Chantilly, France – July 25, 2012 – Laura Kraut and Cedric continue to jump their way to the top of the European standings. The competition was fierce at the international horse show Jumping Chantilly France 2012 this past weekend. From July 19-22 the sport’s most renowned riders picked up the reins to compete for the top prizes. Kraut guided Cedric to several top rankings, as well as the prestigious Leading Lady Rider award.
Laura Kraut and Cedric scored top ribbons at the international horse show Jumping Chantilly 2012. Kraut also earned the Leading Lady Rider award. (Photo by Sydney Masters)
Friday afternoon was filled with anticipation as the first day of the Jumping Chantilly 2012 got underway. The Prix France Galop saw the highest level of competition as riders prepared for the upcoming days of competition. In the 32nd slot, Kraut entered the ring with a solid plan and determination aboard Cherry Knoll Farm’s Cedric. Out of a field of 43 entrants, the talented team successfully navigated the course without fault; however, their more conservative approach earned them the ninth position in a time of 75.26 seconds.
Kraut has proven time and time again that Cedric is in top form and ready to battle the best during their time in Europe. The Grand Prix Global Champions Tour presented by EADS was no exception. The 1.60m course was designed to test both horse and rider alike, extending them to the best of their abilities. Uliano Vezzani of Italy created a large course consisting of 13 obstacles including an oxer-oxer-vertical triple combination, an oxer-oxer bending line, and a triple bar that led to a difficult vertical-oxer in-and-out. Although the pair had an unfortunate rail, their speedy second-round time of 65.19 seconds secured the fourth place position as the fastest four-faulter.
“Cedric was great, we came in fourth, the first round was very tough, there weren’t so many clears. Beezie was the only American clear, and I was the fastest American with four faults,” Kraut explained. “In order to clear the tie between those of us with four faults, we had to jump the second round both clear and with speed. It was crazy!”
“It was the longest jump-off I have ever ridden,” Kraut laughed. “We went full speed to take the fastest time and the fourth place. I was really happy that Cedric’s owner Margaret Duprey was able to join us and see him do so amazing. He is in great shape, and I am so pleased that he is so consistent. He has been as good as he as ever been this summer. He is only fourteen, so it makes me really happy to know that we have plenty of time left.”
Kraut also earned numerous awards aboard Woodstock O, owned by Joan Kalman/Freedom Group. With a fifth place win in the Grand Prix Equidia Life, the ninth place finish in the Prix Domaine de Chantilly, and her numerous awards aboard Cedric, Jumping Chantilly 2012 recognized her exceptional efforts by awarding her with the Leading Lady Rider award.
“Cedric definitely deserved a little bit of a break, and he will get one for the next three weeks. It is going to be great to come back in August and have him freshened up and ready to go,” Kraut concluded.
Kraut and Cedric will take a break for the next three upcoming weeks, but they will be back in the competition in mid-August. They will compete in the Dublin Horse Show in Dublin, Ireland from August 15 -19.
