This episode of In Stride is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation. 

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by eventing legend Karen O’Connor. 

Karen O’Connor is one of the most accomplished event riders in U.S. history, having represented the United States at five Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games, and two Pan American Games. She helped secure team silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and team bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and she earned both individual and team gold at the 2007 Pan American Games. Alongside her husband, Olympic event rider David O’Connor, she runs O’Connor Equestrian, a renowned training and coaching program based in The Plains, Virginia, and Ocala, Florida. 

Karen reflects on her legendary eventing career and the role natural horsemanship has played in shaping successful horse-and-rider partnerships, including: 

• How she fell in love with horses as a kid and the early experiences that laid the foundation for her life in the sport 

• Her relationship with pressure on the world stage, especially within an Olympic team environment, and how she navigated those situations 

• The community and family that grew from merging her business with David’s and building O’Connor Eventing together 

• Why horsemanship must be a cornerstone of training, and how often these fundamentals are overlooked by many new riders today 

Join Karen and Sinead as they dive into the realities behind one of the most influential eventing careers of all time and the timeless principles that continue to guide great riders and great horses. 

In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ.

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If you want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠.

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