United States Eventing Association

USEA Horse of the Month: Talon Ted

While every story submitted to the USEA for the June Horse of the Month was unique and special, it was Teddy’s story that stood out. Therefore, the USEA June Horse of the Month is Talon Ted aka "Teddy", a 14.1 hand, 17-year-old Paint Pinto Gelding owned by Eran Murray and ridden by Eran’s daughter, Brooke Murray.

Originally used as a cart pony for the Amish, Eran bought Talon Ted off a Craigslist ad. Since then, both Eran and Brooke have competed Teddy and have finished in the top five at almost every outing.

Brooke shares more about the loveable pony who likes to eat, sleep, and jump.

About Talon Ted

• Barn Name?

“Teddy's barn name is Teddy, and his show name is Talon Ted. I love it! My mom came up with it.”

• Favorite treat?

“Teddy's favorite treat is a tie between peppermints and carrots!”

• Favorite phase in eventing?

“His favorite phrase is hands down cross-country.”

• Personality traits (introvert or extrovert)?

“Teddy has a very extroverted personality. He loves everybody. He is so sweet and kind.”

• Likes?

“He loves eating, sleeping, trail rides, and jumping.”

• Dislikes?

“There is very little he doesn't like to do, but I'd say trot sets. I don't blame him!”

• Any other fun facts you’d like to add about Teddy?

“Teddy was originally a cart pony for the Amish until my mom bought him and trained him.”

• Teddy’s story (told by Brooke Murray):

“Teddy was bought off a Craigslist ad by my mom. He tried to buck her off, as he had never had someone on his back before, and she was sold on him. From there, he would teach many, many riders the ropes, and be the star in many, many people's lives.”

“As I began my ride into the eventing world, Teddy was the horse I began on. He took me around my first shows, and even took me to my first mini-trial and won. From there, we would compete at many more, including [the] 2019 Area II Championships and the USEA American Eventing Championships, plus many recognized events where [we] never placed below fifth. He has taken me all along the East Coast, and as we learn more about each other, we have become fierce competitors.”

“Other than loving his job as an event horse, Teddy is the perfect horse to learn on. He is sweet, caring, and forgiving. He has had many kids, beginners, and adults ride him, and he is the same to every single one.”

“I am so lucky to have an amazing partner to take me to the most beautiful venues in Area II. He has taught me, and many other riders the basics of riding, horsemanship, and companionship. Although he is 17, Teddy still loves to flick his toes in dressage, run around cross-country, and fly over [show jumping] fences. But [he also] has no problem teaching a kid how to walk, trot, and canter all in the same weekend.”

“Although Teddy is not a five-star event horse, (maybe if he was a few hands taller), he still has the heart of one.”

Miss any of the previous 2020 horses of the month? Find out about the USEA January Horse of the Month, USEA February Horse of the Month, USEA March Horse of the Month, USEA April Horse of the Month, and USEA May Horse of the Month.

About the USEA Horse of the Month

The USEA is recognizing an event horse each month on the USEA website and social media. The USEA Horse of the Month is determined based on performance and event results and announced at the beginning of every month. The June Horse of the Month was unique in that the USEA asked for submissions and the most inspiring story won.