Two-time Equestrian of the Year and only the fourth American to win Individual Gold in Equestrian sport, David O’Connor’s success has made him a living legend. His Individual Gold medal in Sydney was won with the best score in Olympic history, and in a four year span he won medals at the Pan American Games, the Olympic Games and the World Championships.

An integral part of the U.S. Eventing program for nearly two decades as an athlete; O’Connor has grown even more prolific since his retirement in 2004. He was the president of the United States Equestrian Federation (the National Governing Body of Sport), chairs the eventing  committee for the FEI (the International Governing Body of Sport). He teaches dozens of students and continues to train young horses. Wife Karen, who was also a member of  FIVE Olympic Teams, is A Pan American Gold Medalist and together they have built an empire in the sport. They are the only husband and wife team in history to have been on two Olympic medal winning teams together. 

O’Connor’s commitment to the Olympic movement is evident on every level, from teaching and training young horses and riders to designing competition courses. But it is his governance and the vision he has had for the NGB and the sport that put him in elite company. His dedication to youth, building programs and guiding our high performance programs is second to none.

As president of the United States Equestrian Federation, David O’Connor served as the official spokesperson of the Federation on all matters relating to its governance and direction. In addition, the president serves as the lead executive and administrator of Board of Director meetings; provides services as a liaison between the numerable directors of the breeds and disciplines that, together, form the Federation; and provides guidance in relation to establishing and enforcing policies set forth by the rules and regulations of the Federation.

As a lead spokesperson for the Federation both nationally and internationally, O’Connor lends his expertise and skill as one of the United States most decorated and respected equestrian athletes. His extensive knowledge of the political realm of the sport, coupled with his years spent as an athlete, afford him a unique perspective on the inner workings of equestrian sport and its governance.

Through O’Connor’s leadership as Head coach of the Canadian Eventing Team 2005-2012, Team Canada won silver at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and numerous medals at international team competitions including the 2007 and 2011 Pan American Games. O’Connor’s coaching style stresses correct fundamentals and a classical approach that leads to competitive success. O’Connor went on to coach the USA Team from 2012-2017 to medals in the Pan AM Games and Olympic Games

David has rejoined the USEF as Chief of Sport starting in 2022 a new position in the USEF staffing plan. His extensive knowledge and long range planning in all aspects of equestrian sport will drive and implement the strategic plan for the USEF for years to come.