Tag Archives: Laura Kraut

Championships, Competitions, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Constable Capture Vilamoura Champions Tour 7 Year Old Championship

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Photo By: SportFot.

Algarve, Portugal – October 18, 2014 – Laura Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm’s Constable raced to a speedy finish during the Vilamoura Champions Tour on Friday at the Centro Hípico de Vilamoura. The world’s best riders faced off during the 7 Year Old Jumpers in a race against the clock, with Kraut and Constable finishing the tricky track with a double clear effort in a time of 39.32, just a second ahead of fellow contenders.

“Today was the last day before he has a nice break until the winter circuit,” Kraut said. “I thought I would give it a go and try to win today, and he did!”

The young horse placed sixth earlier in the week with a clear speed round in 68.98 seconds, and today he duplicated his efforts with Kraut in the irons. The course was a solid 1.40m technical track featuring an open water jump without a pole, a large triple combination, vertical-oxer double combination and a solid wall. Needless to say, it didn’t faze the KWPN gelding, owned by Margaret Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc. They were awarded the 7 Year Old Young Jumper Championship for their top finishes throughout the final week of competition.

“He has been really, really good,” Kraut smiled. “He hasn’t shown too much this summer, probably only at seven or eight shows, but he has definitely matured during that time. It was probably one of the most difficult 7-year-old courses we have ever jumped, but he handled it all so well. He is a 7-year-old in a 10-year-old body.”

Kraut continued, “Constable has really matured in his head. He always had the body, but he is really putting it together. He knows his job now, and he is making it a lot easier on himself and me. It will be exciting and fun to go into the International Ring this winter and start jumping some 1.45m courses. Everything depends on his mental and physical state. He will tell me what he is ready to do.”

Constable will now have rest before the winter circuit in Wellington, FL, but Cherry Knoll Farm has two other stars that will jump into the spotlight during the Indoor Finals in the United States. From October 21-26, Andretti S, of which Cherry Knoll Farm is a shareholder, will compete at the Washington International Horse Show in Washington, D.C., just after finishing second during the prestigious American Gold Cup less than a month prior.

Cherry Knoll Farm’s Cedric has also been gearing up for the approaching season, showing at select shows across Europe. He will be a top contender at the National Horse Show in Lexington, KY, in only a couple short weeks. Margaret Duprey will be onsite during the National Horse Show to watch the two stars in action.

For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

Hannah Selleck and Laura Kraut Win Longines L.A. Masters Charity Class for JustWorld in Style

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Laura Kraut dressed as Catwoman for the occasion.

Los Angeles, Calif. – October 2, 2014 – Eight months ago, top West Coast rider Hannah Selleck joined JustWorld International as an Ambassador. Since then, in support of the charity, she has jumped from a plane, traveled halfway around the world and, most recently, tackled a 1.35m speed track dressed as Batman’s villain, Poison Ivy. Paired with Olympic Champion Laura Kraut, who dressed as Catwoman, the JustWorld team captured the win in a unique charity class at the inaugural Longines Los Angeles Masters with the fastest time by over two seconds.

The Longines L.A. Masters, the American leg of the Masters Grand Slam Indoor Circuit, turned the Los Angeles Convention Center into an equestrian mecca. One of the most talked about events over the four days of international competition was Friday night’s costume charity class. Twenty-two top riders traded their breeches and show coats for creative costumes and JustWorld International made history as the winning charity team of the flagship American event.

The Wellington, Florida, USA and Paris, France based non-profit organization was one of 11 charities selected to compete in the charity class. JustWorld’s dedicated and ongoing partner, Longines, who is also the title sponsor of the Masters Grand Slam, generously sponsored the JustWorld Team. The photographer’s flash illuminated this generosity when capturing an image of the $35,000 check presented to JustWorld.

“The charity class was about going out there and having fun while raising awareness for our individual charities,” Kraut said. “Of course, Hannah and I were still competitive; we wanted to win for JustWorld, but this was about helping JustWorld raise money to continue to do their good work. This was my opportunity to help, and it was great fun.”

