Who's Who

Steinkraus, William

Discipline : Showjumping

Born : 1925

 

William Steinkraus participated in five Olympic Games. At the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City, he won a gold medal in Individual Jumping with the horse, Snowbound. He obtained two silver medals in Team Jumping, first in 1960 on his mount, Ksar d’Espirt, and 1972 on Main Spring. Bill also won a bronze medal in Team Jumping at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland on Hollandia. He was also slated to ride on the 1964 Olympic Team until his horse, Sinjon, was injured.

William Steinkraus retired from international competition at the end of 1972, following the show season, but continued to remain involved in the horse showing industry. This included involvement in the USET, either as president or chairman, from 1972–1992, and as an Honorary Member of the FEI Bureau. He also was a television commentator from 1976–1988, and a judge at the 1992 Olympic Games. Today, he still rides and plays chamber music.

Publications:

  • Riding and Jumping (1961)
  • The U.S. Equestrian Team Book of Riding (1976)
  • The Horse in Sport (1987)
  • Reflections on Riding and Jumping (1991)

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