Laura Kraut
Born: Nov. 14, 1965
Hometown: Wellington, FL

Laura Kraut led the 2008 Olympic selection trials with Cedric, who at that point was a relatively green presence on the high performance scene. After contributing to the team gold medal at the Games in Hong Kong, Cedric had quite a different status coming into the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games trials.

Following the first two trials, he and Laura tied with Quick Study and Lauren Hough on 0 faults, and both were excused from the three remaining trials. Cedric came back for the last trial, combined with the $150,000 CN U.S. Open Grand Prix, and bested a stellar field of 56 with a brilliant round in the six-horse tie-breaker.

A veteran at the highest level of the sport, Laura first came to international attention as the reserve rider for the 1992 Olympics with Simba Run. She made the Olympic team in 2000, and was reserve rider at the 2002 WEG in Spain. A consistent performer on the international scene, she is also a mother who is often seen on the showgrounds with her son, Bobby.

Discover Horses Columnist Nancy Jaffer's WEG Preview:

Laura Kraut's victory in the final selection trial showcased how far her relationship with Cedric has come in the last few years. Her little guy has gotten over his fear of walls and water. That could make her an individual medal contender at the WEG, especially in view of his rider's vast experience.