Kappler began riding at age eight when his mother Kay began taking lessons herself. Kay’s interest eventually waned, but Kappler’s never did. He began his grand prix career in 1984 at age 17. He placed fifth in his first major showjumping event. Kappler admits he was lucky in that he got an excellent horse, Concorde, right away.

Kappler has more than thirty career grand prix wins in North America and Europe. A four-time Midwest Rider of the Year (1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991), he rode Seven Wonder to the AGA Horse of the Year title in 1995. In Kappler’s U.S. equestrian team debut, he contributed to a victory at the 1987 Nation’s Cup. The following year, Kappler was presented with the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy, awarded to a rider exemplifying outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 1989, Kappler competed in his first World Cup Final and placed seventh. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Kappler had an extraordinary year, receiving a silver medal for the team competition and a bronze medal for the individual competition.

The staff of Las Vegas World Invitational wish to express our condolences to Chris, as we have recently learned that his horse, Royal Caliber, has passed on.