Not only did Selleck and Kraut lay down the quickest times of the night, but Poison Ivy and Catwoman came alive with their fantastic costumes and a professional make-up team to perfect the look. The extra efforts earned the pair scores of 9, 9 and 8 from celebrity style judges Jeannie Mai, Sebastian Roché and Ariana Rockefeller.

Hannah Selleck earned one of the fastest times of the night
Hannah Selleck earned one of the fastest times of the night

Selleck remarked, “A charity class at an event like the L.A. Masters is such a great way to raise awareness for charities like JustWorld. Laura and I went first and set a time that couldn’t be beat, so we raised money and awareness for JustWorld. And to do it all in costume made it that much more fun.”

Selleck and Kraut were not the only JustWorld Ambassadors on sight at the L.A. Masters. Frenchman Kevin Staut, currently ranked fifth on the Longines World Ranking List, choreographed the introduction skit to the charity class. Staut dressed as the evil Joker, while Philipe Rozier and Olivia Chowdry fought Gotham’s brutes as Batman’s faithful sidekick, Robin. The antiheroes rode into the arena on a Harley Davidson, generously loaned to JustWorld for use during the skit by Harley-Davidson Buell of Glendale.

“I didn’t know that I would be the Joker for the charity class skit,” Staut laughed. “Jessica Newman, the founder of JustWorld, knows me too well. She didn’t tell me until right before. It was so much fun riding the Harley-Davidson, and the skit was hilarious. Philipe had to fight me, and it definitely earned a few laughs.”

Shortly after the conclusion of the first edition of the Longines Los Angeles Masters Grand Slam, Staut caught a plane to travel to the JustWorld Guatemala Project, alongside French actress, Marina Hands, and JustWorld Founder and Executive Director, Jessica Newman. Staut was excited to be able to see firsthand the good work of CNN Hero, Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes. While visiting, Staut will conduct a clinic that will directly benefit JustWorld International and Fuentes’ project, Los Patojos.

About JustWorld International

JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization that funds life-changing education, nutrition, health and hygiene, and leadership and cultural development programs for impoverished children in Cambodia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and a registered Association 1901 in France. Tax-deductible donations are accepted in Switzerland and JustWorld’s supporters may send their donations to Fondation Philanthropia, a Swiss public-benefit umbrella foundation. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted in Canada. Canadian donors please click here. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
JustWorld International
phone (561) 309-9873 fax (561) 753-3386
jwinfo@justworldinternational.org

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

JustWorld Ambassadors Compete in Star-Studded Event at Longines LA Masters Charity Class

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Olympic Champion and JustWorld Ambassador Laura Kraut with Andretti S.

Spotlights shine on Olympian Laura Kraut and West Coast star Hannah Selleck

Los Angeles, CA – September 23, 2014 – The Longines Los Angeles Masters, promising to be one of the most spectacular sporting events of the equestrian world, is making history at the Los Angeles Convention Center September 25-28, 2014, with JustWorld International included in its charitable giving commitment. The Wellington, FL, USA and Paris, France based non-profit organization is one of 10 charities selected to compete in the charity class, and will be represented by JustWorld Ambassadors Olympian Laura Kraut and top West Coast rider Hannah Selleck. JustWorld’s dedicated and ongoing partner Longines will generously be sponsoring the JustWorld Team.

First established at the Paris Gucci Masters in 2011, the Longines Masters Grand Slam has exemplified a long-standing commitment to charitable giving. The charity class continues the tradition of giving back, using a unique class to showcase 10 charities at the inaugural Los Angeles event. The exciting competition not only signifies the promise of the organizers and partners, but also the commitment of the riders representing the organizations most dear to their heart.

On September 27, the charity class will be alive with an array of colors, with Selleck and Kraut at the helm of costumed creativity. Clad in the purple and blue colors of JustWorld International, the representatives will tackle the track in style. At the end of the competition, prizes will not only be given to the winning teams, but also to those in the best costumes with a Style Award, and the JustWorld Ambassadors have promised that they will not disappoint!

