Chris Kappler, 36, of Pittstown, NJ, has been named as U.S. Equestrian's 2003 Equestrian of the Year. Kappler was chosen from a group of six of the nation's most distinguished athletes that were bestowed the title of Equestrians of Honor.

Kappler and Royal Kaliber (Dutch Warmblood: Ramiro - Fiedonja, by Voltaire), the 12-year-old stallion he co-owns with Kathleen Kamine, won the individual silver and were members of the gold medal winning team at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santa Domingo. The pair racked up many wins during the 2003 competition year including the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational and the $150,000 Budweiser AGA Grand Prix making Royal Kaliber the Open Jumper of the Year in the U.S. Equestrian Horse of the Year race.

The Equestrian of the Year award is presented to the individual who has "excelled above all others in equestrian competition for the current year, while demonstrating superior sportsmanship and dedication to the principles, vision, and mission of U.S. Equestrian." The winner is determined by vote of the general membership, U.S. Equestrian Board of Directors and equestrian media.

Kappler was presented with the Robert P. Strub Trophy at the Pegasus Awards Dinner, January 16, 2004 during the U.S. Equestrian Annual Meeting at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Las Angeles, CA.