Frederick O. Davis (May 27, 1898 – April 10, 1960,) was born in Hartland Vermont as one of twelve children. He grew up among Morgan horses. The family farm in Hartland had a band of mares and various studs. It was on this Vermont farm that Ted learned to ride and drive, and he helped work his father’s Morgan stallion in the fields. It was said of his father that he had a sharp eye for “types” and that he could purchase a horse a hundred miles from home that was a perfect match for one on his farm. He excelled at selling matched teams of Morgans. One of the family’s stallions “Vermont Almont” was well known in the area and Ted helped with the breeding of mares and raising of colts on the farm.


Hartland Fairgrounds


When Ted Davis was ten he was given a colt by his father. Ted Davis broke him to ride and drive, selling him for $60 when he was “finished.” Shortly after that he was given a thoroughbred and spent the summer racing her at the local fairs. It’s safe to assume that was where he developed his love for racing and the roadster events. He was later quoted as saying “I never weighed over 125 and I won more than my share.”


Ted Davis in later years riding the Morgan Red Penn (by Glider out of Adriann)
This was his brother Harry Davis's horse


With his brothers Harry and Floyd, Ted Davis showed Registered Guernsey cattle at Brattleboro, White River Junction, Middlebury, Rutland, and the Vermont Fairs, as well as the Eastern States Exposition at Springfield, Massachusetts. It was this experience as a youth that enabled him to confidently show his Morgan horses in later years.
 

Listen to Patty Davis Ferguson talk about her father's beginnings

 

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