IN MEMORIAM: FINN CASPERSEN (USA), 1942 - 2009
Finn Caspersen, former United States Equestrian Team chairman and long-time American driving advocate, died on 7 September at the age of 67.
Caspersen founded the Gladstone Equestrian Association, based at the USET's headquarters in Gladstone, N.J. For many years Gladstone hosted one of the country's best driving events and, in 1993, staged the World Pairs Championship, the first these championships were ever staged outside Europe. It was a vast undertaking involving the travel of 58 drivers, their horses and carriages from 23 countries to the United States. The Championship was attended by former FEI President HRH Prince Phillip and attracted thousands of spectators.
Finn Caspersen sponsored his own Combined Driving Team and played an active role in the team as a groom.
Finn Caspersen put his name to the FEI Top Driver Four-in-Hand Award from its inception in 1991 to 2006.
A Harvard-educated lawyer and successful businessman, Finn Caspersen supported many causes well beyond the boundaries of equestrian sport. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; four sons and numerous grandchildren.
