Wellington, Fla. - Mar. 5, 2018 - Top athletes from around the world visit the Winter Equestrian Festival each year to represent their countries during the famed CSIO4* Nations Cup week. One of the United States' top young athletes, Lillie Keenan, was presented the Kate Nash Boone Style Award during the $205,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSIO4*.
The award is given to the international equestrian who exemplifies the best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure, while competing in the CSIO4* at WEF during Nations Cup week. Presented in memory of Kate Nash Boone, the award is a way to honor the memory of Boone's support and love of 'all things equestrian.' Michael Meller of Gallagher/Meller Show Jumpers awarded the trophy to Keenan.
Keenan represented the United States' this weekend during Nations Cup competition. Keenan is considered one of the country's most decorated young riders after having an incredibly successful junior career. She has now made her move over to international competition and trains with Cian O'Connor in Europe during the summer months. Saturday's competition marked her sixth Nations Cup appearance.
"Obviously this week is a big deal for us. Riding for your country is always extremely important to me, as I think it is for most riders. As a sportsman I think you can try as hard as you can and prepare as hard as you can but in the end you need a little bit of luck," said Keenan. "I think no matter what you can always be sportsmanlike and to receive the style award is a huge honor because I feel like even if the show doesn't go your way, you can just be really a gracious competitor and that they represent that is very meaningful. It's very exciting."
Meller commented, "I believe that Lillie is one of the world's most talented young riders. She works incredibly hard and is extremely dedicated to the horses and the sport. She takes the time to really develop a partnership with each of her horses. It's an honor to present her with the award; she truly deserves it."
Founded by Katherine Gallagher and Michael Meller, the mission of Gallagher/Meller Sport Horses is to find and produce some of the world's top young show jumping mounts.