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Jan 14, 2008
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
May 21, 2025
Eventing News
Weekend Quick Links: May 24-25
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
May 21, 2025
AEC
Three Months Until the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships at Galway Downs
The 2025 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is just over three months away, which means it is time to start planning your trip to Temecula, California! This year, the AEC will be on a Western rotation to the ever-popular Galway Downs, which is a staple on the Area VI calendar each year.
May 20, 2025
Young Riders
USEF Announces Host of the 2026-2027 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce that the Maryland International and Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland, has been chosen as the host of the 2026-2027 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships (CCIJ1*-Intro, CCIYJ2*-S, CCIU253*-S). The championships will be held on June 25-28, 2026, and June 24-27, 2027.
May 20, 2025
ECP Coach Ashley Johnson: Better Coaching for a Brighter Future
What makes a trainer qualified to coach? Could it be a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard University? A career as a five-star event rider? Being an ‘A’ rated Pony Club graduate? Getting your license as a U.S. Equestrian Federation ‘R’ judge and technical delegate for eventing?