JustWorld’s charity class team brings an abundance of experience to the challenge. Olympic Champion Laura Kraut has been involved with the organization since its inception, finding herself drawn to jump for a just world to bring joy to the lives of children who have not been as fortunate. Kraut has continually topped international competition and she’ll leave nothing to chance as she rides as strong as ever in Los Angeles for JustWorld.

JustWorld Ambassador Hannah Selleck will represent JustWorld International during the Longines LA Masters charity class
JustWorld Ambassador Hannah Selleck will represent JustWorld International during the Longines LA Masters charity class

Native to Southern California, Hannah Selleck, committed equestrian and daughter of American actor Tom Selleck, joins Kraut as they race against the clock. She recently assisted JustWorld International during the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. Selleck’s role as JustWorld Ambassador at the Games was a dual one. As a member of the Ambassadors Committee, Selleck represented JustWorld in her beliefs that the equestrian world should be a vector of unity.   Plus Selleck served as a spokesperson assisting in all public relations and media efforts, as well as raising public awareness for projects funded by JustWorld in Guatemala, Honduras, Cambodia and Colombia.

“Show jumping in costume will definitely be fun. But riding on a team with Laura and on behalf of JustWorld will be a nice combination of good times for a good cause,” remarked Selleck.

JustWorld was born out of the Show Jumping discipline, created by top international competitor Jessica Newman, making the Longines Los Angeles Masters charity class the perfect fit for the non-profit organization. JustWorld has deep roots in the equestrian community, funding projects and placing a focus on children and education in an effort to empower a generation to lift themselves out of poverty.

For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.

About JustWorld International

JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization that funds life-changing education, nutrition, health and hygiene, and leadership and cultural development programs for impoverished children in Cambodia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and a registered Association 1901 in France. Tax-deductible donations are accepted in Switzerland and JustWorld’s supporters may send their donations to Fondation Philanthropia, a Swiss public-benefit umbrella foundation. Tax-deductible donations are also accepted in Canada. Canadian donors please click here. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
JustWorld International
phone (561) 309-9873 fax (561) 753-3386
jwinfo@justworldinternational.org

Competitions, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Andretti S Soar to Second Place at the $200,000 American Gold Cup

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Laura Kraut and Andretti S.

North Salem, NY – September 16, 2014 – Sunday afternoon’s $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W was a fight to the finish. Six riders raced against the clock in an attempt to add their name to the illustrious list of previous winners. In the end, it came down to Jessica Springsteen aboard Vindicat W and her long-time trainer, Olympian Laura Kraut with the Stars and Stripes’ Andretti S.

Springsteen was the first, of six, to return to the jump off. Setting a fast pace, the pair stopped the timers at 35.360 seconds. Although each consecutive rider attempted to catch her time, they could not compensate accuracy for speed, either incurring faults or riding to a more conservative clear round.

Kraut was the last of the group to tackle the jump-off. Picking up the gallop, Kraut pulled the clutch with Andretti S, chasing Springsteen’s time. When Kraut left out a risky stride to the double combination, the audience was on the edge of their seats. Andretti soared through the effort, but Kraut reeled him in a little to the final fence, a decision that added a stride to earn the duo the second place. They finished in 36.660 seconds, only one second shy of Springsteen’s time.

“I don’t know what I was thinking at the double combination,” Kraut said. “It was either going to be victory or a disaster, and he just tried so hard to help me out there. I knew I had a choice to just go really flat out down to the final fence, but he’s still a young horse and I thought rather than taking the chance of crashing or doing something that would scare him, I’d just sort of stay conservative. It cost me but I’m happy with second.”

