For their success in competition, equestrian governance and training/coaching, David and Karen O’Connor are the golden couple of American eventing. They are role models recognized around the world and swarmed by fans wherever they go.
David is the President of the United States Equestrian Federation and is also a member of the FEI Eventing Committee. David is a much sought after course designer for many venues across the USA.
David is currently the coach of the Canadian Eventing Team and led them to a Team Silver Medal at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Lexington Kentucky USA.
The US Eventing Eligible Athlete Committee and US Eventing High Performance Committee have unanimously recommended David O'Connor to be the US Eventing Chef d'Equipe/ Technical Advisor to succeed Capt. Mark Phillips in 2013.
For Karen, 2007 proved to be the “year of the pony.” In the spring, she and Theodore O’Connor, the 14.2h bionic pony, won the 2007 CIC*** at The Fork. Then, following their history-making third place finish at the Rolex CCI****, where the pony was named the “Best Conditioned Horse,” Karen and “Teddy” captured the Individual Gold Medal and helped the United States win the Team Gold at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil! Teddy once again displayed his amazing athletic ability, under the skillful guidance of his Olympic veteran rider, to the delight of their growing throng of international fans.
Their accomplishments were recognized by the USEF, and the USEA. Karen was presented with the William C. Steinkraus Trophy and named the 2007 USEF Equestrian of the Year. The USEA named her 2007 Lady Rider of the Year. Teddy won the 2007 Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year award, as well as the 2007 USEA Pony of the Year and 2007 USEA Horse of the Year titles.
Based on her national and international performances, Karen has earned the U.S. Eventing Association's Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year a record 10 times since 1989.
The terms “horseman” and “horsewoman” define what they are at their essence. They teach people to learn how horses think, instead of react to what they do. Karen and David symbolize all that is best about equestrians—regard for horses and fellow competitors, appreciation of every discipline and a kind and sensible style of training horses and riders.
They also believe in giving back to the horse world that has given them so much. Karen and David know “it’s what you do after you win that counts the most.”
David and Karen operate a successful teaching and training business at their facilities in The Plains, Virginia and Ocala, Florida, USA.
Their highly successful competitive eventing careers and the numerous Titles and honours awarded to both David and Karen make them truly Equestrian royalty. Furthermore they are truly knowledgeable people with a genuine dedication and love for their sport and horses.
David's Achievements:
1995 David won both the USET Three-Day Event Spring and Fall Championships (Rolex Kentucky and Fair Hill CCI's), making him only the third rider ever to win both titles in the same year.
1996 David and Karen became the first couple to compete on the same team and win a medal when they helped the U.S team to win the silver medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games. David won the 1997 Badminton CCI****.
1996 and 1997 David won the USEA Rider of the Year Award. His mounts also took top USEA honors in those years. Custom Made was the USEA Horse of the Year in 1996 and Lightfoot squeezed his stable mate out in 1997 to take the title.
2000 Gold medal at the Sydney Olympic Games riding Custom Made.
2001 Bronze US Team medal Sydney Olympic Games. Karen was in the Team.
2001 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event – 1st and 3rd place.
2002 2002 World Equestrian Games USA Team Gold medal.
Karen's Achievements:
1984 Riding The Optimist, Karen became the first American to win the Boekelo CCI*** in Holland
1985 Won the Chesterland CCI*** on Castlewellan in their first three day event together.
1988 member of the USET Olympic squad with The Optimist
1989 Won the Fair Hill CCI*** aboard Nos Ecus
1991 Won Rolex for the first time riding Mr. Maxwell
1993 Won and third in the Punchestown CCI***
1993 Ranked third Event rider in World. Number 1 ranked lady rider.
1996 Karen was named Horseman of the year, along with David, by the Chronicle of the Horse
1996 USEA Lady Rider of the year
1996 Team silver medal in the Atlanta Olympic Games.
1997 Won Rolex riding Worth the Trust
1999 Won Rolex riding Prince Panache
2000 Team bronze medal at the Sydney Olympic Games riding Prince Panache
2000 Third place finish at Rolex CCI**** riding Prince Panache
2001 Won the Foxhall Cup CCI***.
2003 Individual Silver Medal at the Pan American Championships with Joker’s Wild
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