Aachen, Germany – To close the Icon Global U.S. Jumping Team’s bid at the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen, Germany, Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) was 14th riding St. Brides Farm, Inc.’s, Baloutinue, and McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) finished 21st aboard Michael Smith’s High Star Hero after the final day of jumping on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
With two clear rounds already to their credit earlier in the week, Kraut and Baloutinue had an unlucky foot in the water to end on four faults added to their 5.06 penalties carried forward. Their final score kept the 2010 Hanoverian gelding (Balou du Rouet X Landor S) cared for by Alex Tyler-Morris, and Kraut from advancing to the final round with the top 12.
“It’s very disappointing because he jumped outstanding all week,” said Kraut, at the conclusion of her fourth world championship. “Balou thinks he had a clear round—it's the first time in the six years I’ve ridden him that we’ve even come close to the tape. He jumped like a champion all week.”
High Star Hero, a 2013 Belgian Sport Horse gelding (I Am Moerhoeve’s Star x Darco) cared for by Caroline Holmberg, carried Ward to the final round with a tally of 6.62, but added two rails to finish 21st.
“Hero gave so much in the team rounds, and I think both of us probably knew today that we were out of contention at this point,” said Ward—a five-time member of world championship teams—after his final round. “It’s disappointing to not come away with a medal, but Hero is an incredible horse; he jumped a true championship test with this course and I am proud of him.”
Website | Full Results | Watch | US Equestrian’s Content Hub
Follow US Equestrian
Stay up to date on the Icon Global U.S. Jumping Team by following USA Jumping on Facebook and Instagram, and US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Use #USAJumping.
The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.