Theodore Roosevelt: Steiff Toy Roosevelt on Horseback. The Steiff Toy Co. has long been the foremost manufacturer of the teddy bear. As the story goes, when Roosevelt was on a hunting trip his aides caught a young bear and tied him to a tree for the President to shoot. Roosevelt refused and thus to every toy manufacturer's delight the "Teddy" bear was born. Therefore it is no surprise that Steiff, one of the largest to produce bears and other stuffed toys, would pay tribute to the man who started the teddy bear craze by producing this piece. Here offered is the quintessential item for toy and political collectors alike. This incredible leaping horse with glass eyes and Teddy Roosevelt as its rider is one of the rarest of Steiff creations. Teddy sits atop this Appaloosa, with Steiff button in his ear, ready to lead the charge up San Juan Hill. The horse, made of mohair, retains its original saddle blanket but sports a new leather saddle and stirrups. His mane is complete and made of horsehair. Roosevelt is dressed in his Rough Rider military outfit with a composition painted head, complete with original gloves, boots and hat. Wear to the leather accessories is evident but all is intact and seldom found this complete. The horse is approximately 38" long with Roosevelt measuring approximately 27" tall.