Gladstone, NJ-September 3, 2003-Chris Kappler of Pittstown, NJ, was named United States Equestrian Team (USET) Athlete of the Month for August after he and Royal Kaliber, owned by Kathy Kamine, helped the U.S. win the team Gold Medal in show jumping at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic. That Gold Medal resulted in the U.S. being able to send a squad to the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

In team competition, Kappler turned in two penalty-free rides including the ride that clinched the Gold! Kappler then went on to win the individual Silver Medal. This was the first time that Kappler had ever ridden at a major international games.

"It was a super day," he said. "The goal was to qualify for the Olympics first and then it was to win the team gold. Thanks to everyone on the team, we accomplished that goal."

The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest possible standard to represent our country in major international competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships. To accomplish this the USET seeks out and nurtures the development of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.