Walker’s Equestrian Captain Interviews Olympian Mary Chapot

In alignment with the 2025 Walker’s Cup theme of women in Olympic showjumping, Walker’s senior and equestrian team captain Kipley Kagan ’25 had the opportunity to interview Olympian Mary Chapot while at the International Horse Show in Wellington, Florida, providing valuable insights into the evolution of women’s participation in showjumping.

Prior to 1964, women were prohibited from participating in Olympic showjumping. However, riders such as Mary Chapot and Kathy Kusner were trailblazers for women in the equestrian world and beyond. Both represented the United States on the Olympic showjumping team in 1968, and Kusner rode in her third Olympics in 1972. In the 60 years since women were welcomed to the Games, every U.S. team but one — the 1976 all-male team — has been at least 50% female. 14 women have represented the U.S. in the sport.

Kipley’s interview with Chapot highlighted her pioneering role in advancing opportunities for women in equestrian sports. Additionally, Walker’s student Sophie Ferrara ’26 connected with the most recent chapter of this history by receiving a lesson from Laura Kraut, a contemporary female Olympic showjumper for Team USA.

Today, Chapot operates a stable in New Jersey. Her daughters have also made significant contributions to the equestrian world: Laura Chapot is an international showjumper, while Wendy Chapot is both a judge and a top amateur rider. Her late husband, Frank Chapot, was a multiple-time Olympian and longtime coach of the U.S. team.