1995-2008

Tribute to Teddy

Theodore O'Connor

2007
Farnum/Platform USEF Horse of the Year
USEA Horse of the Year
USEA Pony of the Year
Chronicle of the Horse Overall and Eventing Horse of the Year
Pan American Games Team Gold Medal with Karen O’Connor
Pan American Games Individual Gold Medal with Karen O’Connor
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event third place and Best Conditioned Horse 

2008
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event sixth place
Short Listed for Hong Kong Olympic Games with Karen O’Connor

...even more amazing than his accomplishments was the way he touched lives all across the world. He was the people’s pony, the underdog who inspired so many.

“I’ve never known a horse to have this kind of impact on an industry. It’s a tribute to him and how many lives he touched - none more than mine,” said Karen. “For me personally, I had a relationship with him that I’ve never really had with another horse. His trust for me went beyond what I thought was possible. He would do anything for me because I said it was OK. He trusted me and I trusted him.”

Teddy was euthanized after suffering a fatal accident at home in The Plains, Va. on May 28, 2008. 

He was a 14.1 3/4 hand, 3/4 Thoroughbred Sportpony, bred by Sportponies Unlimited and owned by the Theodore O’Connor Syndicate. He was by the (deceased) 16.2 hand, JC registered Thoroughbred stallion Theodore (aka Witty Boy), and out of a 13.0-hand, 1/2 Thoroughbred-1/4 Arabian-1/4 Shetland mare (all 100% registered bloodlines), named Chelsea's Melody.

Before coming to Karen, he had a career that included good ribbons in the horse divisions at A-rated shows in hunters & jumpers, and also excelled at eventing, moving quickly up the levels. Teddy was believed to be the first Advanced level eventer to hold a USEF permanent pony card! 

With Karen aboard, he made history in 2007 as the first pony to compete at Rolex since its inception in 1978. A record number of fans turned out to see Karen and the bionic pony go head to head with some of the best horse/rider combinations from around the world. They weren’t disappointed, as Karen and Teddy thrilled the crowds during all three phases of this four star event.

With only a few time faults on cross country and one of only two double clear stadium rounds, they finished third overall and won the “Best Conditioned Horse” award. Click here for more on “Karen’s Big Ride - Teddy at Rolex 2007

Following their historic and impressive performance at the 2007 Rolex CCI****, Karen and Teddy were named to the United States squad heading to the Pan American Games in Brazil. 

Just before he died, Teddy and Karen were named to the U.S. Eventing short list for the 2008 Olympic Games. Their 6th place finish at Rolex 2008 was the latest in the list of impressive performances that made him a strong contender for the U.S. Team.

We'll Miss you Teddy