Laura Kraut: Making an Impact Beyond the Podium
Olympic gold and silver medals. More than 100 grand prix wins. Laura Kraut’s accomplishments place her among the greatest riders of all time. Yet she also strives to make a broader impact, beyond her legendary competitive record.
“I’d like to be known as a good horsewoman, that I treated people fairly, and that I do care about others,” she says. “I do my best to give of myself as much as I can.”
Kraut travels the globe competing at show jumping’s most competitive events, in Ireland, Spain and Germany, Florida to France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Great Britain and many other places.
But almost every winter, she can be found at the JustWorld annual gala in Wellington, Florida, where she and her partner, Olympic gold medalist Nick Skelton of Great Britain, have generously contributed their time and expertise to raise funds for JustWorld’s work. For her decades of commitment, Kraut is one of this year’s gala honorees.
Laura Kraut riding for the cause.
“I’d known Jessica Newman and her family; they all rode, and they’d been in the sport a long time,” Kraut says of her initial involvement in JustWorld more than 20 years ago. “When she started this mission I felt like it was really nice to see someone who was wanting to give back and help other people. Right from the beginning there was something I was drawn to, and I’ve been a loyal supporter ever since.”
She’s been especially pivotal at the gala. “I’ve helped at the fundraiser in different capacities,” she says. “I’ve tried to help with the silent auction or live auction, anything I can do to raise money.”
Laura Kraut and her partner, Nick Skelton, support JustWorld’s biggest fundraiser each year.
One of her favorite JustWorld memories was of the live auction one year, when lessons she and Skelton donated drew amazing support. “It went for over $25,000, twice! It was really fun for us to help raise that kind of money,” she says. “It’s very satisfying to donate time and effort to help. If you’ve had a successful career, it’s a good way of giving back and helping other people achieve their dreams. We’ve had some really fun times at the fundraiser at Belle Herbe Farm.”
Kraut’s son, Bobby, was involved in JustWorld when he was young, and Kraut tries to encourage anyone who’s interested to get involved.
Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut with Kraut’s son and former JWI Ambassador Bobby Kraut
“I really believe in the program, and through the years I’ve encouraged people to attend the party and learn about it. Fundraising is not an easy mission, so I try to speak highly and make people aware that it is for a worthwhile cause. Whether in Cambodia or down the street, these are kids you’re wanting to help, to give them a chance,” she says.
Even as she’s being honored for her longtime commitment, Kraut says she’s most impressed by the longevity of JustWorld. “Jessica and her mother [Maria Newman] have stuck with it for over 20 years, and they keep trying to improve kids’ lives,” Kraut says. “I’ve learned about the process behind what she does, and it’s not as simple as it seems on the outside. There’s a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into what JustWorld does; it’s not just a matter of money. It’s blood, sweat, commitment, and I’ve learned more of that than anything.”
If you’re a friend or fan of Laura Kraut and want to join her in supporting JustWorld’s mission to break the cycle of poverty, create a custom congratulatory ad or join us at the gala, January 22, 2026 in Wellington, Florida.
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JustWorld International
Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, and nutrition programs for children around the world. Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the nonprofit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe on a daily basis.
To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visitwww.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.
