Horse Illustrated Magazine

On the evening of Jan.12, amid the grandeur of the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) annual meeting and black tie gala, the 12-year-old 14.1-hand Thoroughbred/Arabian/ Shetland cross gelding known as Theodore O’Connor was named the 2007 Farnam® / Platform® • USEF Horse of the Year. An eventing superstar, Theodore O’Connor was selected from among all USEF breeds and disciplines as the nation’s most exceptional horse for 2007.

Owned by The Theodore O’Connor Syndicate, LLC, Theodore O’Connor is one of the most successful horses in the history of U. S. eventing.

“If size truly does matter, Teddy has proven he is a giant and a huge champion in the hearts of all his fans,” said Karen O’Connor, Theodore’s rider.  “It is truly a privilege to be a part of his life.”

Theodore first captured the heart of the eventing world at the 2007 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, where he placed third in the four-star eventing competition with Karen aboard. He went on to the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and helped Karen win a pair of gold medals.

Karen O’Connor, not to be outdone by her little mount, was named the Equestrian of the Year at the gala for her string of eventing achievements during the past year. Top among her list of accomplishments were the hard-earned gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games. Aboard Teddy — the first pony to ever compete at the Pan American Games — Karen led the American contingent and helped the sport gain a new wave of fans.

“I have no speech, and I am really surprised and humbled,” Karen O’Connor said. “What I will say is what it takes to be Equestrian of the Year is that you have to raise your game and give the best you’ve got.”