-star grand prix when they stopped the clock mere milliseconds behind Swail for a finishing time of 37.55 seconds. The pair was previously second-place recipients as well in the $216,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI4* during WEF 3.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kraut Caps Off Stellar Week with Victory in $137k Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3*

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Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutinue © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 18, 2021 – On the final day of ESP Spring II, a new partnership continued to blossom as Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutinue, owned by St. Bride’s Farm, took top prize in the Sunday afternoon feature class, winning the $137,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3* on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village.

A total of 44 horse-and-rider combinations set out over the opening-round track designed by Catsy Cruz (MEX) and Andy Christiansen (ECU) that featured 16 jumping efforts. The field was narrowed down to just 11 pairs qualifying to return for the jump-off over a shortened track. Sharn Wordley (NZL) was the trailblazer as the first to return aboard Verdini D’Houtveld Z, owned by Lauren Balcomb, posting a double-clear effort and the time to beat of 41.90 seconds. His time in the lead was short but sweet as the next entry moved up to the top of the leaderboard as Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) rode Chacna, the horse he co-owns with Alice Lawaetz, to a clear round in a quicker time of 40.05 seconds.

The lead changes continued from there as Paris Sellon (USA) produced a clear round aboard Anna Jo, owned by Willow Grace Farm, in 40.95 seconds, but it was Olympic champion Laura Kraut riding Baloutinue to answer all the questions asked in the quickest time of the day. The Olympic team gold-medalist guided her new mount, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Balou du Rouet x Landor S, across the finish line with a double-clear effort in an impressive 40 seconds flat.

Kenny Knocks Off the Competition, Capturing the $35,000 Resilient Fitness Spring II Grand Prix

In the final class of Spring II on Sunday afternoon, Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Idalville D’Esprit, owned by Heathman Farm, LLC, jumped into the winner’s circle in the $35,000 Resilient Fitness Spring II Grand Prix.

A field of 50 horse-and-rider combinations challenged the opening round with just four pairs qualifying to ride the final jump-off track of the week set by Catsy Cruz (MEX) and Andy Christiansen (ECU). A total of three entries elected to return, including Kenny with two different mounts. First to go, the ninth-ranked rider in the world guided Idalville D’Esprit, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Carabas van de Wateringhoeve x Nabab de Reve, to a clear effort in 42.68 seconds.

After a short break to warm up his next mount, Kenny came close to beating his own leading time with Scarlett Du Sart Z, owned by Vlock Show Stables, LLC. He and the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare by Stakkato de hann x First Bride left all the jumps up in 43.37 seconds to slide into second.

Last to challenge was Grace Debney (GBR) on Zarina De Vidau, owned by Temple Equestrian, LLC. The 16-year-old rider and the 10-year-old CDE mare by Diamant de Semilly x Carina XXXVii Ch flew into second place with the clock stopping at 43.22 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Laura Kraut and Diadem du Thot Crowned First 2021 Turf Tour Victor

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Laura Kraut and Diadem du Thot.

Wellington, FL (January 8, 2021) – Laura Kraut and Diadem du Thot were crowned the first winners of the Ridge at Wellington’s 2021 $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic series this Wednesday, jumping a double clear effort and a jump-off time of 44.557 seconds over a course designed by Leopoldo Palacios.

While Olympians are a frequent sight on the Turf Tour, the 13-week series offers classes for all levels of horse and rider, including .80m Grand Prix. Turf Tour week one continues January 8 at The Ridge’s home farm with the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix headlining Friday’s action.

Second and third in the Rising Star went to Ryan Genn. Riding Vdl Gerinus T, Genn finished with a jump off time of 44.632 seconds, and aboard Colora went through the timers in 50.119 to secure third.

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For more info, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Kraut Wins Match Race for FEI Jumping World Cup Victory in Washington

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Laura Kraut and Fleurette (FEI/Ashley Neuhof)

Laura Kraut (USA) is an Olympic gold medalist, a World Equestrian Games Champion and a fixture in U.S. show jumping, but until Saturday night in downtown, D.C. (USA), she hadn’t won a World Cup in Washington.

