Ted Williams

4/22/2000 – 11/7/2016

2004 World Champion Four-Year-Old Stallion
2003 World Champion Three-Year-Old Stallion
2002 World Grand Champion Two-Year-Old
2002 World Champion Two-Year-Old Stallions

Our breed lost a wonderful stallion. Ted Williams passed at 16 years of age on Monday November 7th 2016. Ted was sired by the legendary He’s Puttin’ On The Ritz and out of the top show mare and producer Pride’s Xanadu. He was bred and raised by Steve and Reese Smith Jr. of Franklin, Tennessee. 

He began his training under the guidance of David Landrum Stables where he spent most his early career, winning 3 World Championships and a World Grand Championship. He was owned by Dr. Jim and Kay Green during those years. In 2005 he was purchased by Bob Kilgore of Tuscaloosa Alabama, and in 2007 Ted was purchased by Frank Eichler to headline his stallion line-up at Rising Star Ranch.

Throughout his career he was always successful no matter what division or rider. Beginning with Joe Cotten and Kay Green; Ted was also shown by Mike Hilley, Gwain Wilson, John Allan Callaway, Tim Smith and most recently by Dick Peebles where he was in training. His last show ring appearance was victorious at the Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show in 2015 with Dick Peebles aboard.

As a sire Ted was following in the footsteps of his own sire. Currently Ted Williams had 537 TWHBEA registered foals.  Ted has produced World Champions such as WGC Lester H. Burns, WGC Ted Who, WGC Knock ‘Em Ted, WC Loose In The Outfield, WC In Ted’s Image, WC Call Me Ted and WC A Home Run By Ted. Other Top Show horses sired by Ted Williams include, Sox Appeal, Swing Batter Batter Swing, Deception, Tango Whisky, The Shut Out, Ready To Play, Traveling Dr. Williams, Sy Robertson, Arriba, Braddock, Throw Me A Curve and Fenway Finesse among many others. Daughters of Ted Williams have been sought out by knowledgeable breeders.

Frank and Debbie Eichler would especially like to thank all those that have called or written to express their condolences. Ted Williams was brought home and laid to rest in the ring at Rising Star Ranch. He will be missed by all those that loved and cared for him. He will be remembered as one of the most beautiful Tennessee Walking Horses ever. His legacy will continue through his offspring.