Middleburg, Va. – October 3, 2018 – Rutledge Farm is pleased to welcome Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler as part of the Rutledge Farm Sessions November 2-4. Kappler brings over four decades of experience in the sport, competing successfully at the highest levels. Rutledge Farm Session attendees will gain a wealth of knowledge from Kappler throughout the weekend.
In 2004, Kappler earned Olympic team gold and individual silver for show jumping in Athens, Greece. The year prior, Kappler earned team gold and individual silver at the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic and was named Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) that same year. He now focuses on training horses and riders at his farm in Pittstown, NJ and instills the importance of classical training and horsemanship.

“It seems like a great place to come and do a clinic and I’m really looking forward to it,” Kappler said. “Aleco [Bravo-Greenberg] is creating a really nice group of high-end clinics at Rutledge Farm, and of course Middleburg is in the heart of horse country in America in a lot of ways, so there are a lot of roots there.”
Session attendees can look forward to three exciting days of specialized instruction from Kappler. The focus of the first day will be making improvements on the flat, while day two will build upon the basics to develop skills over fences. There will be three sections offered – high, medium, and low at 3’6”-4’3”, 3’0, and 2’6” heights respectively. Auditors are highly encouraged to attend to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.
Kappler said, “As most people know, I’m very much interested in correct riding on the flat and how it works and corresponds with jumping. So day one will be fairly heavy in flat with some basic gymnastics and basic work setting up for the second day which would be again, continue gymnastics and working on rideability. And then day three will be coursework and focusing on preparing for a competition.”
Not only does Kappler have years of experience in the saddle, he is also a founder and board member of the North American Riders Group. He is currently a member of the USEF Board of Directors and has been a member of numerous USEF committees, including the Eligible Athletes committee. Kappler has served as the USEF athlete representative to the United States Olympic Committee and he was a United States Team Selector for the 2015 Pan American games as well as for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Kappler said, “As most people know, I’m very much interested in correct riding on the flat and how it works and corresponds with jumping. So day one will be fairly heavy in flat with some basic gymnastics and basic work setting up for the second day which would be again, continue gymnastics and working on rideability. And then day three will be coursework and focusing on preparing for a competition.”
Not only does Kappler have years of experience in the saddle, he is also a founder and board member of the North American Riders Group. He is currently a member of the USEF Board of Directors and has been a member of numerous USEF committees, including the Eligible Athletes committee. Kappler has served as the USEF athlete representative to the United States Olympic Committee and he was a United States Team Selector for the 2015 Pan American games as well as for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Kappler said, “As most people know, I’m very much interested in correct riding on the flat and how it works and corresponds with jumping. So day one will be fairly heavy in flat with some basic gymnastics and basic work setting up for the second day which would be again, continue gymnastics and working on rideability. And then day three will be coursework and focusing on preparing for a competition.”
Not only does Kappler have years of experience in the saddle, he is also a founder and board member of the North American Riders Group. He is currently a member of the USEF Board of Directors and has been a member of numerous USEF committees, including the Eligible Athletes committee. Kappler has served as the USEF athlete representative to the United States Olympic Committee and he was a United States Team Selector for the 2015 Pan American games as well as for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Registration for this Rutledge Farm Session is open! Visit rutledgefarm.com/clinics to reserve your spot today.
Rutledge Farm Sessions brings exclusive educational opportunities to riders and professionals in Middleburg, Virginia. Drawing from a pool of Olympic-level clinicians, Rutledge Farm offers monthly sessions for riders at all levels and disciplines. For more information on the Rutledge Farm Sessions, visit rutledgefarm.com.
Rutledge Farm Sessions Fast Facts:
Who:
Chris Kappler
What:
3-day, high-performance show jumping clinic
9:00 – 11:00 – High Class (3’6″ – 4’3″)
11:15 – 1:15 – Medium Class (3′)
2:45 – 4:45 – Low Class (2’6″)
When:
Day 1 – Friday, November 2
Day 2 – Saturday, November 3
Day 3 – Sunday, November 4
Where:
Rutledge Farm
Middleburg, Virginia
How:
Visit rutledgefarm.com/clinics