In Loving Memory of KM Jazz It Up – 2010-2025

We are devastated to share the news of the passing of KM Jazz It Up, the 2010 mare by RLBOS and out of Jazzy Jet Setter (by A Sudden Impulse), bred by Masterson Farms, LLC.

KM Jazz It Up was lovingly known as “Bling” to her owner, Dr. Lori Leigh Ward, throughout their time together, earning many accolades. Bling was crowned many times as a champion in both open and amateur competition, with titles such as the 2016 APHA World Champion, as an NSBA Champion, the Southern Belle Champion, a Dixie Nationals Champion, the Stanford Happening Champion, just to name a portion of her titles.

Many fans will remember the iconic highlight from the 2018 NSBA World Championship Show, as photos of Lori learning she had won the Novice Amateur Trail were shared.  Upon reflection afterward, Lori shared these words about that moment with NSBA:

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I had never won an NSBA World Show trophy and I was dying for one. I was always 1/2 point shy of top three in the pleasure with this mare. She’s been a once in a lifetime horse for me. I thought the pleasure was her thing, until this occurred.

It was my second time to ever show the trail in my life and she was a green trail horse. My trainer (Amanda Ringer, who worked for Rusty Green) told me not to show. My family was there, which they don’t go to many shows anymore. So I did show. I’ve always been hardheaded. Everyone knows this. To prepare, I did have lots of help, don’t get me wrong. God was with me. I had a good pattern, I thought.

When I came out Shannon Curl told me I won it. Amanda had her doubts. We had to wait what seemed a lifetime for call backs because I was an early draw. Finally, the numbers came. They called MY number out for top 10. I was ecstatic. Amanda told me I could NOT take my horse back. What an accomplishment for my second time ever. So, I finally listened and didn’t take my horse as she felt it was bad luck.

I’ll never forget. I was late walking out I thought well I was 10th and I have to stay until the end to get my award. I realized no I am top five. Then I thought ok wow I made top four this is great. Holy cow, now I’m top 3, is this even possible? No, I was top two. 😳 My heart sank and I was so thankful. I shook the other guys hand and thought this is the closest I have ever gotten. Thank you.

Well they called his number out. I died a little, ok a lot, inside. I wanted to jump for joy in amazement. Did this just happen? I’ve begged for a title here my whole life with this mare. Are you sure?

I cried, I smiled, I hugged my best friend’s neck (bling, KM JAZZ IT UP) when I got back. I hugged my trainers and thanked them and my family for believing in me, even when they didn’t want to. We had a blast. For once, I wasn’t even nervous and now I’m a nervous wreck ever sense. I have learned to love the trail. It can be anybody’s day.

Thankfully, it was all of our day that day. I’ll never forget it. It was a team effort. Thank you to all that made it possible, including NSBA.” – Dr Lori Leigh Ward.

Below, please find the words shared by Lori after the tremendous loss:

 

“Yesterday, we said farewell to our champion who’s heart was as big as her talent.

With heavy hearts, we made the decision to humanely euthanize “Bling”. She fought a grave prognosis for 5 years. Her legacy speaks for itself—countless trophies, unforgettable rides, and the love that we all had for her.

But beyond the ribbons and accolades, she was family. A heart so kind, a spirit so strong, and a soul that gave us everything—every single time. In the end, we chose dignity, peace, and love over prolonging pain. It was the last gift we could give to a friend who gave us her all.

She was able to spend her last hours being a horse, grazing, rolling in the dirt, and eating all of her favorite treats.

Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the love. You were one of a kind.

Run free now. You’ll always be part of us.

Thank you to all of her trainers, farriers, veterinarians, haulers, etc that played a part in our lives!

She was truly my best friend. I’m thankful she got to meet my son and that they loved one another.

There will never be another one like you B Bear.”

 

We have been honored to be part of their journey on the pages of The Equine Chronicle, and with respect to the family’s loss, we share a special poem by Brenda Riley-Seymore below:

Don’t Cry For The Horses

Don’t cry for the horses that life has set free.
A million white horses forever to be.
Don’t cry for the horses now in God’s hand.
As they dance and they prance in a heavenly band.
They were ours as a gift, but never to keep.
As they close their eyes forever to sleep.
Their spirits unbound. On silver wings they fly.
A million white horses against the blue sky.
Look up into heaven, you’ll see them above.
The horses we lost, the horses we loved.
Manes and tails flowing they gallop through time.
They were never yours – they were never mine.
Don’t cry for the horses. They’ll be back someday.
When our time is gone, they will show us the way.
Do you hear that soft nicker? Close to your ear?
Don’t cry for the horses. Love the ones that are here.