Laura Kraut and the US Equestrian Open: "It doesn’t get much harder than this year."

This week on the US Equestrian Open podcast, show jumping legend Laura Kraut shared her thoughts on its significance, challenges, and the future of US show jumping. The podcast is hosted by Kim Prince and is available on all podcast platforms. 

You can download the Laura episode here. 

Laura Kraut: A Legacy in Show Jumping

Laura Kraut has been a dominant force in the equestrian world for decades. A two-time Olympic medalist and veteran of international competition, she has been a cornerstone of Team USA’s success. Her career began with catch riding, an old-school way of gaining experience by riding multiple horses at competitions without formal ownership.

Kraut’s breakthrough moment came in 1992, when she was named reserve rider for the Barcelona Olympics — despite never having left the US before. From there, she steadily built an elite career, competing in the 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2021 Olympics. Her gold medal win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with Cedric remains one of her most celebrated achievements.

Now, with one of the strongest strings of horses in her career, she remains a formidable competitor on the world stage.

The Toughest Era of Show Jumping?

"I think it doesn’t get much harder than this year."

The level of competition has never been higher. The US circuit now attracts the world’s best riders, including Olympic champions, World Cup winners, and top-ranked athletes.

“Yeah, I think it doesn’t get much harder than this year. I think when you’ve got, yeah, the reigning Olympic champion, the number one in the world and reigning world champion, then you have the last Olympic champion, Ben Maher.”

She noted that on any given Saturday night, there are at least 20 to 25 riders capable of winning a top-level class. With show jumping becoming increasingly global, the competition is fiercer than ever.

Why Storytelling Will Shape the Open’s Success

"She [Serena Williams] came to me and she said, ‘This was the most exciting thing I have ever seen.’"

One of the biggest challenges for show jumping as a spectator sport is its complexity. Unlike mainstream sports, where fans follow clear teams and leagues, equestrian competition requires context — stories that bring riders and horses to life.

Kraut believes storytelling will be key in engaging fans. “Most people that want to come to this love horses in some way. Maybe they've never been around one, they want to be around one, or maybe they've, yeah, they just want to be up close to an animal. So I think that these stories are what make the sport popular because it's just, yeah, it's exciting.”

Even outside of traditional equestrian audiences, people can be drawn in when they understand the stakes. Kraut recalled a powerful moment from the Olympics: “And I know that with the Olympics, the last two Olympics, I've had people who've watched who were not horse people at all and Serena Williams being one, she came to me and she said, ‘This was the most exciting thing I have ever seen.’ She said she'd gone to volleyball the day before and she said, ‘I didn't think anything would beat that. And this just blew it out of the water.’”

This kind of mainstream appeal is something the US Equestrian Open can harness by creating narratives around rivalries, young rising stars, and legendary horses.

What to Expect in Wellington

“I have the best string of horses I’ve ever had in my career.” 

The first edition of the US Equestrian Open will take place in Wellington, Florida, known for hosting some of the most competitive winter circuits in the world. Many of the top US riders, including McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Kraut herself, will be vying for victory.

For Kraut, the competition is personal. “I have the best string of horses I’ve ever had in my career,” she shared. With her talented mare Bisquetta, she is aiming for a top finish. “She loves jumping at night, and she’s fast — two things you need for this kind of event.”

The Future of US Show Jumping

"We have great competitors at every age."

Beyond this event, there’s a wave of young American talent emerging, giving the US a bright future in the sport. Kraut praised riders like Mimi Gochman and Natalie Dean, who are proving they can compete at the five-star level. “For a while, it felt like we had a gap in top young riders, but now we have great competitors at every age. That’s exactly what the sport needs.”

As the US Equestrian Open build up gets underway, it feels like something big is happening— it’s a new era for American show jumping. With elite competition, big prize money, and growing fan engagement, this championship has the potential to become a premier event on the international calendar.

One thing is certain: the world will be watching.

Tune in & Join the Journey

Catch the US Equestrian Open Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow along as we count down to one of the most exciting events in US show jumping!

About the Series:

Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:

• Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.
• Attract a broader audience.
• Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.

Stay Connected

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For Sport Department questions, please contact Christy Hawkins at USEquestrianOpen@usef.org.

For media inquiries about the US Equestrian Open Series, please contact Carly Weilminster at cweilminster@usef.org. 

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.