Laura Kraut Second Place in Rolex Grand Prix

Since St. Bride’s Farm bought Baloutinue (Balou du Rouet x Landor S) in 2021, it was clear that Laura Kraut and Baloutinue were destined for greatness. Kraut began her journey with him shortly after his successful series with Adam Prudent in Wellington, Florida.

It wasn’t long until this dynamic duo was off on a great stride. Not even a week into their partnership they earned their first victory at a Grand Prix CSI3* competition on home soil, out of a large variety of exceptional athletes.

Fast forward a month later, they placed second in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome CSIO5* which was just the beginning of their prosperity. Shortly after they were selected for the Tokyo Olympics, where they helped their team earn silver on one of the world’s biggest stages. Being the first combination entering the jump-off, it was up to Kraut and Baloutinue to put pressure on the Swedish team. 

They finished with a phenomenal clear round, and when it was all said and done they walked away as Olympic Silver Medalists after an extremely tight competition between the United States and Sweden. This was a milestone not just for her, but for the world.

The moment she earned silver with her team, she became the oldest U.S. female athlete to win a medal since 1904. Additionally, she was named the 2021 International Equestrian of the Year at USEF Pegasus Awards.

“It was a dream come true,” said Kraut.

Their successes didn’t stop there. The next stop was Aachen, Germany, where the combination helped their team win the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* after providing a clear effort in the second round. Being the last to go, the weight was on their shoulders to determine the fate of the United States Team, and they delivered! As each competition went by, the synergy between the pair grew stronger. 

In February of 2023, greatness was awaiting at Kraut’s home in Wellington, Florida. She and Baloutinue scored an astonishing win in the $425,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI 5*, where elite riders from around the world gathered to compete. Out of the seven-horse jump-off, this combination set the time to beat and not a single rider could catch their time. This was their first individual five-star Grand Prix win together, making for a memorable victory. 

Another triumph came during the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Mexico where Laura Kraut and the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding went head-to-head against Mexico in a thrilling jump-off, where she earned the United States of America team the sensational international victory.

Their most recent victory features the coveted Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSIO5*, where her and her speedy partner clinched second place out of an elite international field of horse and rider combinations.

“I don’t think there’s anything that Balou can’t do,” said Kraut.

All around the world, Baloutinue and Kraut have been able to find immense success in their short time of working together. What comes next for the remarkable Olympians?

Discover “The Story of Baloutinue” and his partnership with Laura Kraut on ClipMyHorse.TV!

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz