United States Eventing Association

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.