Ted is a Secretariat grandson, descended from Man O’War on his dam’s side. He raced to a very uninspiring 1 win, 1 place and 1 show in 27 starts. He was sold at a paddock sale to be a schoolie, soured within a month, was traded for another horse, and through happenstance, ended up doing nothing for a year. I found Ted via a newspaper ad in the local paper. “1992 classic dk bay.” Four words that don’t begin to describe all that he is, and all that he means to me. First, he taught me the elements of partnership. I’d never ridden dressage, he was green, and I was clueless. Doing it all on our own at shows, he won Championships at regional, state and national levels at Intro, Training and First Levels.

Then we went down a different path. Through Ted, I began to recognize the plight of unwanted and abused horses, and I resolved to do what I could. This is why I first organized Secret Santa for Horse Rescues on the Chronicle of the Horse Forums, which grew into a 501(c)3, tax-exempt charitable organization I co-run with my partner-in-crime Colleen. Our first year raised over $10,000 in support of equine charitable organizations that rescue, or promote equine assisted therapies.

Ted didn’t cut it on the track, and he certainly didn’t cut it as a schoolie. But he has been a fabulous, fabulous teacher, and a friend beyond measure. He makes my heart beam.
***Please note*** Ted is an unofficial entry and cheerleader for all who enter. Votes for Ted will support our participating rescues, but he is ineligible to win any of the prizes.

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