Lexington, KY—Following in the footsteps of exemplary equestrians who have paved the way for decades, Kathy Kusner, Margaret Price, Alvin Topping and Edna Griswald Lytle are the newest recipients of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pegasus Medals of Honor. These Medals are given to individuals “who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and the sport and, who, through their dedication, have attracted people to the sport and contributed to horse sport by advancing its popularity.” These deserving winners have been pioneers in shaping the path of equestrian sport.

The first licensed female jockey in the United States, Kathy Kusner joined the U.S. Equestrian Team at a mere 21 years of age and represented the United States in three separate Olympic Games, including the 1972 Games in Munich, where she was part of the Silver Medal winning Show Jumping Team. Ms. Kusner was also part of the Gold and Silver Medal winning teams in two Pan American Games, and was a member of numerous U.S. Nation’s Cup Teams. In 1990, Kusner was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, and was later named one of the 50 most influential Horsemen of the 20th Century by The Chronicle of the Horse. She resides in West Hollywood, CA.

Also winning a Medal of Honor is Margaret “Maggie” Price, of Stroudsburg, PA. Ms. Price has been an invaluable resource in bringing the sport of endurance to the USEF. A past president of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), Price continues to serve in many capacities, including on the AERC Board of Directors and numerous USEF committees. Price was a team and individual Bronze Medalist at the 1992 World Endurance Championship and has been named an FEI Official Endurance Chief. Riding more than 7,000 miles in her lifetime, she continues to compete in 25 mile competitions, despite a bout with cancer that stripped her of the use of one leg.

Alvin Topping, of Sagaponack, NY, receives this distinguished honor after years of service to the USEF, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and the National Hunter/Jumper Council. Active in the continued development and growth of the Pony Finals for years, this owner of Swan Creek Farm has owned and trained numerous horses for major competitions, including Devon, Washington International, the Pennsylvania National and the Professional Horsemen’s Association (PHA) Medal Finals. A longtime president of the Long Island Chapter of PHA, Topping is now a senior member of the Smithtown Hunt.

Edna Griswald Lytle also touts an impeccable record of service to the USEF and the National Hunter/Jumper Association. A Dickerson, MD native, Ms. Lytle is a past president of the Maryland Horse Shows Association, and owns Otasage Farm, where she has bred a number of successful hunter horses. In 1984, Ms. Lytle was inducted into the Maryland Horse Shows Association Hall of Fame and in 2004, was the first recipient of the USEF Pony Finals Service Award. Ms. Lytle continues her passion of equestrian sport and her love of riding, despite the loss of the use of one of her hands.

The superior service of Ms. Kusner, Ms. Price, Ms. Lytle and Mr. Topping will be formally acknowledged during the USEF annual meeting at the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, KY, January 14, at the Pegasus Awards dinner. For ticket information, please contact Krista Greathouse on (859) 225-6961 or via e-mail at [email protected].

For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager on (859) 225-6974 or via e-mail at [email protected]. USEF press releases are available on our website – www.usef.org.