“We're very excited to have the opportunity to be able to compete in it,” Kraut says about the athletes’ perspective on the Rolex Series. 

“The Rolex Series certainly is one of the thoughts that I have in mind when I'm planning my calendar, and I obviously try to target the Rolex Series because it consists of some of the best competitions,” Kraut – who won the Rolex Grand Prix of Dublin with Bisquetta last year – tells about her plans for the season ahead. “The Rolex Series includes venues that have variety, but that also are prestigious, and I feel like they're part of the history of our sport – from Dublin to Dinard to La Baule… When you arrive at those events, you realize that there's a lot of showjumping history there.” 

“The last week here at the Winter Equestrian Festival has historically always been a big event, but the sponsorship from Rolex and the prize money being increased to $1,000,000 this year is bringing an added element of importance,” Kraut says about the Rolex Series season opener. “I think myself and all my fellow competitors are really targeting that Saturday night. To have it under the lights here in Wellington makes a huge difference. The crowd here is enormous and the atmosphere is so electric. It's probably one of the most exciting events of the year. Wellington International has done a great job over the last 15 years of creating a fan base and the people who come to watch understand how important the Rolex Grand Prix is.”