Having first started riding at age four, Anne Kursinski is no stranger to equestrian sport. She rode on her first Nations’ Cup team in 1976 while still attending high school, setting herself up to ride for Team USA at three different Olympic Games, where she earned two silver medals.
Beginning her career at the international level during a time where men dominated the sport, Kursinski has been able to witness the shift in equality amongst competitors.
“Growing up in the States where so many women ride and compete, you didn’t really think about it so much,” said Kursinski. “But when you’re on a team outside of the States, you would really notice it.”
The women who were riding on international teams were often referred to as “Amazons” (a race of female warriors in Greek mythology). Having an all-female team was rare, and when it occurred, witnesses were simply awed.
“Not only just the jumps, but the travel and the sport, day after day and week after week, is difficult,” said Kursinski. “Even though it’s men and women competing equally, when the girls are winning —it’s kind of fun.”
Kursinski’s extensive experience as an elite athlete serving as an alternate for two Olympic Games, riding at three Olympic Games, a Pan-American Games, 47 Nations’ Cups, 10 FEI World Cup Finals, three FEI World Equestrian Games, and numerous other prestigious events around the world has allowed her to see developments across the sport on many levels firsthand. In addition to her expertise in the saddle, she shares her knowledge with students through her role as the USEF Development Coach for the USA Jumping program. Kursinski also serves as a board member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association Executive Committee.
“In a lifetime, to have not only success, but to travel around the world and meet different people, if it wasn’t for the horse I wouldn’t have done that,” said Kursinski. “Even in my teaching and helping other people, it’s all about that connection whether helping [horses] be ridden better, be taken care of better, or having a good life.”
“All that horses have done for me in my career, from being a little girl starting when I was four who wanted to ride and compete, and then living the Olympic dream, horses have helped me,” said Kursinski. “Why horses do what we ask them to do – well, it’s kind of crazy sometimes, but I can’t image a day without horses for all they’ve taught me in life.”
Although lacking language, horses set precedent for the way in which we have compassion towards ourselves and others.
“The horse is a real equalizer,” said Kursinski. “It’s not just who’s the biggest and the strongest by any means.”
Being one of the only Olympic sports where men and women compete on a level playing field, horses create middle ground amongst competitors. Competence as a pair comes from the connection carefully established as opposed to strength or equipment.
“They’re not just a bicycle or a pair of skis or a tennis racket,” said Kursinski. “A little girl riding this 1200-pound horse and communicating with them to do whatever they are supposed to do is so amazing for young girls.”
Kursinski frequently reminds parents of what horses can do for young women, empowering them to do more, beyond what is accomplished in the saddle and in the barn. It is exciting to see a growing number of women at the top of the sport, inspiring even more women to experience the positive impact of horses.
“There are so many women that ride at all levels so you kind of take it for granted, but especially as you get to the Grand Prix and international competitions, it wasn’t always that way,” said Kursinski. “So, when the girls win, it’s just a little icing on the cake.”