John Staples' Biography

John Staples is a native of Wichita, Kansas. He began riding at the age of 7 (pictured top right with his first pony, Queeny), competing in hunter jumper shows and horse trials. John was also a member of the Meadowlark Pony Club where he earned his B rating.

John studied engineering at the University of Kansas while competing internationally at the highest level of eventing. John won the 1986 North American Young Riders Championship riding Southcoast (pictured middle right). Only one year later, this pair placed 5th at the Rolex Kentucky CCI***, earning the Markham Trophy for the highest placed Young Rider. John's performance at Rolex earned the USET selectors' interest. John was awarded a scholarship in 1987 which allowed him to spend a year training abroad.

John was named as alternate to the 1988 United States Olympic Eventing team and was long-listed for both the 1992 and 1996 teams. John trained regularly with eventing legends Jack LeGoff, Torrence Watkins and Captain Mark Phillips.

John met his wife, Amy, when he returned to Wichita to help his ailing father with the family business. John continued to teach and ride on a more local level while building houses with his father. John returned to horses full-time when his father retired.

John continues to use his engineering knowledge through his hobby of designing and building cross-country fences.

John and Amy have two sons; seven year old Nicholas and three year old Luke.