The Ward family travelled to compete in 70 rodeos across Australia in 2018 and the commitment, hard work and determination to perform at their best has been rewarded.
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Bobbi and Levi head into the ABCRA National Finals in Tamworth next week locked into first place in the Under-11 to 14 barrel race and Under-8 to 11 steer ride, respectively, while Franki, who had an injury ravaged season, is ranked in fifth position in the Under-8 to 11 barrel race.
Levi is also cemented into third spot in the Under-8 to 11 barrel race. The 11-year-old only started competing in the event halfway through the season after the family purchased a new horse.
Bobbi, 13, was surprised she has been able to lock up first place in the barrel race and she attributes her success to the connection she has with her horse, Thunder.
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“My success has been unexpected,” Bobbi told the Argus.
“I train everyday and work really hard but there are a lot of good competitors in my age group so to finish in first makes me feel really good.
“My horse and I have clicked and that really helps.”
Levi was glad he was able to secure the victory in his division but he is already counting down the days until he steps up into the higher age bracket and onto a larger bull.
“I can’t wait for the season to be over, I want to go up into the Under-14s and go onto the bigger bulls,” Levi said.
Despite locking up first place finishes for the season, Bobbi and Levi are hopeful of adding an exclamation point to their victories by securing the wins in their respective competitions at the national finals. Meanwhile Franki is looking to prove she was capable of finishing in first place if it wasn’t for a broken arm.
While Franki, 8, is the youngest in the Ward clan, her passion for rodeos and competition is just as strong.
“I love rodeos just as much as Bobbi and Levi do,” Franki said.
“I love riding and competing.”
Levi is also the first reserve for the Under-18s junior breakaway roping and is ready to compete if someone pulls out from competition.
The national finals are held over two nights on January 22 and 23. Each division has 15 participants and they compete once each night and their scores are combined to determine the winner.
The Ward family expressed their gratitude towards their sponsors.
“If it wasn’t for our sponsors then it would be impossible to compete at the rodeos,” the three children’s father Dean Ward said.
“I can’t even guess how many kilometres we have travelled this year and it’s all thanks to the people who support us, they know who they are.”
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