Laura Kraut and Andretti S, a new mount as of last fall, have been climbing the ranks of international competition throughout the summer. Andretti S is a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood who is an up and coming international super-star with Kraut in the saddle. This summer in Europe and now at the Gold Cup, Andretti S has proven himself a top competitor on the international stage, showcasing his speed among the best horse and rider combinations in the world. Andretti S is owned by the Stars and Stripes Syndicate in which Cherry Knoll Farm is a proud shareholder.

“I’m just so happy with him,” Kraut expressed. “I don’t want to say that I’m surprised, but I am a little surprised that he’s come along as quickly as he has. When I started in Florida with him, I was jumping small 1.40m classes, and he really didn’t have a lot of mileage. All of a sudden it’s started to come to him. It was a difficult test for him today, but he handled it great.”

Kraut stood to the left of student, Springsteen, on the podium, smiling as she accepted the second place award.

“I’m thrilled! That’s the highest placing I’ve had on this horse ever. I don’t begrudge the victory to somebody who deserves it,” Kraut concluded.

Kraut will now prepare for the Central Park Horse Show, Longines L.A. Masters and the National Horse Show. For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Andretti S Go Double-Clear, Finish Fourth at GCT London

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Laura Kraut and Andretti S. Photo by Sport Fot.

London, UK – August 18, 2014 – Andretti S, the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by the Stars and Stripes Syndicate, of which Cherry Knoll Farm is a shareholder, is making a name for himself on his European tour.

Olympian Laura Kraut of Wellington, FL topped a field of 55 competitors during the London 2014 – CSI5* – 1.50/1.55m, riding Andretti S to fourth place. She was one of three United States riders to finish among the top six.

The city of London hosted the eleventh leg of the 2014 Longines FEI Global Champions Tour, August 14-16, 2014. Kraut was the twelfth of 59 contenders to take on the challenging track. She left no stone unturned as she navigated Andretti S through the course to a clear first round. Only 15 riders were able to master the opening course and continue on to the short track.

Kraut was one of the first riders to jump against the clock with Andretti S. She was able to secure a double-clear round in 34.26 seconds, a time that would prove hard to beat as her fellow competitors attempted to catch her pace.

Fellow U.S. rider McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y. finally bested Kraut with a time of 33.22 seconds aboard Rothchild to eventually claim second place. Pénélope Leprevost, of Rouen, France, and Vagabond de la Pomme narrowly surpassed Kraut for third place by two-tenths of a second. Harrie Smolders, of Lage-Mierde, The Netherlands, and Regina Z took first place.

Andretti S has proven himself a top competitor on the international stage, showcasing his speed among the best horse/rider combinations the world has to offer.

Cherry Knoll Farm’s Margaret Duprey was among the crowd to watch Andretti’s astounding performance in London. Although Kraut was planning to jump Andretti in Saturday’s CSI5* 1.45/1.50m class, the mutual decision was made to reward his valiant clear rounds from Friday’s fourth-place finish.

“I was thrilled with how well Andretti did during Friday’s class,” Kraut explained. “He has come such a long way this summer, and very quickly. He definitely has the ability to build and become a winning international grand prix mount.”

“Andretti is a very quirky horse in many ways; he’s almost like a thoroughbred,” Kraut said. “He is very brave, and has a good mouth. He is very big, a lot bigger than I am used to riding at 17 hands, but he is very manageable. I am very fortunate to have the ride.”

Kraut will continue her summer tour in Europe with her top mounts, including Cherry Knoll Farm’s Andretti S and Constable. Kraut will next compete at the Jumping International de Verbier in Switzerland.

For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Andretti S Take Top Positions for USA during Longines Royal International Horse Show

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Laura Kraut and all-star mount Andretti S during Longines Royal International Horse Show. Photo By: Spidge Event Photography.

Hickstead, UK – August 6, 2014 – Laura Kraut and Andretti S, a new mount as of last fall, are climbing the ranks of international competition. Andretti S is a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by the Stars and Stripes Syndicate, of which Cherry Knoll Farm is a shareholder. The gelding is an up and coming star that Cherry Knoll Farm’s Margaret Duprey is delighted to see rising in the standings with Kraut in the saddle.

