Teddy, originally uploaded by J. Walker Photography.

The US Equestrian Federation has announced that a memorial fund has been launched to commemorate the affection we all had for Theodore O’Connor, a.k.a. “Teddy”, the super-athletic sport pony lost in a tragic accident last week.

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.

Teddy was euthanized last week at international event rider Karen O’Connor’s training farm in Virginia after a tragic and freak accident.

According to USEF’s report, 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.”

Teddy had recently been named to the “short list” to represent the USA at the 2008 Olympics in China. He wa the reigning Pan Am Games gold medalist in eventing.

Karen O’Connor’s husband, Olympic gold medalist David O’Connor, is the president of USEF.

Thanks to Joshua Walker for allowing me to blog this photo.