Theodore O'Connor wins USEF Horse of the Year!
That's right, folks, America's favorite itty-bitty red-headed dynamo has added another notch to his belt by winning the 2007 Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year (maybe they should change it to "Equine" of the Year to be P.C.??). Congratulations to O'Connors, Teddy and Karen! What a fabulous way to end such a fairy tale year.
A month ago at this year's USEA Convention & Annual Meeting, the duo walked away with a handful of ribbons including "Horse of the Year," "Pony of the Year," and "Lady Rider of the Year." In fact, the Pony of the Year award is named the Theodore O'Connor Pony of the Year award, to honor Teddy's incredible achievements.
I've seen Teddy and Karen articles all over the place... I believe Equus ran one not long ago, the Chronicle of the Horse ran one last year I believe, and I'm sure that Practical Horseman did as well. Be sure to check those out!
As many of you know, Theodore O'Connor was the first pony in history to compete at the Pan American games (pictured above right popping over that teensy weensy (haha...) drop down in Rio at the Games. Shannon Brinkman photo) . This 14.1-hand spunky Thoroughbred/Arabian/Shetland cross led the U.S. Eventing team to a gold medal and brought home an individual gold, as well. Perhaps the most interesting story is Teddy's up-bringing and his "Road to the Games." Check out Teddy's breeder's (P. Wynn Norman of Sportponies Unlimited) website to learn more about the early years as well as some of Teddy's siblings.
I had the chance to watch a Pan Am team practice session in The Plains, Virginia this summer and was able to photograph the team members schooling with coach Captain Mark Phillips. I'm sure they thought I was part of the fan-crazed papparazzi - which is only half true! I meekly tiptoed over to Karen and Teddy after their session and was able to give him a little pat... and resisted the urge to stuff him in my pocket and take him home with me! (See the picture at left...what a ham!)
I'm sure many of you out there have your own "Teddy stories." We'd love to hear them! Cross your fingers and perhaps we'll see this dynamic duo in Hong Kong next year! ~Emily Daily
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