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Theodore O’Connor, 1995-2008


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. 



For more on Teddy O’Connor, click here >>



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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!

  • 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!

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