From 1889 through 1907 he was considered the most popular jockey in the country, winning 44 races in 132 starts. He also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee, and as honorary chairman of Federation Equestrian International, the world governing body for equestrian competitions, from 1935 until his death in 1955. In the modern Olympics, the national teams are reduced to four competitors in the Prix des Nations Jumping Event, Three-Day Event, and Grand Prix Dressage. From 1912 to 1948 most equestrian competitors were cavalrymen. With the dissolution of most cavalry following World War II, however, civilian competitors became most prominent as evidenced by the Olympic Games held at Helsinki in 1952.
Equestrian events are the only Olympic competition in which men and women compete on an equal basis.
The Olympics have created a forum for international equestrian competition which provides a great stimulus for individual and team achievement. The USET succeeded the U.S. Army as the nation's official representative in international events. The team made its first appearance in the Olympics at Helsinki in 1952, and they brought home two bronze medals. The first Olympic team included Arthur McCashin, William Stienkraus, and John Russell. In spite of the financial obstacles, the USET has grown to be one of the major forces in international equestrian competition.