Kathy Kusner

was basically laughed at when she applied for a jock's license in Maryland in November, 1967. Instead of walking away like countless other women before her, she got an attorney and went to court.  She told reporters, "riding is more a game of technique and skill than strength. In some ways, it's the same as playing chess with men, so I don't intend to give up the fight." A year later, a judge ruled that she'd been denied a license because of sexual discrimination and ordered the Maryland Racing Commission to license her.  Because of a broken leg, Kathy’s debut as a jockey

was delayed until September, 1969.  She rode races for about 5 years; her career was not easy for several reasons. Jocks were not allowed to have the apprentice allowance after they were 26 years old. Without this, known as “the bug”, it would be difficult for a man or women to get a jock’s career started. Kathy was 29 when she rode her first races. That, and the fact that she was “a girl”, made it very hard to get mounts. She also continued riding as a member of the United States Equestrian Team and won a silver medal in her third Olympic Games; Munich in 1972. She later became the first woman to work as a pilot for Executive Jet Aviation – flying the Lear Jet.

Kathy's competitive drive extended to long distance running. As of Feb 23, 2008, she has completed 106 marathons and 66 ultra marathons, including 20 races of 50 miles or longer. Kathy is founder and chairman of the board of Horses in the Hood, a non-profit organization benefiting the inner-city community by providing lessons that teach skills and values associated with the care and riding of horses.