Horseman dies from injuries after horse falls on top of him

Robert "Ted" Shields, who worked in Aiken for several years and rode in the Aiken Trials, died Monday in Oldsmar, Fla., from injuries suffered from a horse rearing up and falling on him.

Shields, who rode for a number of years as a jockey and was working as an exercise rider in Florida, was pronounced dead at Mease Countryside Hospital. He was 60 years old.

The native of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, rode at a number of race tracks as a jockey. He won his first race on his fifth mount at Bowie Race Course while under contract to Carl Chapman, said Linda Shields, his ex-wife. He rode as a jockey through 1994.

Shields worked for a number of Thoroughbred operations and trainers in Aiken including Greentree, Buckland, Mike Freeman, Marvin Greene, Tim Frommer, Hill N' Dale and Hall of Fame conditioner Mack Miller, said Linda.

"He was a reliable worker, a good rider and good person," said Al Darlington, Buckland Farm trainer.

An accomplished horseman, Shields was respected and admired for his abilities.

"He was amazing; it was as if he had a clock in his head," said Linda, who also worked for Buckland Farm. "I learned so much from him. He was an incredible horseman. He was a great guy. It seemed as if everyone knew Teddy Shields. He was a wonderful rider. He died doing what he loved."

John Hamilton rode with Shields for three years while they working for Buckland.

"He was a very good rider, a nice guy, and was a very good horseman," said Hamilton, who now rides for Darley. "Everyone liked him. Everyone who worked with him thought the world of him. It's a great loss. The last time I had seen him was when I was in Timonium, Md., it was about five years ago at the sale. He was cheerful and laughing."

In addition to his ex-wife Linda, he is survived by his daughter Claire and his brother William.