Leslie HowardOlympian

About Leslie Howard

Leslie Howard is a prominent American showjumping rider who has achieved significant milestones in the equestrian world. Born Leslie Burr, she demonstrated her potential in showjumping early by winning the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the age of 15 in 1972. Throughout her extensive career, Howard has competed in numerous prestigious international events, including the Olympic Games and the World Cup Finals.

At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Leslie Howard, riding Albany, contributed to securing a team gold medal for the United States. Her Olympic success continued in 1996 in Atlanta, where she earned a team silver medal aboard Extreme. Howard's prowess was not limited to the Olympics; she triumphed at the 1986 FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, riding McLain, where she achieved a perfect score.

Howard's partnership with notable horses such as Gem Twist and Albany has highlighted her career. Riding Albany, Howard was instrumental in the U.S. team's gold medal win at the 1984 Olympics, and with Gem Twist, she contributed to various wins and accolades in the showjumping arena. Her accomplishments also include winning the prestigious du Maurier Ltd. International in Calgary in 1997.

Beyond her competitive achievements, Leslie Howard has made a lasting impact on the equestrian community by training upcoming talents and operating Burr Associates, her training facility in Connecticut. Inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2020, Howard continues to compete and contribute to the sport as she represents the United States in international circuits.