2025’s Show Jumping Hall of Fame Inducts Laura Kraut and Sandsablaze

The equestrian world recently celebrated the induction of two iconic figures into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame: four-time U.S. Olympic show jumper Laura Kraut and the legendary horse Sandsablaze. A ceremony, held on March 2, 2025 at the Wellington National Golf Club, honored their profound and lasting impact on the sport.

The Show Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1987 to promote show jumping and commemorate the legendary men, women, and horses who have made great contributions to the sport. Its vision is to educate horse lovers and devoted equestrians alike by sharing the sport’s legends, lore, and landmark achievements. The Hall of Fame formally opened in 1989 at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Since 2010, the Show Jumping Hall of Fame has been located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Mementos and artifacts from the sport’s history are on display in the Wheeler Museum. Plaques honoring each of the inductees can be seen at the Horse Park’s Rolex Stadium and online at showjumpinghalloffame.net.

Kraut was acknowledged for her exceptional skill and unwavering dedication, both of which were clearly evident throughout her distinguished career, which has included multiple Olympic and World Equestrian Games appearances. Her consistent excellence has solidified her position as a leading force in American show jumping.

Also inducted, Sandsablaze, was remembered for his captivating story of unexpected triumph. Initially intended for the hunter ring, this exceptional horse, known as Pappy, defied expectations, rising to become a dominant show jumper in the 1970s with victories at the Pan American Games and in numerous Nations Cup events.

The induction of Kraut and Sandsablaze into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame served as a fitting tribute to their enduring legacies. It recognized not only their individual accomplishments but also their significant contributions to the rich history and enduring allure of show jumping.

Kraut once told Practical Horseman, “I never worried about being successful because in this sport if you base success on your victories you will be disappointed. The win ratio is very low in the jumpers. You are lucky to win one in 20 classes at the upper level. So you base your success on your horses, their progress and your own feeling of how you are riding.”