Ward named Rider of the Year by Eventing Association

She's competed at Rolex Kentucky on four different occasions, and now the event rider may have an opportunity to return to the United States' only Four-Star Three-Day Event, with one of her new charges. Paradise Farm's Lellie Ward and the Three Devils - Pickles, Next Dance and Peter Pan enjoyed an outstanding year in 2008, and were recognized earlier this month at the United States Eventing Association's Annual Meeting and Convention in New Orleans.

Ward won the national Master Training Rider award by a comfortable margin over Kevin Keane.

"I'm very excited by the honor," said Ward. "It's a huge personal accomplishment for me. I'm bringing the award back to Aiken, with a lot of pride. I've never won a national award."

Next Dance, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Peter Pan, a 5-year-old Thoroughbred gelding and Pickles placed consistently throughout the year, winning the dressage phase at a number of horse trials, said Ward.

"We must never forget what an honor it is to be able to ride these horses," said Ward. "And to bring these horses along, and produce them, you sometimes lose track of it. My horses are very special. I'm lucky to have had the training that I've had, the friends I've made a long the way and the instruction."

The event rider, trainer, instructor, clinician and organizer will be directing her energies toward obtaining several licenses in 2009.

Ward is proud of her horses and is quick to give credit to the talented triumvirate who are the reason the rider/trainer won the award based on total points.

"I had three horses that were consistently in the top three," she said. "I had an outrageously good year, which is sort of scary. Hopefully, we can put one foot in front of the other, and do it again."

The ribbon and plaque are displayed prominently in her office next to a picture of the Three Devils and Ward's advanced level horse Riverdance, whom she competed with at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Concours Complet International Four Star. Also in a place of honor on the wall, is her Rolex Kentucky completion plaque. The ribbon and plaque serve as an inspiration.

"I can't wait to get back to the upper levels," said Ward.

"I can't wait to do it again. I'm riding better than ever."