WARD – The front of Jenny Bell’s T-shirt featured the question.

It was one that has been asked by thousands of people over the last nine years during which she and husband William Bell have hosted the annual equine extravaganza, “Wonderful Weekend in Ward” held just inside the limits of their cozy home town.

People have wanted to know, “where in the world is Ward?”

The back of her T-shirt supplied the answer, “follow me and I’ll take you there.”

The couple and a host of their closest friends and loyal volunteers have led thousands of people to Ward over the years, and 2009 proved to be no different.

More than 1,100 riders brought their mounts over the weekend from such far-flung locales as Canada, Germany and even New Zealand to ride the beautiful trails Ward has to offer. Some stayed for the weekend, while others came early and stayed late.

All enjoyed the days of warm sunshine and considerable hospitality the town had to offer.

Good food, entertainment and fellowship were also in abundance.

There were dances to attend and even a mechanical bull to ride.

“I used to be one of those people who would go and ride at other people’s places,” said Mr. Bell. “Then nine years ago we just thought that we would do one ourselves.”

With 50 miles of good trails to be ridden and enjoyed, the event prospered.

Vendors from all across the Southeast have picked up on the event and also make the annual trek to Ward, displaying their latest products for the thousands on hand.

“People would say they had a wonderful weekend in Ward and that’s where it got started,” Ms. Bell added. “We really enjoy doing it.”

Plenty of others appreciate their efforts too, so much so that once they experience the event they find that merely one weekend in Ward is never enough.

“This is our second year,” said Wally Morgan of Mule Stomp Farms located in Greer, South Carolina. “It’s just a weekend to get away and meet a lot of good people.”

“It just seems like it gets bigger and bigger every year,” said Myranda Morgan.

Lisa and Dale Black have nearly lost count of how many weekends they’ve spent in Ward. They were one of many who arrived early in the week for the event.

“We try to schedule one of these weekends to ride once a month,” Mr. Black said. “We’ve been coming down here seven or eight years and this year it turned out to be a wonderful week in Ward instead of just a weekend. These are good people.”