Business Details
Premier Equestrian Training & Eventing Camps
O'Connor Equestrian was founded by Olympic medalists David and Karen O'Connor to share decades of expertise in equestrian eventing with riders of all levels. Our programs combine world-class instruction with personalized coaching, drawing from our extensive competitive experience at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, and Pan American Games. We specialize in developing foundational skills, advanced techniques, and competitive strategies through structured camps, private lessons, and horse training programs.Our team has earned recognition as leaders in the sport, including induction into the USEA Hall of Fame and multiple national and international awards. We maintain rigorous standards for safety, horsemanship, and athletic excellence, ensuring participants receive the highest quality education in eventing disciplines. With facilities in Florida and Virginia, we serve equestrians across the United States while maintaining global connections through our competitive history and coaching networks.
Services
Eventing Camps
Private Lessons
Horse Training
Clinic Workshops
Competition Coaching
Highlights and features
- We offer Olympic-level expertise with over 30 combined years of international competition experience.
- Our personalized coaching approach adapts to each rider's unique learning style and goals.
- We maintain a proven track record of developing top-tier eventing horses and riders.
- Our programs combine technical skill development with sports psychology and horsemanship.
- We provide access to training facilities in both Florida and Virginia for year-round development.
Services
Eventing Camps
Our structured eventing camps provide immersive training in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping disciplines. Participants receive daily instruction from Olympic medalists, personalized skill assessments, and progressive training plans tailored to their experience level. The program emphasizes technical proficiency, horse-rider communication, and competition preparation while maintaining strict safety standards for both equine and rider development.
Private Lessons
Customized private lessons focus on individual rider development through targeted skill-building exercises. Sessions include biomechanics analysis, arena work, and cross-country schooling with expert feedback. Our instructors adapt teaching methods to each student's learning style while maintaining foundational principles of classical horsemanship and modern eventing techniques for optimal performance and safety.
Horse Training
Professional horse training programs develop foundational skills and competitive readiness in eventing disciplines. Our methods emphasize proper conditioning, obstacle desensitization, and partnership building between horse and rider. Trainers work systematically through progressive levels while maintaining veterinary oversight and ethical training practices to ensure equine well-being and long-term athletic development.
Clinic Workshops
Specialized clinics focus on specific eventing components including stadium jumping patterns, cross-country course strategy, and dressage precision. These intensive workshops provide concentrated skill development through group instruction and individualized feedback. Participants benefit from video analysis, problem-solving exercises, and drills designed to address common challenges in competitive eventing scenarios.
Competition Coaching
Comprehensive competition coaching prepares riders for success at all eventing levels through strategic planning and performance analysis. Services include course walk-throughs, warm-up routines, and real-time feedback during competitions. Our coaches emphasize mental preparation, time management, and tactical decision-making while maintaining focus on the horse-rider partnership during high-pressure competitive environments.
People
David O'Connor
Head Coach & Founder
Olympic gold medalist and USEF Hall of Famer with 20+ years of international eventing experience. Developed training methodologies that produced multiple championship horses and riders. Served as USEF President and FEI course designer.
Karen O'Connor
Coaching Director
Ten-time U.S. Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year and Olympic silver medalist. Recognized for developing champion horses including Theodore O'Connor. Serves on USEF Board of Directors and USEA Instructor Certification Program. 30+ years of competitive and teaching experience.
Questions
What equestrian disciplines do you specialize in?
We specialize in eventing, which combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Our programs develop skills in all three disciplines for competitive and recreational riders.
Do you offer training for different experience levels?
Yes, we provide instruction for beginners through advanced competitors. Our programs adapt to each rider's experience level and personal goals in a supportive learning environment.
What horse training services are available?
We offer progressive training for eventing horses from basic groundwork through advanced competition preparation. Services include flatwork, obstacle desensitization, and cross-country schooling with performance tracking.
Are there seasonal training locations?
Yes, we operate in Ocala, Florida during winter months and The Plains, Virginia during summer. This allows year-round training with optimal weather conditions for equestrian development.
How do you approach rider safety?
Safety is our priority. We implement structured skill progression, proper equipment checks, and risk management protocols. Instructors emphasize proper technique and situational awareness to minimize training-related injuries.
What competition preparation services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive competition coaching including course analysis, warm-up routines, and performance reviews. Our team helps riders develop strategic plans for specific events and manage competition stress effectively.
