He’s a superhero speed-event horse with a personality to match.

"Teddy" and Jessie Ford at the 2007 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Photo by Jeff Kirkbride.

The 21-year-old Teddy Terrific has competed in speed events at the All American Quarter Horse Congress every year since 1992 and has earned 10 Congress championships and nearly 40 top-10 finishes. He has also earned two AQHA reserve world championships, more than $100,000, 10 trophy saddles and 21 trophy buckles – just to name part of his accomplishments, and he’s still running strong. So, you’d expect “Teddy” to be all business, right?

You obviously don’t know Teddy.

The July issue of America’s Horse magazine features Teddy’s owners, the Ford family of Chillicothe, Ohio, telling about his can-do attitude and the meticulous care that has kept him running for 19 years and counting. Here, they’ll give you a look at another side of Teddy’s personality – the side that has kept them laughing and loving him for nearly two decades.

Jessie Ford: “Teddy is the total package. He’s a mentally zoned-in, hard-running athlete when it’s time to run, but he has the best personality in the world outside of the arena, too. He’s a mix of sweet, quiet, funny and quirky. He loves to play and receive attention.

“He can stand in the crossties at home, and when an upbeat song comes on the radio, he immediately starts bobbing his head to it. He loves to grab your jacket or hoodie and not tear it but simply pull at it, because he wants to play around.

“The main thing we’ve always said is, ‘Teddy might be 21, but he still acts like a 2-year-old.’ He can go outside, and even though he’s a very safe horse, he’ll also still randomly spook at a little bunny or bird out in the field – he’s just like a little kid.

“When he’s not being ridden or shown, we’re always talking to him, taking care of him, and playing with him. He’s treated like a human being, undoubtedly just another member of the family. He’s also an extremely safe horse to be around, and we trust him with anything.”

Teddy and Marc Ford at the 2009 Congress. Photo by Jeff Kirkbride.

Marc Ford:

“During the winter, whenever we are walking him in the indoor arena, you have to watch out, because he can be sneaky. He lags behind you when you’re walking him, and when you’re not expecting it, he grabs your jacket and literally picks you up with his teeth. It’s his way of telling you that he just wants to play.

“He’s not like other horses. When you turn him out in the winter, you can’t just walk away and expect him to play by himself, you have to get out there with him and play with him.

“He has a great personality, and he enjoys what he does. Teddy has played one of the greatest roles in our family that I, personally, think no other horse can do. Teddy is family to us.”

Learn more about this equine superhero in the July issue of America’s Horse magazine, which goes to all members of the American Quarter Horse Association as a great member benefit.