Dec. 8, 2008

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – South Carolina head coach Boo Major has announced the signing of Sarah Ward of Atlanta, Ga., to the Gamecock equestrian program for the 2009-10 season.

Ward has enjoyed much success and has made the most of her final season in the junior divisions by winning the 2008 Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrison, Pa., last month. She was named the Large Junior Hunter champion (16-17) and the Grand Junior Hunter champion on her gelding, Onassis.

Ward, who has only shown for five years, was also the Older Large Junior Hunters champion at the Winter Equestrian Festival. She also was named reserve champion at the festival in the Older Small Junior Hunters division. Also in 2008, Ward qualified three different horses for three different shows, including the Devon National Horse and Pony Show, the Washington International Horse Show and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. She placed third in the Southeast Region of the World Champion Hunter Rider and placed in the top three at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in October.

“Sarah is an exceptional rider both in the hunter and equitation rings,” Major said. “Qualifying three hunters for indoors is quite an accomplishment. We are proud to have her join us in 2009.”

She has placed Top 30 in the Southeast ASPCA Maclay Regionals and qualified for the USEF Medal Finals in 2007-08.

Ward attended The Galloway School where she graduated in 2008 and is trained by Jack Towell at Finally Farm in Camden, S.C.. Her parents are Bob and Diane Ward.