Lauren Donahoo, a William Woods University equestrian graduate, is serving as a dressage groom during dressage competition this week at the Olympics in London.
Donahoo was chosen by Tina Konyot of Palm City, Fla., a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI)-level rider, to serve as a member of the team as a professional groom in London.
Donahoo's responsibility is Calecto V. Calecto, a big black Danish Warmblood stallion that Konyot owns and personally trained. Donahoo has been working with the big stallion since last December.
In addition to Konyot, the United States Olympic Dressage Team includes Steffen Peters, Adrienne Lyle, and Jan Ebeling. Ebeling will ride Rafalca, a horse he co-owns with Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
"I am grateful Tina took me on so that I could raise my standards and education to that of an international competition groom," Donahoo said.
Donahoo said she had solid references and a lot of enthusiasm to learn. "She also needed someone who was a fast-paced person. I appreciate multitasking and staying busy. So I adapted pretty well to her expectations," Donahoo said.