This Week on In Stride

Sinead Halpin-Maynard welcomes top event rider Karen O’Neal for an honest conversation about perseverance, chasing big dreams at any age, and building a life around horses.

Meet the Guest: Karen O’Neal

Karen O’Neal is an accomplished event rider, trainer, and coach with well over 100 first-place victories in national and international eventing and show jumping competitions. She is a widely recognized competitor and a USEA ICP Level IV Certified instructor, known for her ability to develop both horses and riders through the levels. Through her training program, Karen focuses on producing confident, competitive horses while helping riders build strong fundamentals, effective communication, and long-term success in the sport.

In This Episode, Sinead and Karen Discuss:

• Karen’s journey to her first Kentucky 5* at age 55, including early days riding, balancing horses with motherhood, and building her training business across the West Coast
• The unexpected rise of Clooney, a quirky young horse who gradually revealed his potential for the upper levels, and the power of choosing horses by intuition rather than pedigree
• What it takes to continue riding and competing at the highest level later in life, from embracing constant learning and coaching to prioritizing fitness and health
• Advice for riders whose paths aren’t linear, why it’s never too late to reach a dream, and the importance of community, adaptability, and finding fulfillment in the everyday journey with horses

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

-  Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. 

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Looking for More?

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving?  Dr. Erica Lacher’s Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now.

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Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. 

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