story by Laramie Dearing
With a population of less than 1,000, Miles, Texas is home to 17 year old, Emily Ward. Daughter of Brant and Renee Ward, Emily conveys numerous notches on her belt! She has one foot in her arena dirt and the other within her many other academic and athletic activities. Buckle up and meet this daring, ‘one-of-a-kind’ cowgirl!
“When others think of me, I want them to see me as a leader and an overall good person. Someone that can help people and be good with horses and training them.” Sights set on being the bigger person in life, Emily pursues many affairs in rodeo to prepare her for that role. “ I compete in barrel racing, pole bending, and breakaway. My favorite event is breakaway. I really enjoy the challenge and it’s just really fun. The competition is getting really big and tough. It takes real skill, not just a nice horse that will do it all for you.” Where would a horse woman be without her horses? “The horses we currently have are Jewel, Roxy, Shesa, Etta, Stormy, Rooster, Coondog, Fancy, Keeper, Grace, Ike, and Wolf. Some of them are retired or currently being trained. Whether they are waiting their turn or have already performed they are still a part of the team. I wouldn’t say I have a ‘favorite’ horse but if I had to choose one it would be Rooster. He is my favorite horse because he gives you 110% every run. It doesn’t matter if he is hurting or anything he is going to try his hardest for you every run. I love that about a horse and there is nothing more you could ask for from one.”
Emily often exchanges her belt buckles and boots for her school uniform. “ I attend Veribest High School where I am a current sophomore. I am involved in basketball, cross country, track, and tennis. I have won multiple things throughout my athletic career like: 2017-2019 District Champions in Basketball, State Qualifiers 2020 Basketball, 2021 District Champions Basketball, Regional Qualifier 2021 Basketball, 2nd team All District 2021 Basketball, Regional Qualifier 2019 & 2020 Cross Country, and Area Qualifier 2021 Track & Field.”
Known for not just her abilities in school but also the arena, Emily strives for greatness one day at a time. “ I have earned several achievements like: American Junior Rodeo Association Reserve Breakaway Champion, Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association Barrel Racing Champion, Breakaway Champion, All-Around Champion. Texas Junior High Rodeo Association Region III Breakaway Champion, Jr. World Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing Champion, National Junior High School Rodeo Qualifier, Texas Junior High Rodeo Association State Three Time Qualifier, Texas High School Rodeo Association Region III Reserve Breakaway Champion, Texas High School Rodeo Association State Qualifier, West Texas Rodeo Association Barrel Racing and All Around champion, Two Time Breakaway Semi-Finals Qualifier, Semi-Final Barrel Racing Qualifier.” Emily is an outstanding member in all her occupations. “My favorite achievement was winning the Jr World Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing Champion. It’s my biggest accomplishment, because truthfully I didn’t think I could get it done. It was one of the biggest stages I have ever been too and my goal going was to keep all the barrels standing. My horse Ruby and I hadn’t been very consistent, but when we kept them up we normally won money. I kept all the barrels up and was completely shocked when I won the championship.”
With the future comes many bright opportunities, especially for someone as hardworking as Emily. “ I’m unsure of where I want to go to school, however, I would like to compete in college rodeo and gain a business degree and learn about real estate. When I am done with college my plan is to be in real estate and train horses on the side.” Emily’s substructure is built on faith and perseverance. “ My favorite bible verse is Isiah 40:31 ‘Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength , they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
