The chestnut Thoroughbred wonder-horse Ready Teddy took the world by storm when he and  Blyth Tait won gold at both the Olympic Games (1996) and World Equestrian Games (1998), followed by winning  the four-star Burghley Horse Trials in 2000.

But did the gelding know that he had an alter ego? 

Ready Teddy Bear was lovingly created by craftsmen at Robin Rive Teddy Makers of London, as a fund raiser for the New Zealand Olympic Equestrian team’s campaign at Sydney 2000.  A very dapper figure, they dressed him in a black velvet riding hat, teddy-sized riding jacket, shirt and tie, and brandishing a New Zealand flag and a gold medal.  He was so impressive, he even had an audience with Blyth who approved of the craftsmanship and the play on his Olympic medal-winning horse. 

“I thought it was a very cool idea and I remember when it was issued and it was very popular! and it was a bit of fun but it also was a great memory of Ted,” said Blyth.

Ready Teddy Bear was homed by the Fowler family of Tauranga and a number of replicas were sold around the country.  But recently, Jill Fowler, who lovingly cared for Ready Teddy for over 25 years, sadly passed away.

“Mum absolutely adored Ready Teddy Bear for what feels like forever,” said Jill’s daughter Vicki. “As a girl Mum always loved horses, and I was a horse-mad pony clubber so Ready Teddy has been special to our family for a long time.

“He has represented a particularly special chapter in Mum and Dad’s lives when, as General Manager of Land Rover NZ through the late 90’s, Dad travelled with Mum to attend events sponsored throughout New Zealand and in the UK. They created some lifelong memories with the special people they met and events that they attended, including Badminton, Burghley, Taupō and Puhinui Three Day Events. 

“That was a particularly prosperous time for eventing in New Zealand. I remember it fondly, and Mum’s Ready Teddy was part of that era.  I’d like to think that he now deserves a space where those memories can be passed on.”

Vicki said Teddy has given a lot of joy to her family and they’ve decided he needs to go back where he belongs.  So, the family has generously decided to gift him to Equestrian Sports New Zealand.

“It’s almost like a full circle.  We’re sure that Mum would want her Ready Teddy to continue to bring joy to others who have a sense of the important role that his namesake played in the proud history of our sport,” she said. 

Ready Teddy Bear will take up pride of place at the ESNZ Head Office in Wellington where he will be on display and continue to be much loved.