Ryan Keefe and Flintstar. Photo by Shelby Allen.
This week the USET Foundation named 18-year-old Ryan Keefe as the recipient of the 2019 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant.
Awarded annually, the grant is given in honor of Amanda to provide financial assistance to an up-and-coming rider who has the talent and determination to one day represent the United States in competition. Ryan will receive $5,000 to go toward training expenses.
“It’s a really big honor to be chosen for because I know that a lot of other great riders before me have received it,” Ryan said. “It definitely feels good to have the support of the USET Foundation and other people behind the grant who believe in me.”
Aboard the Olympic veteran Flintstar, Ryan has made a name for herself in the eventing world. The pair won the Virginia CCI2*-L (formerly CCI*) in 2017 before tackling the move up to the two-star level last year. The pair finished second in the the CCI3*-S (formerly CIC2*) at Fair Hill in April and won team gold at the Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships before their season culminated with an 11th place finish in the CCI3*-L (CCI2*) at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International.
“The grant will help me a lot with our winter training in Ocala,” she said. “Since [Flintstar] is getting older, I would like to get some Advanced Level experience out of him this year. He has been such a good teacher so far for me. A big thanks again to the people behind the grant for all of their support!”
Congratulations, Ryan!
[USET Foundation Awards Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant to Ryan Keefe]