Kraut won the $136,300 CSI4*-W Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington for the first time in her decorated career, topping a two-horse match race of a jump-off over Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s (GER) shortened course. Her winning mount was a relatively new partner, the 10-year-old mare, Fleurette; they finished the jump-off with 4 faults in 40.99 seconds. Andrew Welles (USA) and Primo Troy, pathfinders in the jump-off, finished second with 12 faults and a 45.69-second time. Brianne Goutal-Marteau (USA) completed an all-USA podium with a third-place finish aboard Viva Columbia. That duo had just a single time fault in the first round.

“This has been a class I’ve wanted to win for many, many years. I’ve had quite a few seconds, thirds, and fourths, but a win always seemed to elude me. At the beginning of the week, I said, ‘This is going to be my week.’ I felt good about it. [Fleurette] jumped really well [all week]. It’s very special.”– Laura Kraut (USA)

The packed crowd on hand was forced to wait in hopeful anticipation for a jump-off to be guaranteed. Welles posted his first round clear before the competition’s halfway point, and Kraut didn’t replicate his performance until the bitter end. She was the last to jump in the first round.

“I didn’t change my strategy [in the first round], but I watched [Welles] go,” Kraut said. “When he came out, I said to him, ‘You rode that perfectly.’ He rode it right on. He and I had sort of walked the course at the same time and talked about it. That was the plan we had. I just thought I would do that. [Fleurette] lets you ride her, and she’s really good at letting you place her to the jumps. It was just a matter of making sure I stuck to it!”

In the jump-off, Welles started with a bold pace, but a refusal at the second fence led to his 12 faults. That took the pressure off Kraut, who clinched the win with a single rail.

“For sure, when you know [your competitor] had 12 faults, it allows you to take a breather, but I didn’t want to muck it up! It’s a bummer that happened for him, but it was good for me!” Kraut exclaimed.

Kraut and Fleurette have only been paired since June, and the mare flew in from Europe specifically to compete in Washington.

“She has so many strengths,” Kraut said. “It’s fantastic. I think she’s got all the jump, all the scope; she’s careful, brave, and sensible, and she lets you ride her. The only thing missing is mileage at this level. My goal would be [the Olympic Games in] Tokyo for her.”

At the conclusion of the competition, the east coast sub league standings of the North American League still had a commanding leader in Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden, who boasts 48 points. Welles moved into second in the standings with 26 points, having also posted a top 10 finish in World Cup competition in Vancouver to start the season. Devin Ryan (USA) sits third in the standings with 21 points.

The North American League continues in Lexington, KY (USA) on Saturday, 2 November 2019.

FULL RESULTS

By Catie Staszak

FEI Media Contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Community/Charity, Publications/Media, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Top Stars to Sign USET Foundation’s “Riding for the Team” Book at WIHS

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Olympic show jumper Margie Engle on her pony at five years old.

Gladstone, NJ – The U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation announces a unique opportunity for fans of equestrian sport with a book signing for the coffee table-style book, Riding for the Team, at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on Saturday, October 26, at 6:15 p.m.

The 302-page hardback volume contains memories, images, and stories from 47 top riders and drivers in all eight international equestrian disciplines who competed and won medals for the U.S. over the last 30 years, including show jumping stars like McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Margie Engle, and more.

Copies of Riding for the Team will be available for purchase at WIHS at the US Equestrian booth on the concourse of the Capital One Arena and will be sold in line during the autograph signing. Some of the riders featured in the book will join fans next to the Land Rover booth on the concourse on Saturday night of WIHS to sign copies of the book.

In the book, McLain Ward recounts just what went through his mind at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as he walked into the ring knowing that the U.S. team’s medal depended on his performance. “[I] took a moment to tell myself, ‘Okay, it’s a little bit disappointing. But now there’s a job to be done, and I have to focus on the things I can control and let the bigger outcome sort itself out.’” Ward gives readers of the book an insightful glimpse into the mental aspect of the sport.

Renowned equestrian journalist Nancy Jaffer compiled and edited the first-person accounts from the athletes for Riding for the Team. Along with stories of athletes at major games competition, the book features fantastic photographs, including behind-the-scenes moments and images of top riders in their younger years, such as Margie Engle’s pony ride as a five-year-old and Phillip Dutton in his Australian Pony Club days.

