For this month’s Horse of the Month feature, we share the story of ‘My Teddy Bear’, affectionately know as Teddy, who was owned by Canadian-Bahamian rider Marcus Davis . Unfortunately, Davis’ heart horse passed away recently, just three months shy of his 30th birthday. Teddy leaves behind special memories and a lifetime of meaningful gifts for Davis and his family.
“Teddy was a phenomenal horse. He was so much more than just a partner in a sport I love, he was a part of the family and took such good care of me,” said Davis as he recollected the chestnut quarter horse gelding that he began riding at the age of seven.
Photo Credit: Michelle Ranson
As he came from South Florida, the gelding was originally named ‘South Beach’. Later renamed to ‘My Teddy Bear’, he was purchased by the Davis family for Marcus’ older sister Hailey, who was the first to ride. He eventually became his when the pair began taking riding lessons together.
Teddy and Davis started their partnership at the small hunter/jumper riding facility at Camperdown Riding Club, ran by Pierre Dupuch on the eastern side of New Providence Island in The Bahamas. Dupuch’s mission was to provide his property in a way that made equestrian activities accessible for everyone, despite any barriers.
A true partner, the handsome Teddy was special in many ways. “He was a very gentle and caring soul and used to give lessons to many other kids who loved riding just as much as I did,” shared Davis. “I was able to compete in local horse shows on the Island in both small jumper and equitation classes and he helped my sister win the title of high point rider at the Rotary Club of Nassau’s annual horse show in 2007 and for myself in 2012.”
Photo Credit: Tribune Newspaper Bahamas 2012
Special also, for how he accompanied Davis around the show ring. “He was such a patient animal, and I was always a very nervous rider especially when it came to the horse shows. But I knew, even at a young age that I could always count on Teddy to take care of me around the courses even if I wasn’t the best rider yet.”
Like many horses, he enjoyed treats. “Teddy loved his carrots,” said Davis. “He almost always knew when we would come to the barn with a bag.” But somewhat less common, was his preference for the company of humans. “One thing that was so funny about Teddy,” continued Davis, “was that he was the gentlest animal with people, especially young riders but would be so grumpy with other horses.”
When Teddy arrived in Canada, he spent time at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON in the lesson program where his gentleness always made an impression with people, specifically young riders. He was also paired with a rider who was legally blind, and like he was well known for, expertly guided her around the ring. Knowing his regal nature would shine, in 2015, that athlete had the opportunity to present him to Princess Anne during her royal visit to the Nations’ capital.
In 2014, Davis was grateful to serendipitously meet Ian Millar and family, whom he then spent eight years training and competing with in Ontario, Wellington, Spruce Meadows, Lake Placid, NY and Traverse City, MI. “I am eternally gratefully for the training provided by Ian and Amy Millar for many years,” said Davis. “And also, to Jonathan and Kelly-Soleau Millar in the earlier years and Alex and Holly Grayton of Grayton Farms from 2020-2021 when they were briefly part of our team.”
Photo Credit: Marcus Davis Instagram
Davis rode Teddy for one more summer before he was retired at Millar Brooke Farm in Perth, ON. He has continued riding after Teddy’s retirement but has taken many learnings from him into his subsequent partnerships.
“From him, I learnt the importance of developing a bond with your horse,” said Davis. “It is so important to remember at the end of the day that these are animals. They need love, care and are only doing this because we ask that of them.”
Davis has continued to progress through his riding and was in the show ring up until last year with Teddy still in his heart. As recently as 2022, when riding his leased chestnut Argentinean-bred gelding El Porvenir Crono, he could always tell that because of the important bond he had created with Teddy, he knew he could trust his new partner would take care of him too.
Davis competing with ‘Crono’ at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL in 2021
Photo credit: Sportfot
Davis, also known for his kind nature around the barn, sees the opportunity he has as a Black equestrian to represent diversity in the sport. “Being a person of colour in the sport is so important to me and is an identity I do not take lightly,” he said. “I feel I have both a duty and a responsibility to advocate and represent diversity in the sport and prioritize the importance of having different riders of different backgrounds.”
Conversely, he feels some of the barriers in the sport are ones you don’t see. “I think equestrian sport can at times be classist and has also become very affluent, due to the challenging cost of it,” Davis said, speaking of the socio-economic obstacles some athletes face. “Which in turn, creates many financial barriers for riders to progress further and secure the funding and sponsorships.”
Photo Credit: Michelle Ranson
From his viewpoint, he tries to flip the narrative and when he competes, tends to focus on his advantage. “As a minority, it’s more fun because I feel I have even more to offer and to be able to represent both Canada and the Bahamas,” he said.
Personally, he has had positive experiences with his equestrian circle. “I’ve always felt welcome and included in my team at Millar Brooke Farm and in terms of the equestrian world, I have felt welcomed with my racial identity,” said Davis.
For now, the 22-year-old Davis is taking a break from riding to focus on career aspirations but is beyond grateful to what he has experienced so far. “The support from my team, family, as well as brand partners like Levade. I have also loved being part of social media campaigns highlighting riders of color like Black Equestrians, Black North, Black Riders Magazine and so many more.”
When reflecting on what being an equestrian has taught him so far, Teddy is at the forefront of his thoughts. “I think having a horse like Teddy always reminded me of the real message behind the sport,” Davis shared. “At times we can get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the fancy horse show attire, braided manes, and prize money. But at the end of the day, the horse and the bond you create is like no other.”
Teddy’s memory will live on through Davis and the many lives he touched. Since Teddy was retired at Millar Brooke farm, Davis knows he will always have a place to go where he can find a piece of where he came from and his heart.