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Theodore O’Connor: 1995-2008

Release: May 30 2008

Author: bsosby

Diana DeRosa
Karen O'Connor and Theodore O'Connor at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It is with great sadness that the United States Equestrian Federation reports that super pony Theodore O’Connor was humanely euthanized Wednesday, May 28, 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 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 Platform Horse of the Year and recently had been named to the USEF Short List for Eventing for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Ridden by three-time Olympic veteran Karen O’Connor, Teddy (as he was known) made friends and picked up fans everywhere he went. Seeing was believing with Teddy as it seemed impossible to imagine that a pony of his size could do his job with such tremendous ease and enthusiasm.

The injury occurred after the pony was spooked while walking to the arena for a morning workout.

“Teddy got frightened and bolted. He slipped running back to the barn and suffered a severe laceration to his hind leg, severing the tendons and ligaments,” said the O’Connors in a statement to the press. “Dr. A Kent Allen was on the scene immediately, and it was determined after examination that the injuries were catastrophic. Everyone who knew Teddy is devastated."

If you would like to share your thoughts or condolences with those closest to Teddy, e-mail them to Teddy@usef.org. The USEF will make sure all messages are delivered to their intended recipients.

The USEF is announcing the establishment of the Theodore O’Connor Legacy Fund. This fund was established to commemorate 2007 USEF/Farnam Platform Horse of the Year. Donations will be used to fund the construction of a new cross-country obstacle for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in memory of Teddy. If you would like to contribute to this memorial, please do so by visiting https://www.usef.org/_auaiframes/disasterrelief/teddy/teddy.aspx.

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