April 24, 2007 — Two of the top trainers in equestrian sport, eventing Olympians Karen and David O’Connor, are bringing their training methods to a second venue for 2007. The first camp is being held at on June 10-15 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va. The Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colo., will host the second O’Connor Equestrian Camp for 2007, August 19-24.
David O’Connor, a former Rolex and Badminton CCI**** winner, captured the gold medal in eventing for the U.S. at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Karen O’Connor, also a three-time Rolex winner, and veteran U.S. Olympian, has been named U.S. Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year a record nine times.
The O’Connors, and their panel of journeyman instructors, will take potentially complicated ideas and break them down into understandable and achievable goals.
The camp will cover:
- O’Connor Safety System for Cross-Country – including simulations and demos
- Horsemanship – stable management and essential horse care tips from top professionals in their fields
- Working Your Horse from the Ground – with exercises tailored to meet the needs of competitors and help improve your communication with your horse
- Dressage – build suppleness, enhance the quality of gaits, and improving your score
- Cross Country and Show Jumping – improving form, technique and technical skills
The Colorado Horse Park is an international equestrian competition center located just outside Denver, Colo. It boasts a Novice through Intermediate level cross-country course designed by David O’Connor. The town of Parker has many fine hotels and amenities for campers as well. More information can be found at www.coloradohorsepark.com.
Campers and horses are to be settled in by 5 p.m. on Sunday and then have a “meet and greet” dinner with the O’Connors and the rest of the team. Throughout the week, campers work continuously with their horses during the day, both in hand and in the saddle. The O’Connors personally conduct the daily sessions and contribute to the various lectures and demos in between. The camp then concludes with a large luncheon on Friday afternoon and a wrap up of the activities for the week.
Riders’ skills should be at least Beginner Novice comparable. Riders ages 12-16 are welcome with an accompanying adult guardian. Full enrollment in the camp costs $2,100, which includes stabling, continental breakfast, daily lunch and two dinners.
For more information and to register for either the Virginia or Colorado camp, visit www.oconnoreventteam.com. Remember to register early, as space is limited.
