Born in 1939 in Philadelphia, Wright made history by becoming the first woman to compete in Olympic eventing when she was named a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team at the 1964 Tokyo Games aboard her fabled Mr. Wister. Lana duPont Wright, the first woman to compete in Olympic three-day eventing, passed away on April 23 at the age of 85. Her remarkable life and achievements have left an indelible mark on the equestrian world, and we are honored to reflect on her remarkable journey. * Early Life and Horses
• Wright’s earliest memories of horses are of her mother, Allaire duPont, who was a keen foxhunter and breeder of the legendary racehorse Kelso. • Wright would go out and hunt with her mother, learning about horse care and riding skills. • At Oldfields School, an elite boarding school in Maryland, Wright began to focus more seriously on riding.
“I would go out and hunt with her any time I could,” Wright said. “he taught me everything.”
At the age of 16, Wright began to compete in equestrian events, winning her first event at a junior competition. Her determination and passion for the sport only grew stronger, and she went on to train with renowned trainers and riders. * Pioneering Spirit
• Wright’s historic Olympic appearance in 1964 marked a significant milestone for women in equestrian sports. • She was the first woman to compete in Olympic eventing, paving the way for future generations of female riders. • Wright’s selection to the U.S. Equestrian Team at the 1964 Tokyo Games was a testament to her talent, dedication, and perseverance. “Before Lana, women were the weaker sex; after Lana, women joined one of the few Olympic sports where men and women compete on an equal basis,” said James C. Wofford at the 2012 U.S. Eventing Association Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lana duPont Wright. Wright’s Olympic debut was not without its challenges. She faced stiff competition from the men, but her determination and skill ultimately paid off. Despite multiple falls on cross-country, Wright was able to remount and continue, earning her and her horse, Mr. Wister, a silver medal. * International Success
• Wright went on to win multiple international titles, including team gold at the World Pairs Driving Championships in 1991. • She also founded and organized the Fair Hill Combined Driving Event in Maryland. • Wright’s endurance riding achievements include completing multiple 100-mile rides. Lana will be remembered as a pioneer for women in eventing, but those who met her in the hunt field or watched her driving or endurance riding will attest to the many attributes that make her an all-round horsewoman worthy of a place in the history books. “Lana is unparalleled, and her achievement is incomparable; there never was anyone like Lana, and there will never be anyone like her again,” said Wofford. “In years to come, eventers will look at the list of Hall of Fame members, and they will say, ‘Once upon a time, there was an inductee like Lana duPont Wright… But only once, for she is indeed unique.’ ”
The 10th-place performance at the Badminton Horse Trials (England) in 1961 helped earn them their Olympic berth. Wright’s eventing career was marked by her determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn from her mistakes. Wright’s family played an important role in her life and career. Her husband, William Wright, was a trainer and veterinarian, and their two daughters, Lucy and Beale, were both successful event riders. * Legacy
• Wright’s legacy extends far beyond her impressive equestrian achievements. • She was a true pioneer for women in equestrian sports, paving the way for future generations of female riders. • Wright’s contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come, inspiring future generations of equestrians. The news of Lana duPont Wright’s passing spread quickly around the Kentucky Horse Park, where riders reflected on her role in shaping the sport. Her passing was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the equestrian community, highlighting her lasting impact on the sport. “Lana is unparalleled, and her achievement is incomparable; there never was anyone like Lana, and there will never be anyone like her again,” said David O’Connor, an individual Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Equestrian Federation Chief of Sport. Allison Springer, a seven-time Olympian, described Wright as someone who “shaped equestrian sport in this country,” paving the way for other women in eventing. Phillip Dutton, a seven-time Olympian, recalled doing his first event in the United States at the Middletown Pony Club Horse Trials, which Wright hosted at her Unicorn Farm in Chesapeake City, Maryland. “Lana was a great horsewoman who lived a great life,” said Dutton. “She was a true pioneer, and her legacy will live on through the many riders she inspired.”
Wright’s contributions to the sport extend far beyond her own achievements. She helped found the U.S. Combined Training Association (now the U.S. Eventing Association) and Fair Hill International (Maryland), organizations that continue to promote and support the sport today. In 2015, Wright was awarded the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her dedication and commitment to the sport. In the end, Lana duPont Wright’s passing leaves behind a legacy of courage, determination, and passion for the sport she loved. Her impact on the equestrian world will be felt for generations to come, inspiring future generations of riders to follow in her footsteps.