At this year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show, which ran from July 30 through August 3 at the historic showgrounds in Hickstead, England, the pair finished fifth in both The Bunn Leisure Vase and The Royal International Accumulator, both set at 1.45m.

Kraut and Andretti S were victorious over 79 of the 83 total entries of Thursday’s Bunn Leisure Vase. This impressive finish was achieved with a jump off time of 73 seconds, only .39 seconds behind third place and .63 seconds behind fourth. Andretti S stepped up to the plate for this clear effort, and showcased his speed among the best the world has to offer.

In Sunday’s Royal International Accumulator Andretti S proved his consistency with his second fifth place of the weekend. Out of a field of 34 he was able to out jump many other top class horses and riders from all corners of the globe. A massive 5.54-second lead between Andretti S and sixth place finisher Quenzo do La Roque ridden by Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts paved the way for yet another honorable finish.

Although Duprey was not onsite to witness Andretti’s spectacular performances at Hickstead, she noted from seeing the video, “I thought he has definitely matured and understands what his job is since Chantilly. He is learning how to compress and use his big stride in the right places. To see how much he has improved in such a short time is very exciting, and from the video it is night and day! From when the syndicate was started, he has certainly matured, developed and is forming a great partnership with Laura.”

In both of these events Kraut and Andretti S were the top placing USA finishers, a tribute to Cherry Knoll Farm’s passion for discovering and growing talent with young horses.

Laura Kraut and Andretti S during the Longines Royal International Horse Show held at the historic show grounds at Hickstead.

For more information on Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut Shows Constable to the Top of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, Also Unveiling Andretti S

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Laura Kraut and Constable. Photos By: SportFot.

West Berkshire, UK – May 20, 2014 – Cherry Knoll Farm’s Constable made his first debut last year while competing in the 6 Year Old Jumpers at the Global Champions Tour Jumping Chantilly, and his stride has not shortened. Once again the chestnut gelding made his mark, but this time in the United Kingdom. Laura Kraut piloted Constable to the top ranks during the Royal Windsor Horse Show, running from May 14-18, 2014, claiming the second place award in the Land Rover Grades B & C Handicap Jumping Competition, and finishing in the top ribbons during the Royal Windsor Horse Show 7 & 8 Year Old Championship.

A field of 76 horse and rider combinations tackled the track for the Land Rover Grades B & C Handicap Jumping Competition, entering a race against the clock as they took on the 1.40m course. Although each pair put in valiant efforts, Kraut and Constable took the lead in the class as only the fifth to go. They completed the course in 54.19 seconds, leaving all the rails in their cups.

Consecutive competitors attempted to match their pace, but it wasn’t until Michael Duffy of Ireland guided Shahenaz through the course as 60th in the order that defeat seemed possible. Duffy completed the track in 52.91 seconds, pushing Kraut and Constable into the second place position with a difference of only 1.28 seconds between them.

Kraut was thrilled with the way Constable handled the course, saying that it was a designed big for a 7-year-old. Their second placing proved great preparation for Thursday’s Royal Windsor Horse Show 7 & 8 Year Old Championship. With the third slot in the order to go, Kraut navigated Constable to a speedy first round in 83.24 seconds, but one lowered rail made them the fastest of the four-faulters, securing their eventual ninth place position.

“I have to stay patient with Constable,” Kraut explained. “We have been moving him up slowly, and he has a lot of potential. He became very competitive last year in Europe, and he only continued to get better when in Wellington for the winter circuit.”

“We are showing him very sparingly throughout the summer and fall, probably only six to eight times throughout the rest of the year,” Kraut explained. “We are planning to put more pressure on him as an 8-year-old.”

