Wellington, Fla. – Feb. 8, 2017 – Last weekend, some of show jumping’s most talented athletes gathered at Deeridge Farms for the World Cup qualifier at the Palm Beach Masters CSI3*-W. Katherine Gallagher, M. Michael Meller and Dan Walsh of E2 Show Jumpers were proud to support the exciting World Cup event, now in its second year of operation. This year, in addition to his sponsorship of the competition, Meller presented the M. Michael Meller Style Award to up-and-coming superstar Mavis Spencer of the USA.
Just before Sunday’s $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Wellington CSI3*-W, Meller presented Spencer with the coveted award. The M. Michael Meller Style Award is presented to an international equestrian who exemplifies the best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure. Previous winners at events in 2015 and 2016 include Andres Rodriguez, Chloe Reid, Charlie Jacobs, Alison Robitaille and Conor Swail.
“I haven’t been competing at this level for very long,” Spencer said. “To even qualify for the World Cup class in the first place is a really big deal for me. I burst into tears when Michael told me I won the award. I was so overwhelmed and overjoyed to be recognized with the award; it means more than I can even express.”
“Mavis really can handle any aspect of the industry,” Meller said. “She can manage the care of top horses, she can ride top horses, she can compete top horses; she’s a real role model. The award is just fitting for her. Our industry really needs role models, and Mavis embodies what a young rider should aspire to be.”
Meller continued, “At E2 Show Jumpers we believe in supporting world-class competitions that showcase the best the sport has to offer. The Palm Beach Masters is a beautiful venue with incredible footing. The Jacobs are on the right path in turning horse shows back into world-class events, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
Founded by Gallagher, Meller and Walsh, the mission of E2 Show Jumpers is to find and produce some of the world’s top young show jumping mounts.