Karen O'Connor Update and Horses' Competition Plans

Feb 13, 2013

Karen O'Connor Update and Horses' Competition Plans

By Chris Stafford - Edited Press Release

U.S. Olympian on Road to Recovery Following Serious Riding Accident

U.S. Multi Olympian, Karen O'Connor is still recovering from a serious riding accident that resulted in a broken back which has sidelined her for the spring eventing season. Her team of horses are currently being ridden by Lauren Kieffer and Marilyn Little to keep them fit for competition. The 11 year old Dutch Warmblood mare Veronica owned by Team Rebecca LLC is now ridden by her new regular partner Kieffer and the partnership began the season this weekend with a second place finish in the Ocala Horse Trials Open Preliminary.

Smilla, owned by Mrs. Jaqueline Mars, Quintus 54 owned by Team Rebecca LLC and RF Amber Eyes, purchased recently from the estate of Richard Thompson by David & Karen, and O'Connor's London Olympic partner, Mr. Medicott, owned by the Mr. Medicott Syndicate, have been based in Wellington this winter to train with Marilyn Little who has been show jumping them in the Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center. Quintus 54 and RF Amber Eyes will continue to be shown with a view to being offered for sale.

Prior to the start of his busy travel schedule this winter David O'Connor has been riding these four horses fit in Ocala before they relocated to Little's training center in Wellington in January.

"Marilyn is doing a great job with all of them. Still based in Ocala are Mandiba and Sunset Paradise. They have been legged up and are staying fit for my return to the saddle by working student Katlyn McMorris," commented Karen.

"After consultation with my generous owners, I am very happy with the decisions made for each of their horses. While it will still be some time before I will be out competing again, I do feel great now. I am pain free finally and getting fit and strong through rehab Pilates. Both Lauren and Marilyn are getting along beautifully with Veronica and Mr Medicott respectively. The transition has been seamless, as both are great riders that know our program well, and are of similar body type to myself. Lauren had a great debut at Ocala . Marilyn has been doing wonderful work with Mr. Medicott. I'm looking forward to watching both horses this weekend at Rocking Horse. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone so much for all of their help and well wishes during this extremely tough time. The generosity of my friends and family has been truly overwhelming," added Karen.

For more information, please contact Chris Stafford: [email protected].

For more information about Karen and her team of horses, please visit the website at http://www.oconnoreventteam.com.

Dec 23, 2024 Education

Saddle Fit Simplified

Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?

Dec 22, 2024 USEA Foundation

Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant

Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!

Dec 21, 2024 Education

3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025

With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.

Dec 20, 2024 Sponsor

“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ

Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA