Favorite Quote: “All problems in riding can be solved with more leg.”
Ailla Ward, a 10-year-old English rider from Poughquag, New York, was nominated by her trainer, Leah Struzzieri. According to Leah, Ailla is “the epitome of excellence in equestrian sports, both in non-competitive and competitive realms.” Her accolades include a championship win at the Spring Fling Horses at the Tymor Equestrian Center in Union Vale, New York.
Leah states Ailla loves taking care of and riding all horses at her barn, JL Performance Horses, but holds a special place in her heart for her Welsh Pony, Waverly. “For Ailla, the barn is more than just a place to ride; it is a community where she feels valued and understood,” says Leah. The barn gives Ailla a sense of belonging, and Ailla gives the barn her all as demonstrated by the devotion she pours into her responsibilities there.
Going above and beyond simply caring for all eight horses and ponies on the farm (although she does an exemplary job with them), Ailla exudes “positive sportsmanship and camaraderie in every interaction,” Leah explains. She is an encouraging teammate, a welcoming face to new riders, and a plethora of knowledge (which she loves to share) of all things equine.
Her biggest challenge has been “overcoming the social and emotional hurdles associated with her speech impediment and being on the Autism Spectrum,” Leah states. Bullying and feelings of isolation made it hard for Ailla to be accepted by her peers; however, Ailla’s supportive equine community has made it possible for her to feel understood, valued, and accepted. In fact, she was able to show how her deep bond with horses has positively impacted her confidence and communications skills by giving her first TV interview to Spectrum News, NY. Ailla considers this interview her biggest accomplishment and spoke of her love of horses, expressing, “When the horses are happy, I am happy.”
Ailla’s short-term goal is to learn to canter and jump with proficiency. Her long-term goal is to be a successful artist, merging her creativity with her deep love for horses. She aims to share her passion for horses with the world through her art and would love to combine her artistic talents with equine therapy to help other children benefit from horses the same way she has.
Age:
10
Discipline:
English
Hometown:
Poughquag, NY
Trainer:
Leah Struzzieri
School:
Vail Farm Elementary School
