Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum riding Fibonacci. PC: Richard Julliart/FEI
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum of Germany has announced the sale of her 2016 Rio Olympics Bronze Medalist partner, Fibonacci, to American up-and-comer Lillie Keenan. The 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood Gelding first paired up with Meredith in early 2014, and the two have been an iconic gray and red staple at the top of the scene ever since.
The announcement was made April fifth on Meredith’s website.
“I am happy to congratulate Lillie Keenan on the purchase of Fibonacci. It is not always easy when a partnership comes to an end, but in this case I am thrilled to watch a new partnership begin. Nacho has been an extraordinary horse for me over the last three years and I am truly appreciative of the successes we enjoyed together. Now it is time for him to help a very talented young rider clear the obstacles in her path and achieve her dreams.
Lillie, I know that a wonderful future with Nacho awaits you. And with the great support and management of your coach Cian O’Connor, I am excited to see the places you will go.”
Lillie has been an explosive prospect for US High Performance as a former winner of the Maclay Final and Nations Cup team member in her senior career. To be partnering with a tremendous horse who played an integral role in Germany’s success in Rio may certainly present a unique opportunity for the rider who will only be turning 21 next week.
Lillie also released a statement on the sale:
“I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of Nacho’s career as I take over the reins from Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum. I have big shoes to fill, and I could not be more excited about the 2017 show season. Nacho will now join the wonderful team of horses that I am so lucky to have. Thank you so much to Cian for the foresight of this partnership, making it possible for me to work with one of the most talented horses in the world. And special thanks to Meredith for sharing Nacho – I will do all I can to follow in your footsteps!”
And we got a chance to see this new pair in action:
We look forward to seeing this combination on the circuit soon! Go Jumping.