 1995 – 2008 |
The United States Equestrian Federation was devastated to report that Theodore O’Connor was humanely euthanized May 28, 2008 as a result of an injury sustained in an accident at Karen and David O’Connor’s barn in The Plains, VA. The 13-year-old eventing super pony defied odds and gravity throughout his career. Standing only 14.1 hands, the Shetland/Arabian/Thoroughbred cross gelding was the reigning Team and Individual Gold Medalist from the 2007 Pan American Games and had top six finishes at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2007 and 2008. He was the 2007 USEF/Farnam Horse of the Year and recently had been named to the USEF Short List for Eventing for the 2008 Olympic Games.
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I have been keeping up with Teddy’s winnings for a while. He was for sure a Super Pony! My thoughts are with his owners and family! May God Bless You!
<3 I watched Teddy compete in the 2008 Rolex Show jumping. I was there, and I know that it was a special treat to see this wonderful Super Pony. Teddy had springs on his legs that helped him to fly into the hearts of many horsepeople. Teddy will for sure be greatly missed. <3
Teddy has been an inspiration in my life to defy the odds, and go above and beyond what is expected of you. I will dearly miss hearing of The Pony… my whole family cheered him on. He must have had an awesome heart.
We all miss you Teddy to day we made pictures of our favorite champions from any sport i chose you ! we will miss you we loved you
When I read this I almost cried. He was such a special pony with a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the O’Connors.
Saw Teddy at Rolex this year and he was an amazing “little man” with a huge heart! My condolences to the O’Connors and everyone who feels his loss.
Teddy is such a wonderful horse. I had just finished my SOL’s to find out this. THis is so horrable, i remeber watching him on TV flying over the jumps with such grace and wonder…It was amazing.
teddy was amazing because he showed the world that size has nothing to do, and that if you have enough heart, anything is possible. his example proves to the community that you do not need a fancy, giant warmblood. if a pony can be great, why not a rescue horse? why not a PMU foal? consolation to the O’connors on loosing a wonderful athlete and partner. he was a once in a lifetime type of horse.
I was so sad to hear about Teddy. I used to have a 14.1 hand chestnut gelding who also died tragically, and Teddy reminded me a lot of him. I can sympathize with the O’Connors, and I know what it’s like to lose the horse of a lifetime.
Teddy was truly a star. With a newspaper clipping of him and Karen winning the Pan Ams posted on my wall, he has inspired me to move my 14.2 hand “sport pony” from Prelim to Intermediate and paved the way for other miniature champions! His influence in the sport will not be forgotten!
We loved him and never in our whole entire life will we-or myself-ever forget the fights he fought and the paths he galloped to become America’s most beloved Super Pony. R.I.P Big Boy <3333333333
I’m so sorry to hear about ya’lls baby, but he is in God’s hands now resting peacfully. May God be with you guys during this loss. Melissa Jones , Texas
I am so sorry to hear about Teddy’s tragic accident.
I know he was a very special pony and My
condolences are off to you people. I will
keep you in my prayers.
I am devastated at the loss of Teddy. He was the first famous horse besides Big Brown that I was really connected to. His accomplishments despite his size really inspired me, and he helped me realize that I want to event when I am old enough. He was born in the same year as me, too. I love Teddy, and I spread my condolences to the O’Connors and Max Corcoran.
Dear little Teddy how we will miss him i looked forward to watching him in the games this summer
RIP little Theodore O’Connor you will be missed