I was recently talking with someone who said they were having a bad day – I said “You going to remember this day in a year? Then that is a bad day. But if you remember this day in three years, its a really bad day.”. It was three years ago today that Teddy was killed, and I remember that day like it was today.
The actual date was the 28th; I know because it’s my nephew Sam’s birthday and I was a day late calling him. But it happened on the Thursday of Memorial Day weekend -
I was on a trot up the gallop today on a young horse and stopped on my way down to the barn to say hello to Ted – Ted is buried on the top of the gallop overlooking the entire farm, keeping an eye on all of us.
I can vividly recall when Wynn brought him to us in Virginia – he had been being hacked a few days a week for a few months by a young kid near Wynn’s farm in North Carolina. He was FAT, sassy, spooky, long mane on both sides of his neck, shinny and happy. He was sent to us to take to Radnor and sell for Wynn, who always knew he was great. THIS is going to Radnor – its a pony!! I ate my words, I became a believer – He became “Super Ted” to us and a hero to all that knew him.
Who is to know what his competitive future was going to bring, but Ted came into all of our lives when eventing was at a low. He was so much bigger than his 14.1 stature; he gave us hope and made us believe that there is something great in all of us.
Most will remember Ted going around Rolex in such amazing fashion and winning the Pan Ams and exceeding doubt. I will remember the way his ears felt when I put a bridle on, the way he would put his head in your hand when you put it out and scratch his forehead and his stare when I would try and catch him in the field.
We try and move on – winter, spring, summer, fall and again and again – other horses will make us believe and break our hearts, eventing will continue to have its highs and low, but still the sun rises tomorrow. Enjoy all days with these remarkable animals, they do so much for us and its our duty to keep them safe. I couldn’t on this day and that will always be with me.
I guess I write this hoping that it will be therapeutic; I miss him and am so lucky to have been a part of his life!
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Thanks for posting this, Max.
Thanks for the perspective Max! They make us believe and break our hearts! For your mouth to God’s ears!
Has it really been 3 years. I still feel such sadness at his loss, and I can’t imagine what a huge hole in your heart was left by such a little guy.
I am sure you feel his presence everywhere. He will always be right behind you.
What a beautiful, thoughtful, and sweet memory. Thank you so much for sharing with us. It is like Barbaro’s owner said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” They enrich our lives so much and give so much— the loss is exquisite at times. Go well.
Linda
It really was a very sad day when I heard the news of Teddy’s untimely death. He was such a joy to watch and did bring magic back to Eventing. I was a believer. Thank you for your sediments. My horse is now 25 and I always remember to be in the moment and appreciate the good times we have. There is nothing like running cross country on a bold, eager horse, with ears pricked.
It was hard as a fan to hear of his death at the time but I cannot imagine how those of you involved with him felt . It was a huge loss to all involved or not !!
Amen. Take care max:)
I have a day like that in my memory but it involved many of my best buds. I feel for you and anyone whose tragedy involves their horses. It has always been my weakness regardless of the time space or numbers that go by. Eclipsing even many of the human deaths in my lifetime…
Best
I cried and cried when Teddy died. He was truly a hero. A hero for every little girl who was told she was too big for her pony. My daughter was one of those little girls and because of Teddy rode her pony a good 2 more years than she would have if Teddy had not of come along. And those 2 years were the ones that kept her riding when a lot of her friends stopped because they became scared of riding because of the “big” horses they were forced into riding before they were ready. Teddy was truly .a wonderful being and you and Karen were amazing for bringing out his incredible potential.. Thank you for all that was Teddy!
I’m sorry but I don’t know the story…what happened to him?
So many horse owners have had to face this day. For me April 28, 1996 was the blackest ever. Or was it a week or a month? It was a blur and I still grow weak when I think about it. Mine was 16 when he was struck by lightning. A beautiful 15.3hh King-Leo dappled buckskin QH, a brilliant hunter-dressage competitor with a genius mind and personality to boot. I took carnations to his grave every year until I moved away. That was my Katrina.
That was so well written a tribute to Teddy. I still remember when my sweet old Arabian passed away like it was yesterday. I still miss him. It is so nice to be reminded that every day we have with our horses is a gift.