Catherine Tyree, recipient of the M. Michael Meller Style of Riding Award, with the Ridland family and Melissa Brandes. Photo: McCool
Las Vegas, Nev. – Nov. 20, 2017 – During Nov. 14-19, show jumping’s best gathered on the West Coast to compete for valuable World Cup qualifying points at the 2017 Las Vegas National Horse Show. Prior to Saturday’s $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Las Vegas CSI4*-W, young talent Catherine Tyree of the United States was honored as the recipient of the M. Michael Meller Style of Riding Award.
“It’s a huge honor to win the style award,” expressed Tyree. “I know Michael has been doing this award for a while now. Last year in Las Vegas it went to Eric Navet so to follow someone like him, who is such an inspiration to myself and other riders around the world, is really flattering. I was very honored to be chosen this year. I’ve been working really hard so to be recognized like that and to have that little bit of acknowledgment means a lot to me.”
Tyree was presented with the award after the selection committee, consisting of past style award winners Alison Robitaille and Heather Caristo-Williams, unanimously chose the 23-year-old for the honor. The M. Michael Meller Style Award is presented each year to an international equestrian who exemplifies the best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure. Tyree’s quiet demeanor, devotion to the horse and style, from the beginning of the FEI jog to the end of the week’s competition, led to her win.
“Catherine is a world-class rider and very deserving of this year’s award,” said Meller. “She’s a delight to come across at the horse show. Her demeanor and the way she carries herself in this sport is truly remarkable. At Gallagher/Meller Sport Horses, we believe in supporting world-class competitions that showcase the best the sport has to offer. The organizers of the Las Vegas National Horse Show have created an amazing event, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
The mission of Gallagher/Meller Sport Horses is to find and produce some of the world’s top young show jumping mounts. For more information, please visit www.gallaghermeller.com.