Laura Kraut & Kaylee Stand Alone in the $65,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix CSI2*

01 MAR 26 Ocala, FL

Equestrian rider and horse jump over an obstacle labeled

Ocala, FL – Thirty-three renowned athletes met early Sunday morning in the WEC Grand Arena at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) for the $65,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix CSI2*. Pieter Vitse (BEL) set a delicate and technical track, with four-fault scores and a tight time allowed keeping numerous partnerships out of the jump-off.

A rider on a brown horse jumps over an obstacle during an equestrian event, with spectators seated in the background.
World No. 12 Laura Kraut pilots Kaylee to the win in the $65,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix CSI2* victory. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

In the end, just three athletes qualified for the short course: Jad Dana (LBN), Alex Matz (USA), and Laura Kraut (USA). World No. 12 Kraut saved the best for last, delivering the only double-clear effort of the class aboard the St. Bride’s Farm entry, Kaylee (Carrera VDL x Easter Uno M).

A rider in equestrian gear and helmet jumps a brown horse over an obstacle with floral decorations during a show jumping event.
Jad Dana & Jetplane rounding out the top three. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Thursday’s winner of the $32,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2*, Dana was first to return for the jump-off with Fairgreen Sod Farms’ Jetplane (White Snake x Ulen), looking to add another victory to his week. The 12-year-old KWPN mare incurred four faults in 40.5 seconds, ultimately finishing third.

A rider in formal equestrian attire jumps a brown horse over a blue and white obstacle during a show jumping competition.
Alex Matz & Viva Pleasure PS jumping to second. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Matz followed with 5 Star Partners’ 10-year-old Oldenburg mare, Viva Pleasure PS (Vivant Van Heffnick x Campina). He too fell victim to the same vertical as Dana, but his quicker time of 39.83 seconds secured the red ribbon.

A rider on horseback and two people stand behind a large ceremonial check at an outdoor equestrian event, with flowers and a Juniper sign in front.
Laura Kraut in the winner’s circle presented by Juniper Landscaping. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Coming down the ramp knowing only a clear round was needed, Kraut trusted her careful mount was up to the task. “I’ve had her since June of last year, so not quite a year. I’ve never had a horse quite like her. She jumps every jump over the wings. It’s just what she thinks she’s supposed to do,” Kraut smiled.

A horse and rider leap over a show jumping obstacle decorated with guitar-shaped panels in an arena with spectators in the background.
Laura Kraut & Kaylee. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

“We haven’t actually won that many classes because normally she jumps so high that it takes away from the time. Even in the qualifier, I had a time fault. So today I thought, ‘This is not going to be easy,’ because the time allowed was very, very short,” she shared. “It would have been really bad luck for her to have a fence down in the jump-off because she just does not touch fences. My strategy was to ride a nice course and trust that she wouldn’t knock anything down.”

Equestrian rider in formal attire pats a horse draped in a winner's blanket at a competition event.
Laura Kraut & Kaylee. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Having competed with multiple mounts at WEC – Ocala, Kraut emphasized how valuable the venue has been for her entire string. “I can’t believe we’re so lucky to have this. It’s very difficult when you go to a show, and you can only bring two or three horses. Your young horses end up sitting at home and don’t get developed. Being in Florida, this is the time of year to bring them along,” she continued. “The last time I was here, I jumped a young horse in the [WEC Stadium]. I mean, what better atmosphere is that? I just think we’re very fortunate to have this facility.”

An equestrian rider and horse jump over a barrier during a show jumping competition, surrounded by pink flowers and white seating.
Laura Kraut & Kaylee. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

The nine-year-old KWPN mare offered a glimpse into a bright future ahead, jumping in top form to secure her first career grand prix victory in 43.2 seconds.

$65,000 Juniper Landscaping Grand Prix CSI2*

Explore the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, and final results on HorseShowing.com. For real-time scoring, check out Ryegate.Live.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV

Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes! 

This event is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors and marketing partners, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.