Helena “Lana” du Pont Wright, a pioneering figure in equestrian sports, passed away on April 23 at the age of 85. She made history as the first woman to compete in Olympic three-day eventing, earning a silver medal with the U.S. team at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Wright’s contributions extended beyond her athletic achievements; she played a crucial role in establishing organizations like the U.S. Eventing Association and Fair Hill International, leaving a lasting legacy that inspired future generations of female equestrians.
In addition to honoring Wright’s legacy, the equestrian community is focusing on various upcoming events, including the USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Championships. The FEI has also launched a free online safeguarding course in collaboration with the nonprofit #WeRideTogether, aimed at preventing misconduct in the sport. This initiative emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and ethical environment for all participants.
A recent study highlights the challenging working conditions faced by grooms in the equestrian industry, revealing issues like long hours and low pay that threaten both horse welfare and the sport’s sustainability. The findings will be discussed in an upcoming webinar, shedding light on the urgent need for improvements in this area. Meanwhile, resources for horse training, such as groundwork techniques for introducing cross-country challenges, continue to be shared within the community.
