My sport lost a pony legend today

I was a very serious three-day event rider before law school, and (even though I don't ride at the same level), I've always followed the pros and their horses. By far one of my favorite trainers / riders is 3-time Olympian Karen O'Connor and easily my favorite event horse of all time was "Theodore O'Connor" (aka "Teddy"). Teddy was reigning World Games gold medalist and last week was short listed for the Olympic games. The amazing thing about Teddy? He's easily 8 -12 inches shorter than his competitors. That's right, he was quite literally a pony... or, as I like to call him, a horse in a pony suit. He was an ambassador to the sport and a legendary equine athlete.

This morning, I was looking forward to watching Teddy in the Olympics this year, but this afternoon I learned that he had to be euthanized this morning. It was a freak accident - every horse lover's nightmare. He was frightened by something and pulled loose while being led back to the barn. He bolted, fell, and suffered a catastrophic injury to his hind leg. The vet was out immediately and he was euthanized right away.

This is going to sound stupid, but Teddy was my horse hero. He was living proof that size doesn't matter - heart does. He was an incredible athlete, a favorite of fans, and adored by his owners, breeder, groom, trainers, and, well, just about everyone who ever saw him.

I actually cried in my office over this. I can't believe an animal I idolized so had to die so suddenly and tragically in the prime of his career. I'll be hugging my horses extra this week.

For anyone who is interested, here's a video I found on You Tube with some great photos of Teddy and his incredible rider, Karen O'Connor. (BTW, Teddy's name being "Theodore O'Connor" is just a coincidence. He was NOT named after Karen...) There's a great photo in there of Teddy alongside his "regular" sized competitors. Teddy is a one-in-a-million horse and I think horse lovers everywhere are a little sad today.

May prayers for all who loved him.

The video:

Theodore O'Connor, SuperPony!

Message edited 5/29/2008 8:46:35 AM.

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

Posted by KittyTheStray

Posted by Kara

He was living proof that size doesn't matter - heart does.

I'm sure Teddy felt very loved

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

Awwwww Kara, that's terrible. As a fellow horse lover, I'm so sorry.

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

awww...so sorry. He was a Prince of a Pony

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

He looked amazing! I can't believe the stuff he jumped...partly because I would be so scared to jump any of them on a full sized horse, nevermind a pony.

Re: My sport lost a pony legend today

The real story is actually that he spooked and bolted while the rider was still on him. The rider fell and Teddy ran back to the barn.

This is something that could have happened to anyone... So sad! Those who cared for him are heartbroken and still shocked. He was legendary and known the world over.

I think it's worth saying that his caretakers did the right thing by choosing to give him a humane and dignified end. His chances of recovering to even be pasture sound were slim, so kudos to them for ending his suffering quickly. Everything I've read says that he was calm the entire time, so he was likely not in pain.

I was asked recently if one of my quotes about Teddy could be published in a major horse magazine as part of a tribute to Teddy. I was honored to be asked.