Laura Kraut and Andretti S
Laura Kraut and Andretti S

The Royal Windsor Horse Show also was the unveiling for one of Kraut’s most recent mounts, Andretti S, a 17-hand Dutch Warmblood who started out with a humble beginning in England. The 9-year-old came to Kraut last fall and was purchased through the Stars and Stripes syndicate, which Cherry Knoll Farm’s Margaret Duprey is proud to have ownership in. The Royal Windsor Horse Show proved the perfect place to showcase the new mount’s talent, as he showed over a 1.60m track for the first time Sunday.

“Andretti is a very quirky horse in many ways; he’s almost like a thoroughbred. He is very brave, and has a good mouth,” Kraut described. “He is very big, a lot bigger than I am used to riding at 17 hands, but he is very manageable, and I am lucky to have the ride.”

The CSI 3* Alltech Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy saw 31 horse and rider combinations, but only 12 were able to master the opening track and move into the jump-off. Although Kraut and Andretti S put in a double-clear effort, their time of 42.22 seconds through the shortened course would prove good enough for the fourth place finish, a validating placing for the gelding’s 1.60m debut.

“He has been coming along so well, and I am very excited to have the ride on him. We have been working slowly, working to build him up for the next level,” Kraut said. “The goal is to prepare Andretti for new venues, and he is traveling alongside Cedric as the second horse. The hope is that he will take Cedric’s position next year.”

Kraut will continue to show her top string of horses throughout the summer in Europe. She will move on to Norten Hardenburg CSI 3* in Germany from May 23-25. For more information about Cherry Knoll Farm, please visit http://www.cherryknollfarminc.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Jumps to Third in CSIO4* Wellington’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

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Laura Kraut and Cedric (StockImageServices.com)

Wellington, Fla. – Clear rounds were the order of the night on Friday evening as 12 teams went to task over Steve Stephen’s 12-obstacle track in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm, the feature competition of CSIO4* Wellington. The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team headed into the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s International Arena for the two-round competition, held in conjunction with the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, looking to secure a top finish in America’s only Nations Cup. The team of McLain Ward, Brianne Goutal, Laura Kraut, and Beezie Madden jumped to a third-place finish on a score of 12 faults.

While the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team was looking to start their 2013 campaign with a win on home soil, Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was pleased with his team and their resilience.

“We felt that we were in it until the very end; it was just a rail here and a rub there,” said Ridland. “This is a Nations Cup we can be proud of that was a tough competition between 12 very good teams.”

Jumping in his customary lead-off position, Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild produced an immaculate clear in round one to start the night for the United States. In round two, the two-time Olympic Team Gold medalist and 13-year-old Warmblood gelding returned with an eight-fault trip after lowering the heights of the bicycle at six and the final oxer, fence 12.

Goutal (New York, N.Y.) jumped in the second spot for the U.S. with Remarkable Farms’ 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Nice de Prissey. In the first round, the pair jumped a four-fault trip after rolling a pole jumping out of the double at nine. In their return trip to the International Arena, they appeared to be on track for a clear round but again were plagued by a rail at fence nine, faulting at the A element in round two.

Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and her Team Gold medal-winning partner from the 2008 Olympic Games, Cedric, were the third combination to head into the International Arena for the U.S., completing a faultless round in their first trip. Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding was poised to join the double clear list but barely dipped a foot in the open water at 10, resulting in a four fault effort for the second round.

Anchoring the U.S. effort on Friday night were reigning FEI World Cup Final champions, Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Simon. Abigail Wexner’s 15-year-old gelding looked on track to jump a clear, tidy round until coming a bit strong to 11 and lowering the oxer at the A element, resulting in a four-fault effort. The veteran pair returned to the International Arena for a second time and never looked in doubt of a clear round as they cruised faultlessly over Stephen’s track.

“I was happy with my horse,” said Madden. “I wish I had been clear in the first round because I thought he went fantastic, and then he was clear in the second round and went even better.”

On Friday, the U.S. also earned vital points in qualifications for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final. Among countries from the North and Central America and the Caribbean Islands regions, the U.S. earned 90 vital points towards qualifying for the Series Final in October.

