Karen O’Connor Back for 4th Olympics With Mandiba

August 4, 2008

Her 2008 Olympic berth, the fourth in her career, will probably be a bittersweet one for US Olympic Eventer Karen O’Connor. A few months ago she was dreaming of riding the incredible pony Theodore O’Connor, who won two gold medals at the 2007 Pan-Am Games, in the Olympics. After a tragic accident on the farm, Teddy had to be put down on May 28. Then 9-year-old Irish Thoroughbred Mandiba became Karen’s front-running Olympic mount. They qualified as first alternates for the team, and landed a spot officially when Heidi White had to withdraw her horse for veterinary reasons.

It’s been a struggle with many mishaps for Karen and Mandiba to get to the Olympics, but no doubt her experience will propel them to a great showing for the US team.

A Force In The Eventing World

Karen and her husband, David, are probably some of the most well-known riders, trainers, and coaches in the eventing world. The couple was married in 1993, and since have won team silver (1996) and team bronze (2000) at the Olympics together. They run Stonehall Farm in Virginia where they ride and train as well as coach up and coming young riders with a whole lot of talent and even more drive. Together these top riders make up the O’Connor Event Team.

Karen began competing internationally in 1979, when she was just 21 years old, finishing 10th at the Badminton CCI****. In 1984, riding The Optimist, she became the first American to win the Boekelo CCI*** in Holland, and she won the Chesterland CCI*** the following year on Castlewellan in their first three day event together.

Karen won the prestigious Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for the first time in 1991 aboard Mr. Maxwell, and then won again in 1997 with Worth the Trust, and in 1999 with Prince Panache. In 2003, she had two horses in the top 10 at Rolex. In 1993 Karen was ranked third in the world, and number one among female riders. She and David were named Horsemen of the year by Chronicle of the Horse and was USEA Lady Rider of the year, both in 1996.

For Karen, 2007 proved to be “the year of the pony.” She and 14.2 hand sport pony Teddy won the CIC*** athe The Fork, placed third at Rolex where Teddy was named the “Best Conditioned Horse,” and took individual and team gold at the Pan-American Games. 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.

Giving Back To The Sport

Besides coaching the O’Connor Event Team with David, Karen teaches at clinics and summer camps and gives demonstrations as well as serving on several committee’s that provide guidance to the sport of eventing. Karen co-chairs the United States Eventing Association’s Instructor Certification Program, conducting workshops and mentoring candidates. She is also on the USEF’s board of directors, of which David is currently President.

Headed to the Olympics With Mandiba

Karen got Mandiba in 2004, and they quickly formed a strong team. Mandiba won his first competition with Karen and then went on to win seven of the next ten events. Mandiba topped it off by taking home the Training Horse Championship at the 2005 American Eventing Championships. In 2006 the team placed second at the Rocking Horse Winter Horse Trials and at Red Hills. They won the Florida International CCI*, the Virginia Horse Trials, and went back to the USEA Championships where they finished with top honors for the second year in a row. Earlier this year they placed seventh at the Allentown CCI3* and second at the Tallahassee CIC3*. In 2006 they won a blue ribbon at the American Eventing Championships.

Karen O’Connor And Mandiba Compete at The Fork

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Posted in 2008 Olympics, Olympic Eventing