2013 Thoroughbred Gelding

After retiring from racing, Teddy was retrained and began a new chapter as a riding horse. He was purchased by a family who loved him and competed in one show alongside his young owner before an unexpected diagnosis changed the course of his future.

Teddy was diagnosed with gastric ulcers and kissing spine. While his ulcers responded to medication, his kissing spine brought his riding career to an end.

His family spent months reaching out to rehabilitation barns, sanctuaries, rescues, and private farms, but found no one willing to take him. Even as a companion horse, Teddy was unwanted. At just 13 years old, his options were running out simply because he could no longer guarantee someone a ride.

Taking in horses like Teddy is an important part of our mission. A beautiful, well-bred Thoroughbred like him can easily end up in the hands of someone who sees his potential as a riding horse but overlooks the pain behind his physical limitations.

Stronger bits, harsher equipment, and force can become substitutes for addressing what's actually happening in a horse's body. We hear the stories over and over again. Well-meaning owners believe they've found their horse a good home, only to discover that promises don't always translate into reality.