It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of beloved Pride’s Lady Dia, more affectionately known as Lady Dia. She passed away on November 8, 2017, at Blackwell Stables, her home for the past 20 years. Lady Dia, by Delight of Pride out of Eb’s Lady Di, was foaled on April 10, 1995. Her training began under Ken Moore stables. In 1997, she was purchased by Ed McLeod and put under the direction of Blackwell Stables, to be campaigned in Open Classes with Tommy Blackwell and Amateur Classes with Beverly McLeod.
Pride’s Lady Dia’s show ring resume´ includes over 200 shows and 140 blue ribbons. Her awards include: 1997 South Carolina Walking Horse Association Two Year Old Open High Point Champion; 1998 South Carolina Walking Horse Association Three Year Old Open and Three Year Old Mare & Gelding High Point Champion; 2001 North Carolina Walking Horse Association Reserve High Point Amateur Ladies Champion and Reserve High Point Aged Mare Champion; 2002 North Carolina Walking Horse Association Amateur Canter High Point Champion; 2003-2013, 2015-2016 – South Carolina Walking Horse Association Amateur Canter High Point Champion; 2014 South Carolina Walking Horse Association Amateur Canter Reserve High Point; 2003-2004, 2007, and 2015 North Carolina Walking Horse Association Amateur Canter Reserve High Point Champion; 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2016 North Carolina Walking Horse Association Amateur Canter High Point Champion; Walking Horse Report Top Ten Champion 2004-2016; 2009 Scoop Selection Readers Choice Reserve Amateur Canter Mare, and 2016 Scoop Selection Readers Choice Amateur Canter Mare winner.
This big black mare had a commanding presence in the ring and will be sorely missed in the upcoming show season. She was an outstanding show mare, but an even more incredible ambassador for the breed. Pride’s Lady Dia was owned by Sadie McLeod, ridden by Beverly McLeod, trained by Tommy Blackwell, and loved by all.