To learn more about the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season, visit: http://fei.org/fei/events/fei-nations-cup-series/furusiyya.

Nations Cup competition continues Saturday with the top Young Riders, Juniors, and Child Riders contesting FEI Nations Cups presented by Hollow Creek Farm. The first round of Young Rider competition kick-off the youth showcase at 1pm ET.

For more information about CSIO Wellington, visit: http://www.equestriansport.com/.

By Helen Murray

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Draws Sixth in Quest for Sixth Victory in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

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Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Wellington, Fla. – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team heads into the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm looking to repeat its victory from last year and secure its sixth win in its home Nations Cup. A total of 12 teams are set to go head-to-head on Friday evening at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during the feature of CSIO4* Wellington, held in conjunction with the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Two members of the last year’s winning team, Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden, return in 2014 with rising star, Brianne Goutal, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist, McLain Ward, rounding out the U.S. effort. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland will lead the U.S. in its quest for victory on home soil.

The U.S. has drawn sixth in the order for Friday’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm; the first round of team competition gets underway at 7pm ET.

Brianne Goutal (New York, N.Y.) will ride Remarkable Farms’ Nice de Prissey.
Nice de Prissey is a 2001 Selle Francais stallion.

Goutal made a name for herself when she was still in the junior ranks by completing a sweep of the four major U.S. equitation titles, which included the 2004 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, the 2004 Washington International Equitation Classic Finals, the 2005 USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Finals, and the 2005 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. She has continued to demonstrate winning form in the jumper ring and was honored with the 2007 Maxine Beard Award, in addition to jumping on multiple U.S. Nations Cup teams. She heads into Friday’s Nations Cup competition on strong form, having placed fourth in Adequan Grand Prix CSI4* a week ago.

Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) will ride Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric.
Cedric is a 1998 Holsteiner gelding.

Kraut brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. effort after jumping on numerous Nations Cup teams, including representing the United States at the 2000 Olympic Games and winning Team Silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. With Cedric, she helped the U.S. to the Team Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, in addition to representing the United States at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The two-time Olympian will look to showcase the form that earned a third place in the overall standings of the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour after winning in Wiesbaden with the diminutive grey gelding. The pair also helped the U.S. to jump to a second-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Rotterdam.

Beezie Madden and Simon (Kit Houghton)
Beezie Madden and Simon (Kit Houghton)

Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) will ride Abigail Wexmer’s Simon.
Simon is a 1999 Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Madden enters the 2014 season as the reigning USEF Equestrian of the Year and FEI World Cup Final champion. The three-time Olympic medalist (Team Gold in 2004 and 2008 and Individual Bronze in 2008) and Team and Individual Silver medalist from the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games was a major contributor to the United States’ success in 2013. In addition to helping the U.S. team win in Wellington, she aided in an American Consolation Round victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at CSIO5* Barcelona with her World Cup champion, Simon. With Cortes ‘C’, she contributed to second-place Nations Cup efforts in Rotterdam and Hickstead and a third-place U.S. finish in Dublin.

McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) will ride Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild.
Rothchild is a 2001 Warmblood gelding.

Ward also brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. effort in Wellington as he joins his Gold medal-winning teammates from the 2008 Olympic Games, Kraut and Madden. Additionally, his resume boasts earning Olympic Team Gold in 2004, Team Silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, and a second-place finish at the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Ward and Rothchild were vital members for the U.S in the Consolation Round victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final, second-place efforts in Spruce Meadows and Hickstead, and a third-place finish in Dublin. They head into Friday’s Nations Cup competition on strong form after earning a fourth-place finish in the Fidelity Investment Grand Prix and a seventh-place finish in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W5* presented by Rolex this year in Wellington.

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm is doubly important for the U.S., as not only will the team look to secure victory in the only Nations Cup held in America, but also a strong result will be vital in qualifying for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final in October.

To learn more about the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season, visit: http://fei.org/fei/events/fei-nations-cup-series/furusiyya.