“The compelling stories collected in this volume, as told by the athletes who have become part of equestrian history, demonstrate how to make dreams reality, while acknowledging sacrifice as the other side of achievement,” Jaffer writes in the opening introduction. “Those who compete at the highest level share several characteristics in addition to the love and appreciation of the horse. All have demonstrated singular focus to achieve excellence, putting aside other pursuits as they strive to represent their country.”

The book is a sequel to Riding for America, published in 1990 and also compiled by Jaffer. Riding for America highlighted key figures on the American equestrian scene from 1976 to 1990. It followed the tradition of the 1976 volume, The USET Book of Riding: The First Quarter Century of the USET, which was produced by the late USET chairman emeritus and Olympic show jumping gold medalist, Bill Steinkraus.

Published by Trafalgar Square Books, Riding for the Team is available for pre-order on the USET Foundation website. A rare opportunity to learn more about the stars of American equestrian sport, the book also makes an excellent gift and is sure to be a treasured addition to any horseman’s library.

Proceeds benefit the USET Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that helps provide funding for the High Performance competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America’s elite and developing athletes and horses in partnership with the national federation, US Equestrian.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

Competitions, Show Jumping

4* Grand Prix for Laura Kraut at the HUBSIDE Fall Tour

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Laura Kraut. Picture: HUBSIDE Jumping/Marco Villanti.

Challenging! This is how the course designed by Italy’s Uliano Vezzani for this Sunday’s CSI 4* Grand Prix at the HUBSIDE Fall Tour could be described. And rightly so, as only nine of the fifty horse and rider combinations competing in this 1m55 class managed to jump clear in the first round and qualify for the jump-off. This second round, which was full of twists and turns, was won in the end by the United States’ Laura Kraut.

Full results here: https://online.equipe.com/fr/competitions/33642.

DANIEL KOROLOFF
Relations avec les médias
daniel@blizko-communication.com

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Laura Kraut and Confu Kick It Up to Secure Second Turf Tour Grand Prix Win

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Laura Kraut and Confu. Photo: Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (January 22, 2019) – Friday’s final day of Turf Tour competition at Black Watch Farm proved to be as exceptional as the property itself. In caliber of rider, quality of footing, flow of the course design, and mildness of temperature, the third $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix of the 2019 season and all classes from the .80m to the 1.20m at Black Watch provided an un paralleled show experience for Florida winter equestrians.

Olympian Laura Kraut and the athletic 11-year-old German-bred Holsteiner gelding Confu performed some show jumping ‘karate’ on the competition, jumping off in a not to be topped time of 35.027. The decorated rider and accomplished international mount out-jumped a field containing some of the world’s top Olympic, international, and World Equestrian Games competitors: Ben Maher, Jessica Springsteen, Adam Prudent, Daniel Bluman, Mark Bluman, Steven Bluman, Paul O’Shea, Leslie Howard, Ali Wolff, Todd Minikus, and Schuyler Riley, to name just a few. Daniel Bluman and Cartouche finished second with a jump off time of 35.702, while Todd Minikus and Chaventyno ended in third with a jump-off time of 35.738.

Renowned French international show jumping rider and coach Henri Prudent, along with his son Adam and group of students including 3-day eventer Allison Springer, jumped at the opportunity to spend a few days showing on the beautiful fields at Black Watch. In total they brought 8 horses during week 3 to show at a variety of levels from the 1.10m to the Grand Prix. “It is a different experience than a bigger show circuit and it is always good for horses to jump on grass,” said Prudent. “It’s a nice change of scenery and a relaxing and convenient option.”

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Laura Kraut and Cleopatra Reign in Turf Tour $5,000 Rising Star Classic

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Laura Kraut and Cleopatra. Photo: Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (January 10, 2019) – It would be a challenge to find a more beautiful destination for a horse show. During the first day of Turf Tour week 2 competition, Mida Farms provided the backdrop for a day of show jumping accented by exemplary footing, water views, large shade trees, and complimentary hospitality. US Olympian Laura Kraut won Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic, while a field of competitors used the quiet atmosphere, perfect turf footing, and unique setting to begin their winter competition on the right ‘hoof.’ With classes running through Saturday, The Ridge Turf Tour and Hunter Derby Days round out this week’s competition with the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix, along with full jumper divisions, on Friday and the USHJA $5,000 National and $10,000 International Hunter Derbies at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Saturday.

