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….

Read the entire story
Date: 1-4-2009
By: www.aikenstandard.com