This award is given annually to a rider whose consistent excellence in international competition and whose level of sportsmanship and contributions as an ambassador for the sport exemplify the highest ideals and traditions of the equestrian team. American.

“The Whitney Stone Cup is something I’ve known forever,” Kraut commented. “I’ve seen some of the people I admire most in our sport win, so to be that person and to receive this award is humbling. I never thought of myself as the person receiving the awards, so it’s is truly rewarding.

Notably, in 2021, Kraut represented the United States on several Nations Cup teams, as well as at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where Kraut and Baloutinue, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm, helped the United States win its second consecutive team Olympic silver medal. After a successful summer, Kraut and his Olympic mount have been selected to be the anchor suit for the NetJets® American Show Jumping Team at the Mercedes Benz Nations Cup CSIO5* in Aachen, Germany. . The duo’s efforts helped the United States claim victory for the first time since 2005.

IIn addition to focusing on his own goals, Kraut is dedicated to working with and mentoring younger generations of runners with the goal of helping them successfully represent the United States on the biggest international stages.

“I have absolutely loved riding on American equestrian teams, and I’m passionate about inspiring young riders to do so too,” Kraut said. “It’s important to me that the United States stays at the forefront of the sport in the world. It’s been a lot of fun to be part of a driver’s first experience with a team. For example, this year at Aachen, riding in the team with basically all the young riders, and being there with them for that experience, was just as fun as the first time I went there.

The Whitney Stone Cup, which was presented to the team by the leaders and trustees of the USET Foundation, is awarded in honor of the late Whitney Stone, who served as President and Chairman of the Board of USET and who was instrumental in creating a civilian team when the Army withdrew from competitive equestrian sports after 1948.

Source: USET Foundation