Acquired by Cherry Knoll Farm in October of 2018, Cleopatra is a relatively new mount for Kraut, who also jumped Galiano Vm and Goldwin during the day’s 1.30m and 1.20m-1.25m classes. In the same field, .80m-1.10m classes running concurrently with the higher courses were the perfect starting point for young or green horses to get their first experience jumping on the grass. One such team, Linda Sheridan and her gelding Can’t Wait, put in multiple clear rounds in the .90m despite an initial onset of show nerves for Can’t Wait. Founders of The Ridge, US Olympian Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio, believe that positive horse show experiences for young horses, new horse and rider combinations, and even decorated Olympians are key to maintaining the quality and well-being of today’s sport horses.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Competitions, National Horse Show, Show Jumping, World Equestrian Games

World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalists to Compete at National Horse Show

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Photo: Laura Kraut on Whitney.

Lexington, KY – Oct. 24, 2018 – The 2018 National Horse Show promises to be thrilling with top notch international competition! Adding to the excitement will be the participation of 2018 World Equestrian Games Gold Medal athletes, McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Devin Ryan, Adrienne Sternlicht, and Beezie Madden. Team USA performed in top fashion during the World Equestrian Games, which was held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in September. Athletes who participated in the games are ones that are well-known throughout the equestrian community, especially now as they bring home the first ever WEG team gold medal for the United States. However, they have also been familiar faces at the National Horse Show for many years.

Last year’s Leading Lady Rider title, as well as Leading Open Jumper Rider, was claimed by Laura Kraut after she successfully won the $35,000 Welcome Speed class aboard St. Bride’s Farm’s chestnut mare, Whitney. In 2017, Kraut also had a top 10 finish in the $250,000 Longines Grand Prix, where Devin Ryan finished fifth, and Adrienne Sternlicht sixth. Kraut was integral in assuring team USA’s gold medal success as she delivered multiple clear rounds throughout the week and finished 10th overall individually.

Reserve athlete, Beezie Madden, piloted HHS Hercules to the victory in the $35,000 Salamander Resorts & Hotels Accumulator class in 2017, while Kraut was close on her heels in second place, and Devin Ryan secured third. Madden was also third in the $130,000 CP Grand Prix in 2017. Madden is known for her terrific display of athleticism with Cortes C in the 2014 $250,000 Canadian Pacific Grand Prix. She secured her place as part of the 2018 WEG team at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final earlier this year, as she emerged victorious all three days of competition.

Fan favorite McLain Ward has also been successful in the Alltech Arena during recent years. In 2012, he captured the victory in the $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix. He was then featured as a judge for the 2014 ASPCA Maclay Finals. Ward rode to fifth place in the 2016 $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup ™ Jumping Lexington and continued to move up the ranks to become the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion. In the lead up to the World Equestrian Games he has embarked on a journey that has included grand prix victories, including the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon for the tenth year in a row as well as capturing the $382,000 Longines Grand Prix of New York during the Longines Masters of New York. Ward finished fourth behind teammates Beezie Madden and Devin Ryan at the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final. At this year’s WEG in one of the most nail-biting finals, Ward pulled off a spectacular jump-off with Clinta to secure the team gold for USA over Sweden. His performance throughout the week delivered him a top five individual medal as well.

Young star Adrienne Sternlicht has competed at the National Horse Show as both a junior and professional and captured her first victory at the National Horse Show in 2015 when she won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Final. As Ward’s student, she has always been hot on his heels and finished only two spots below him in the 2016 $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup ™ Jumping Lexington. As the youngest on the team, Sternlicht acquired her first WEG medal and held an impressive 11th place in the overall standings out of the 124 competitors.

2018 was unquestionably a break out year for Devin Ryan. His string of success included a one-two punch to emerge victorious in the $35,000 CSI3* Longines World Ranking Class at Live Oak International and secured the U.S. to both first and second place by winning the reserve at the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final. Last year, Ryan had multiple top ten finishes the National Horse Show including a 3rd place finish in the $35,000 Salamander Accumulator Class, 5th place in the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup ™ Jumping Lexington, and an 8th place in the $130,000 CP Grand Prix.

For a detailed event schedule, click here.

For tickets, click here.