Las Vegas, Nevada - Nov. 22, 2021 - Top international athletes make their way to the famous Las Vegas National Horse Show (LVNHS) every year to vie for top honors in the highly anticipated $150,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup CSI4*-W. After an incredible 2021 season, winning several international classes and making her Nations Cup debut just a few months before, M. Michael Meller was pleased to present Natalie Dean with the M. Michael Style Award. Meller and QBS Equestrian are proud to continue to support this famed horse show through the Style Award.
The M. Michael Meller Style of Riding Award is presented each year to the international athlete who displays an exemplary style of riding and sportsmanlike conduct in and out of the ring in the FEI Jumping Division - someone who exemplifies what it means to be a true role model for our industry. There was no question that Dean would be awarded during this year's LVNHS after exemplifying the true meaning of horsemanship and style.
Erynn Ballard presenting Natalie Dean with M. Michael Meller Style of Riding Award at 2021 Las Vegas National Horse Show
Dean has competitively been showing on the international level for many years, quickly making a name for herself and taking home several top placings at some of the world's largest venues. She recently made her Nations Cup debut at Spruce Meadows, riding alongside Mclain Ward, Bliss Hears and Alex Granato. Most recently, Dean took home second in the $150,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier at LVNHS and recently was named in the top 100 in the world rankings. It takes a village to rise to this level, and Dean has a strong team behind her with Ilan Ferder Stables, her parents backing and all of the grooms who keep her horses looking their best.
"It's a really big honor. A lot of the riders that I look up to and idolize have won this award, so to even be considered for it feels really special," expressed Dean. "The style award is about more than just your riding in the ring, so I'm really grateful to Michael for believing in me and everything that I've been doing in this sport. It just feels really good." Meller commented, "Natalie is a world-class rider who has moved up quickly through the international ranks at a young age. She works incredibly hard and is the epitome of style in and out of the ring. It has been an honor to watch her over the years, especially with one of our QBS graduates, Chance Ste Hermelle. I look forward to watching her continued success." The team at MMM Horseman along with Dennis Sisco and QBS Equestrian are now gearing up for the 2022 winter show season. For more information about the Style Award and MMM Horseman please visit mmm-horseman.com.