Hi, I'm Teddy!

I was born and raised in Talamanca, in the heart of the Caribbean.

My story is not the typical story of a horse who has suffered obvious abuse or mistreatment. Mine is more complicated: a story made up of many little things that, together, can profoundly affect a horse's life.

When I was adopted by the Caribe Horse Rescue Project, I was underweight, with an incredibly long coat, and my hooves and teeth needed care.

I lived outdoors, but I had no proper place where I could shelter from the heavy rains, heat, and humidity of the tropics.

Living outdoors is wonderful for us horses: we can move, graze, socialize, and live according to our natural behavior. But in the rainforest climate of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, conditions can become really challenging. There are torrential rains, extremely high humidity, intense sun, and when the rain is heavy, the ground can temporarily become waterlogged and difficult to move through. Having a dry and safe place where we can take shelter is therefore essential.

I didn't have that…

I had also grown up practically isolated. I could see other horses from a distance, but I didn't have the opportunity to actually live with them and learn how to play and communicate properly.

My only direct and constant relationship was with humans, who had always treated me in an aggressive and coercive way. Everything was asked of me through pressure and through tools that gave me little opportunity to think, express uncertainty, or make a choice. I was simply expected to obey.

When I arrived at Caribe Horse, I didn't show my fear of humans, but I was always defensive, and I was very far from considering people my friends. For me, going out on rides was a duty, not something I enjoyed.

I expected every relationship to work in the same way I had learned to understand. When I didn't find pressure or force coming from the other side, I tended to react according to that same pattern.

We horses are prey animals. It is therefore natural for us to develop behaviors that can help us protect ourselves. Our intention is not to overpower anyone, but simply to survive according to the patterns we have learned.

Through my journey with Caribe Horse, I learned that there was a completely different way of relating to others. I learned that boundaries can exist without violence, that cooperation can grow from trust, and that a relationship can be built through respect, patience, and an immense amount of love.

And I have to say, I learned very quickly!

Today I am a calm, affectionate, and easy-to-handle horse. I love running, playing, and, above all, I absolutely love cuddles!

My body has also completely recovered. I have reached a healthy weight, and today the condition of my hooves, teeth, and overall health is very good.

And then there's my coat!

That long, thick coat that gave me the name Teddy, just like a teddy bear, was also a sign of a condition that we were eventually able to diagnose: PPID.

PPID can cause excessive hair growth and make thermoregulation more difficult, especially here, where the climate is hot and humid. I was born and raised in these temperatures and am perfectly accustomed to the tropical climate, but my particular coat requires a little extra care.

For this reason, we monitor my hair growth and, when necessary, I receive scheduled clipping, based on the temperature, the amount of hair, and my individual condition.

On particularly hot days, you may sometimes see me huffing a little because of the heat. But I am definitely not the kind of horse who likes standing still!

I am very energetic and active, and I need to move. And it is wonderful to see how, as soon as I get moving, all my energy and enthusiasm seem to come alive again.

Physical activity is truly important for me.

PPID does not prevent me from living a normal life. I simply need a little extra care, a diet specifically designed for my needs, and careful, regular monitoring.

And that is exactly what my family at the Caribe Horse Rescue Project works to give me every day: proper nutrition, care, movement, safety, affection, and lots of love.

Because I have learned something important.

Humans can be good friends and companions. ❤️