Formerly from Camden, South Carolina, Sydney Olympic veteran Laura Kraut began riding at the age of three in Atlanta, Georgia with her mother, Carol Kent. After an injury in 1988 forced her to take a brief respite from competition, Laura returned with a vengeance later in the year to tie an AGA record py placing first, second and third at the $30,000 Grand Prix of Houston, Texas. Later in the season she piloted 'Benny Hill' and 'Reubens' to a one-two finish in the $30,000 Milwaukee Classic, Wisconsin.

Laura's successful career took off in the 90's with many victories in top level competitions with her well known horse 'Simba Run'. In 1999 Laura's new mount 'Liberty' also started to rise to the top level of the sport and in 2000 the combination really came into their prime. Winning the $100,000 Rolex/US Show Jumping Champiionship presented by the AHSA and USET was the first step to Laura securing a spot on the US Sydney Olympic Games Team where the Team finished in sixth place.

2001 saw Laura and 'Liberty' in the winner's circle on three occasions at major tour stops, the $100,000 US Open Jumper Championship, the $75,000 American Jumper Classic and the Budweiser Grand Prix de Penn National. The success led to Laura taking home the reserve champion AGA Rider of the Year title for the 200-2001 season.

2002 saw Laura and 'Liberty' take the 2nd place in the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, Tampa, Florida. It was also a year that marked the arrival of Laura's next major Grand Prix partner 'Anthem'. Laura and 'Anthem' were named as the reserve pair for the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. That September the combination helped the US Team win the Nations' Cup at the CSIO***** Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Laura and 'Anthem' have continued there success over the last couple of years and topped off 2004 with the win in the $100,000 Budweiser AGA Championship in Wellington, Florida.