From a young age, Laura was captivated by horses. She recalls, "There was never a day that I wasn't thinking about them, feeding them, drawing them, riding or playing with them." Her mother’s enthusiasm for horses was hereditary, making equestrian sport an integral part of Laura's life.

Training and Philosophy

Laura incorporates yoga, pilates, weight training, and running into her training regime. She believes in hard work and perseverance. Her motto is clear: "Be prepared for a lot of long hours, hard work, frustration and reward." This philosophy has guided her through various challenges in her career.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Laura has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named the 2021 International Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). In 2003, she received the US Olympic Committee Jack Kelly Fair Play Award. Additionally, she was the American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year for the 2000/01 season.

Olympic Success

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Laura became the oldest US female athlete to win a medal since 1904. She secured a silver medal in the team equestrian jumping competition at 55 years and 266 days old. This achievement underscores her enduring skill and dedication to the sport.

Personal Life and Support System

Laura's partner, Nick Skelton, is also an accomplished equestrian jumper who represented Great Britain in seven Olympic Games. He won gold medals in both team and individual events. Their son Bobby competed at CSI2* level before entering college. Laura credits much of her success to her sister Mary Elizabeth, who manages the horse-care side of her career.

Injuries and Setbacks

Throughout her career, Laura has faced several injuries. In July 2020, she suffered a concussion and a broken nose from a fall. She also had an ankle injury in September 2018 and broke her jaw and three molars in June 2011 during the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Monaco. Despite these setbacks, she has always returned to compete at the highest level.

Avoiding World Championships

In 2022, Laura decided to skip the World Championships in Herning, Denmark. Her horse Baloutinue was recovering from an injury at that time. Laura stated that competing with a horse not in top shape is not worth the effort. This decision reflects her experience and understanding of the sport.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Laura aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Her commitment to staying at the top level drives her to continue living in Europe where she can compete against the best.

Residence and Lifestyle

Laura splits her time between Wellington, FL, USA; Alcester, England; and the Netherlands. She values living in Europe as it allows her to maintain her competitive edge by facing top-tier opponents regularly.

Laura Kraut’s journey in equestrian sport is marked by dedication, resilience, and numerous accolades. Her passion for horses continues to drive her forward as she prepares for future competitions.