In Memory of Teddi
Remembering Teddi
I am so sad to share that Teddi, our sweet 19-year-old pony, passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.
His health had been slowly declining over the past few weeks, and over the weekend it took a turn for the worse. Our veterinarian believes it was most likely heart failure. Sadly, when horses suffer significant cardiovascular decline, there is very little that can be done. Teddi passed away quickly and was surrounded by love until the very end.
Gratitude
I want to extend such a big hug and deep appreciation to everyone who showed up — in person or on the phone — and gave us so much support. Our veterinarian, Dr. Seiler; Todd Gelm; our neighbor Brian; and our calm, incredibly compassionate team members Katie and Erin. To the 2 moms (nurses) there just trying to be with their kids at a lesson - but talking me through medical stuff, thank you Cassie and Katje. I also want to send special love to our volunteers Abby, Katelynn, Kaitlyn, Christopher, and Cole, who went on to work a birthday party immediately afterward, carrying on with care and professionalism despite everything they had just been through. To the volunteers who stepped in with such kindness — Eva and London — and of course the four Cheyne kids: thank you all for the love, patience, and endless help you gave on a very hard day.
How Teddi Found His Way to Cheyne Ranch
Teddi came to us four years ago from a dear friend's horse rescue, Horses That Help in Ocala. She listed him on her website on a Sunday in November 2021, and as soon as I saw the listing, I knew he had to come live here. He arrived at Cheyne Ranch just 48 hours later, and we spent the next six months showing him all the things we do here.
The Relationships That Made Him Special
Originally, Alyssa, our first (and amazing) trainer, rode him. Oh my, how Teddi loved Alyssa. Then our very first student, Skyler, rode him weekly. I watched Teddi love Skyler, and it was just so beautiful to watch. As Teddi began to understand his job here, he was loved on by more and more students. He quickly became a favorite of so many. There were a small handful of students who chose Teddi every single week. Watching that trust build over time was incredibly special.
Photos
Tonight, I went through the last four years of photos. There are thousands. It feels like every student who has ever been to Cheyne Ranch has a photo with Teddi. I selected about 400 images and gathered them into this album: 2026 In Memory of Teddi
While going through those photos, I came across several of a deeply loved student who passed away two years ago. I had forgotten just how much he loved Teddi too. Seeing them together again felt like a beautiful reminder of two incredible lives that crossed paths here. If horses go to heaven, I hope Teddi and this young boy are together again.
Honoring Teddi’s Memory
Several people have asked if they can donate to a memorial fund for Teddi. I will share the link here: Stripe Donation
Sadness, Gratitude and What Comes Next
We don’t expect to ever replace Teddi — he was absolutely one of a kind. However, as faith or fate would have it, Cheyne Ranch has been offered a kind and gentle 10-year-old gelding pony named Edward, whose size and temperament may allow him to support some of the same students who trusted Teddi. While plans are still taking shape, we hope to bring him down to Florida sometime in February. We didn’t plan on this timing, and I find myself both grateful and grieving at the same time.
Thank you for everything Teddi
We will miss Teddi more than words can say.
Photo album: 2026 In Memory of Teddi
Donation link: Stripe Donation
