Of horses and huskies

by Melissa Bishop

There are 18 University of Connecticut horses in the campus polo barn. But only two are native "Huskies."

Jed and Twister, both thoroughbred-cross geldings, were born and raised at UConn, the home of the Huskies. Each are now 10 years old and stand about 15 hands tall. They share the same sire, but were bred from different dams.

Twister had a rocky history on campus. His birth led to complications. His mother developed colic, or sharp pains, in her stomach. A change of diet necessitated by the colic led her to stop milk production. The colic proved fatal to the mare and Twister's health worsened.

"We kept him in the barn where everyone could see him," Polo Coach Dr. James Dinger said.

Dinger saved Twister's life by hand feeding him every four hours.

Although many suggested the colt be euthanized, Dinger stood by him and saved his life.

Twister was not always appreciative, however. He was not the friendliest horse growing up. Players again wondered whether he should stay at the UConn barn as for years he terrorized students and was not even trained for riding.

"He used to chase you out when you went into his stall," Dinger explained.

Five years and four championships since then, however, his image has changed.

"Now, he's playing pretty nice polo," Dinger said.

The other UConn native in the barn is Twister's step-brother Jed, who also has a special connection to the coach. Students named the horse after Dinger. The letters J.E.D. are Dinger's initials.

Polo player Jeff Scheraga said both are now fairly advanced horses. He prefers Jed over Twister.

"Jed can be good in the right hands," he said.

Jed was a favorite last year, Dinger said. He was raised entirely by students. A flashy horse, Jed sports a coat of gray with white spots, but he was born jet black.

Some of the horses that are donated to play polo are as old as 20. Jed and Twister, at half that age, have plenty of playing time ahead.

True Huskies, Jed and Twister, who were part of the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 National Championship teams, are looking for a five-peat.

Photo credit: Ashley Owens