Spectators and fans in attendance at the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm are invited to a Team USA Nations Cup Pep Rally Reception hosted by the USET Foundation and the USEF from 6-7pm on Friday evening. To learn more about this event, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/10923/2014/2/11/junior_and_pony_riders_invited_to_g.aspx.

Watch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm on FEITV.org.

By Helen Murray

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Bonito R Win $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m at FTI WEF 2

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Laura Kraut and Bonito R. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) kicked off at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Wednesday morning with a win for Laura Kraut (USA) and Bonito R in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.40m speed class. Jack Hardin Towell, Shane Sweetnam, and Samuel Parot also got wins on the first day of week two competition.

FTI WEF week two, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will run Wednesday, January 15 through Sunday, January 19. The week will feature the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday afternoon, the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, and the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Speed Class, Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, as well as the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, during the day on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Luc Musette of Belgium is the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for week two competition. Wednesday morning kicked off with 28 entries in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class with nine clear rounds and a win for Laura Kraut and Stars and Stripes’ Bonito R with the fastest time of 65.653 seconds.

Lauren Tisbo (USA) and Tequestrian Farms LLC’s La Centa finished second in 67.918 seconds. Jennifer Goddard (USA) and Stateside Farm LLC’s Ungaro de la Hot Couture placed third in 69.260 seconds.

Laura Kraut continued a successful beginning to her FTI WEF circuit with Wednesday’s win on Bonito R, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding by El Bonito x Rhytmo. This was the gelding’s first class of the circuit and a great start to his winter season as well. Kraut got the ride on Bonito R one year ago as he was turning eight years old and showed in the Adequan Eight-Year-Old Young Jumper classes throughout the 2013 FTI WEF circuit, earning many top ribbons and finishing a very close second in the circuit’s championship classic.

“We found him in England through our friends, Graham and Tina Fletcher,” Kraut explained. “They told us about him when we were at the Olympia horse show and so we went in the driving rain and freezing cold of England and tried him. Then I think by the time we got him paid for, and he got over here, he didn’t arrive until maybe mid-February.”

“We brought him to Florida last year, and he won a ribbon in every class he entered, which is pretty remarkable,” Kraut acknowledged. “He is just a wonderful horse. He’s brave and fun. This is his first time out and he just walks right in and owns the place, which is nice. I am excited for him for this year because I am planning to move him up and maybe do some of the ‘WEFs’ (grand prix) and the 1.50m Classics and see where we go from there.”

Commenting on Wednesday’s speed track, Kraut noted, “I really liked the course. I think Luc is a fantastic course builder. We are very lucky down here to get all of these wonderful course designers. My horse handled it really well. I cut in and sort of sliced the last double (combination), which would be hard for a lot of horses, and he did it brilliantly. I could not have been happier with him. He was like a windup toy today.”

“He does not take a lot of anything,” Kraut said of the ride. “He is what I would call ‘point and shoot.’ He waits when you want to wait; he goes when you want to go. He never spooks at anything. He is careful. He is beautiful. He is one of the nicer, easier rides I have. He will do anything, and he is very versatile. We love that about him.”

The International Arena at PBIEC had a very full schedule of competition on Wednesday as the FTI WEF gets underway with its first week of FEI classes, the first one being tomorrow’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup. In today’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class, there were 100 entries, and it was held in a “California Split,” awarding two sets of placings.

Altogether, 20 entries jumped clear over the course and there were nine double clear rounds. The top finishers were Jack Hardin Towell (USA) aboard Jennifer Gates’ Cadence and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) riding Alden Burlington’s Catch Me T.

A $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class was also held with 72 entries competing with 18 clear rounds and a win for Samuel Parot (CHI) and Carla TM. Laura Chapot (USA) and Bradberry finished second. Ronan McGuigan (IRL) and Capall Zidane placed third.

Week two of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue on Thursday with the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 in the International Arena at 1 p.m. The hunters will present their first championships of the week featuring the Shapley’s Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunters in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com