In a cavalry charge of a 15-horse jump-off for the Grand Prix of Rotterdam, Laura Kraut and Baloutinue posted the best U.S. effort with a clear round in 38.10 seconds. It was good enough for fourth behind the Dutch winner, Marc Houtzager on Sterrehof’s Dante, more than two seconds faster in 36.07 seconds.
McLain Ward, the only other American in the tie-breaker, was tenth with a knockdown on Callas in 37.45 seconds.
The other U.S. competitors did not make the cut to ride against the clock. Callie Schott had a rail with Garant to wind up twenty-ninth, while Jessica Springsteen–who rode with Laura and McLain on the Tokyo Olympic silver medal team–logged 8 faults on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, which put her fortieth. Callie and Jessica were the only two American riders to go fault-free last week in the Longines League of Nations, where the U.S. finished last.
Rotterdam was a disappointing show for the U.S., with the dressage team also finishing last in its Nations Cup.
But for some encouraging news, be sure to read our feature story about American dressage victories in Germany. And get the story about both U.S. dressage and show jumping in Europe last week at this link. That story is also the second feature on our main page.
Click here for results of the Rotterdam Grand Prix of show jumping