Today, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET Foundation) announced that Chris Kappler, one of the world’s most successful show-jumping riders, is the recipient of the 2005 Whitney Stone Memorial Cup.

For the past 25 years, the USET Foundation has honored an individual who has achieved a distinguished record in international competition while also serving as an ambassador for the USET Foundation and equestrian sports.

“We are proud to award the 2005 Whitney Stone Memorial Cup to Chris Kappler,” said Bonnie B. Jenkins, Executive Director of the USET Foundation. “Chris’ successes on the international stage have earned him the honor of being one of the greatest equestrians that this country has had, in addition to the fact that Chris is a fierce but always gracious competitor, making him an extraordinary ambassador for our sport and country, qualities that embody what the Whitney Stone Memorial Cup stands for.”

At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Kappler, aboard Royal Kaliber, was the only show-jumping rider to win two medals – an Individual Bronze and a Team Silver.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Whitney Stone Memorial Cup, and I wish to sincerely thank the United States Equestrian Team Foundation,” said Chris Kappler. “To be included among the people previously singled out for their contributions to equestrian sports, people I greatly admire for their own achievements, is humbling.”

Kappler will receive the USET Foundation Whitney Stone Memorial Cup tomorrow at the Athlete & Owner Recognition Luncheon held in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY.

About the United States Equestrian Team Foundation
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the nonprofit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.