Name: Marcelle Ward
Age: 40
Based in: West Ashling, West Sussex
Sport: Dressage
Level: I am an amateur Group IV para dressage rider and compete in both able bodied dressage (Elementary/Medium BD) as well as para competitions (2* international level).
Early riding years: I started riding when I was 8 years old, mostly consisting of helping out at the local stables hoping to get a free ride! During some challenging family and personal times as a child, I always found that time spent with horses in any way was therapeutic and rewarding. Subsequently, horses have always featured in my life. My first horse, Apollo, was a lively thoroughbred cross who was nine months old when I bought him; and introduced me to my love of dressage!
Current equine partner: Dornroeshcen (aka Briar) is my primary competition horse and is a homebred 8-year old chestnut mare. Back in 2005 I bought a lovely but unbroken mare, Rosie, from Germany, who was in foal to De Niro. Briar is the result! I wanted to be able to create a bond with a horse right from day one, and this has paid dividends. Briar has turned out to be fantastically talented (albeit spirited!) and she has exceeded all of my expectations
The job that pays for eventing: I work as a full-time sister in a busy haemodialysis ward. I am fortunate to be able to have my horses at home, which is a fantastic benefit.
Riding highlights to date: In July 2014 I was selected to ride for GB in the CPEDI 2* International at Bishop Burton. It was a great honour to wear the union jack, and I was delighted to finish 6th overall in my group.
Follow Marcelle:
@tweetingmarcie (twitter)
www.marcelleward.com (website)
Marcelle Ward Para Dressage (Facebook)
In the press: Marcelle made Horse & Hound fame following a win at the Medium Petplan Regionals, Sept 2014.
