The Professionals Photography

A Golden Day for the 2004 United States Equestrian Team in Wellington

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2006- The radiant sun on a crystal clear day in Wellington, Florida could not have been any brighter. The sunlight matched the golden smiles spread across the faces of the newly crowned United States Equestrian Team 2004 Olympic Gold Medalists. The champions bowed their heads to receive their medals in honor of the United States, the symbol that any athlete would call the ultimate accomplishment.

“There are some moments in time that cannot be duplicated,” began the announcer upon the opening of the presentation. “There are moments when history is created. This is one of those moments. This is what dreams are made of. To be able to share in what most of us dream but very few accomplish, to represent your country and come away with gold is truly one of the highest honors any athlete can achieve. We are privileged to be able to share in this day and be in the honor of such greatness.” The ceremony took place just before the $60,000 Wellington Cup presented by Carlisle, CSI 3*, in which Lauren Hough emerged victorious with her horse Casadora.

More than 8,000 spectators, sponsors, riders, owners and trainers witnessed a golden moment in time. The stadium rose with cheers as Jimmy Fairclough and his prizewinning combined driving team, Team Clark, escorted United States Equestrian Federation President and winner of the 2000 Gold Medal in Three Day Eventing David O’Connor into the ring to make the presentation. Accompanying Mr. O’Connor was CEO of the United States Equestrian Federation John Long and Frank Chapot, Chef d’ Equipe of the 2004 Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medal Team. All three proudly waved American flags as they toured the perimeter of the International Arena.

The famous Olympic hymn was heard throughout the arena as fans rose to welcome the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalists. The gold medal athletes and their mounts included Chris Kappler and Royal Caliber (now deceased) who was owned by Hal and Kathy Kamine. Kappler was also awarded the individual silver medal for his performance in the 2004 games. Beezie Madden, another member of the 2004 team, rode Authentic. Authentic was owned by Beezie and John Madden, Jeremy and Peggy Jacobs, Barbara and Steffan Wolf, Chandi Duke Heffner, Joseph and Kathleen Patton and Elisabeth Busche Burke at the time of the Olympics and is currently owned by Abigail Wexner. Also receiving the team medal was McLain Ward and Sapphire, owned by the Double H Farm. Peter Wlyde was the fourth to be crowned with the laurel wreath. Wylde, rode Fein Cera owned by Anne Meyer, Sarah Willeman, and Turnabout Farm.

Side by side the 2004 team entered the ring waving to the crowd as they erupted with excitement. Their United States Equestrian Team signature red jackets with blue collars and USET emblem was a sight to be seen as they circled the ring, the beginning of what has been a long time coming.

The 2004 four team was originally awarded the silver medal in Athens, finishing second to the German team. A drug test later revealed that German rider Ludger Beerbaum’s Horse, Goldfever, tested positive for a banned substance and Beerbaum was disqualified. Beerbaum fought the allegations, but was defeated and a year later the American team was named the gold medal champions.

“This is really a bittersweet ending,” said Kathy Kamine, owner of Kappler’s mount Royal Kaliber. Kappler was elevated from a individual bronze medal to the silver when Ireland’s Cian O’Conner and his mount Waterford Crystal were disqualified for testing positive for a banned substance.

“It is so exciting and such a pleasure to be on the team of such talented riders who are so professional. It is a huge honor to ride for my country,” said both team gold an individual silver medalist Chris Kappler. “Everyone brought so much to the team. It is a nice ending to this long drawn out process,” he stated referring to the change in medals. “I have some fantastic memories for the rest of my life.”

Beezie Madden was excited to “just see the medal,” which she intends to frame.

“This is not just a victory in Athens,” said Olympian and President of the United States Federation David O’Connor. “This is a victory for each and every one who loves horse sports. These four incredible athletes and their horses made us proud, and it is a privilege to be able to present them with the medals they worked so hard for.”

The medals were awarded by the 1984 Los Angeles Gold Medal Olympic team members Conrad Holmfeld, Joe Fargis and Leslie Howard. 2004 Olympic Three Day Eventing Gold Medalist Kim Severson was also a presenter. Holmfeld had given Kappler his gold medal winning jacket from the 1984 Olympics to wear in Athens, which he proudly wore in his first victory with the gold medal bestowed around his neck.