20 SIDELINES MARCH 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
My Line
Back in the Sun
By Sarah Ward
Well, I packed up my bags and horses and headed to
Florida for the winter season and I couldn’t have been more
excited. Even before I was ready to go, tons of equestrian
enthusiasts, trainers, riders, staff and spectators were
already on the grounds at the different horse shows, enjoying
the warm sun and heated competition. I think most people
who ride will agree that there is nothing quite like leaving the
frigid temperatures behind and heading south to spend days
surrounded by beautiful horses, fantastic friends and non-
stop, top-notch competition.
Last year, much to my despair, I wasn’t able to compete
as I was recovering from knee surgery. But my horses were
able to show with my trainer, Liza Boyd, in the irons, and
they ribboned in many classes including the ultra competitive
Hunter Derby at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Needless
to say, I was incredibly proud, but watching from the
sidelines is just not the same as riding under the lights over
that amazing course. I had dreamed of walking my horse
into the International Arena under the bridge at the Palm
Beach International Equestrian Center, then picking up a
hand gallop and putting in my best effort over the beautifully
decorated course, line by line, option by option. Alas, it was
not to be so in 2011, but this is a new year with new dreams.
Fitting It All In
In 2012, I changed it up a bit and added to the schedule. I
began by joining Finally Farm and friends where I made my
debut at the Jacksonville Horse Shows where I rode a variety of
Adult Hunters. Next on the agenda came the Winter Equestrian
Festival in Wellington, with four weeks competing in the A/O
Hunters on Isaac. The culmination of the sevenweeks of showing
is another frst for me, Ocala, to compete in both the A/O Hunters
on Onassis and A/O Jumpers on Ludwig Storgaard, or “Louie”
as I call him, or “Loopy” as my friends like to so lovingly call him.
Sounds amazing, right? A vacation to beat all; but I can’t forget
about my schoolwork. Somehow, I am going to squeeze hours
of classes and online credits into each day. Sure, I’ll be busy
but I’m sure I’m not the only one who will be burning the candle
at both ends for the chance to keep showing through the winter.
After all this time, I have learned from trial and error that
organization is key. Luckily, I have a great support team to
keep me motivated and focused. I’m determined, no matter
what may come my way, not to let anything distract me. Maybe
between riding and writing papers, competitions and class
work, I can ft in a few minutes to peruse the shops and/or stop
for an ice cream or crepe… I’m only human you know! But with
only seven weeks (or 49 days; 1,176 hours; 70,560 minutes, or
just 4,233,600 seconds) to get it
all done, I’d better stay focused!
Sarah Ward is currently living in
Atlanta. Sarah rides with Finally
Farm’s Jack Towell and Liza
Towell-Boyd and competes with
Finally Farm in the hunters and
jumpers in both the amateur and
open divisions.