In this video break from the USEA Vault, originally provided in partnership with Eventing Training Online, David O’Connor coaches a group of riders through the ditch portion of a ditch and rail combination, providing essential tips on how to be successful with this difficult jump.
David O'Connor has represented the United States in the sport eventing at two Olympic Games, winning team silver at the 1996 Summer Olympics and individual gold and team bronze at the 2000 Summer Olympics, at the 1999 Pan American Games, where he earned individual silver and team gold, and at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, where he was on the gold medal-winning team. After his retirement from competition in 2004, he held top coaching roles for the U.S. and Canadian eventing teams and served as president of the USEF from 2004 to 2012. O'Connor was inducted in the USEA's Eventing Hall of Fame in 2009.
Can't make it to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event? Never fear! We've got all the details you need on how to access the livestream for both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L taking place this week.
Have your travels to Kentucky for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begun yet? We've got the perfect podcast episode to help you make the time on the plane or in the car pass by as you prepare for all of the excitement of the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L that will take place this week. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sits down with Will Coleman to talk all about this iconic week in U.S. eventing, his plans for the four-star this year (including an adorable homage to long-term partner Off the Record), his first ever time competing at Kentucky, and so much more!
Happy Kentucky week eventing fans! The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event kicks off with the first formal horse inspection for the five-star field this Wednesday, April 23. With so much excitement building up for the competition this year, we compiled all the facts you might want to know about this year's five-star lineup. Get to know each of the horses and riders entered this year a little bit better below!
Horse trials, from local grassroots competitions to FEI-level events, are the heartbeat of the eventing world. These trials are more than just a test of skill for riders and horses; they are essential to the growth and sustainability of the entire equestrian community.