Photo credit: EQUUS Foundation
When Grand Prix jumper rider Georgina Bloomberg, wanted to pique her five-year old son Jasper's interest in learning to ride, Bloomberg reached out to the EQUUS Foundation.
"It was a given, knowing Georgina's passion for animal rescue and adoption, that she wanted to make a difference in the life of an at-risk horse," said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP of Engagement. "She trusted us to help find the perfect match for her son, Jasper."
Friends with both Bloomberg and Omega Horse Rescue founder Kelly Smith, Angeli put the two in touch. Omega Horse Rescue is an EQUUS Foundation Guardian, a charity on the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network that demonstrates a commitment to public transparency by their willingness to publish and share extensive data about their programs, horse care practices, and governance. Only Guardian charities that operate at the highest standards for horse care are eligible to receive financial support from the EQUUS Foundation.
Bloomberg is an EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar—one of a small group of elite riders with a deep commitment to saving and defending equines who work with the Equus Foundation to motivate fellow equestrians and horse lovers to take action on behalf of horses and become horse protectors.
Angeli inquired about Teddy, a miniature horse rescued by Smith from a kill buyer's facility. “He was dropped off, presumably after the kids lost interest,” Smith said. “The kill buyer called me because he knows I will take all that little stuff that gets dropped off there.
“Teddy had been to a trainer for evaluation and the trainer loved him,” Smith continued. Teddy was a sweet and docile miniature horse who had been trained to be ridden and driven.
"It's a fate that so many wonderful horses tragically face and it just shouldn't happen. It was clear, after speaking with Georgina and Kelly extensively about this match, and then the trainer for Omega who described Teddy's gentle way and skills, that this would be a wonderful new chapter for both Teddy and Jasper," said Angeli.
Teddy was adopted and shipped from Omega's home base in Airville, Pennsylvania in mid-January, looking like a little wooly mammoth in his fuzzy winter coat.
Teddy was met with excitement at Gotham South in Wellington, Florida, Bloomberg's home base for her show jumping operation in winter.
Teddy instantly got a clip and a makeover and transformed into a heart breaker. Jasper fell in love with Teddy at first sight and was ecstatic to have his first ever riding lesson on the little gelding.
"Thanks to the EQUUS Foundation and Omega Horse Rescue, watching Jasper take his first riding lesson with Teddy was one of the most joyful moments of my life. This is the perfect match. Teddy and Jasper will have many happy moments and a lifetime together."— Georgina Bloomberg
“Often ponies and minis get overlooked because of the naughty pony reputation,” Smith said. “While that can be true there are many nice ponies that need homes. Georgina deserves all the credit for all the animals she has saved. She’s paid for surgeries, hauled them from different countries on their plane. She’s adopted two other minis, goats and a rooster. Jasper loves the pony and Georgiana hopes this will be the beginning of a long life with horses.
“The match of Teddy and the Bloomberg family is a true testament of how people from all walks of life involving horses can come together to help needy horses and ponies. The exposure from this adoption will hopefully show that you can indeed adopt an animal in need of a loving home who will make everyone's hearts smile. I am so inspired and grateful for this wonderful adoption!”