Kusner, Kathy (1940–)

views updated

Kusner, Kathy (1940–)

American equestrian. Born Kathryn H. Kusner, Mar 21, 1940, in Gainesville, FL.

As a leading international dressage rider, won the President's Cup, NY championships, and Prix des Amazones; was the 1st woman in 10 years to join US equestrian team (1961); rode on American gold medal team in Pan-American games (1963) and again in Olympics (1964); on Untouchable, won International Grand Prix in Dublin for 2 competitions in a row (1964, 1966); filed a sexual discrimination suit against Maryland Racing Commission for refusing to give her a license as a jockey (1967), a case which she won, becoming the 1st licensed female jockey though not the 1st to race professionally (she was sidelined with a broken leg when Diane Crump rode into the history books at Hialeah, Feb 7, 1969); was victorious at Pocono Downs (Sept 1969); continuing to compete as a dressage rider, won a silver medal at Munich Olympics (1972).

See also Women in World History.