Gladstone, NJ – April 9, 2012 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that Katie Dinan of New York, NY, has been selected as the 2012 recipient of the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Rider Award. Dinan received the Maxine Beard Award trophy at the American Invitational on April 7, 2012, at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The selection was based on Dinan’s competitive record and future potential to represent the United States in international competition. The award provides Dinan the opportunity to be credentialed and travel with the U.S. delegation to the 2012 FEI World Cup Finals in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, from April 19 – April 22. She will observe the operations of an international championship, including the stabling area, veterinary inspections and schooling, and will walk the courses with the U.S. Show Jumping Coach, George H. Morris.

At just 18 years old, Dinan is already taking the grand prix circuit by storm looking like she will be at the top of the sport in no time. After winning the 2011 Individual Gold medal at the North American Junior Young Rider Championships aboard Vancouver last year, Dinan established herself at the grand prix level at the beginning of 2012. She proved that consistency is key, and with continued top placing at the biggest events at the Winter Equestrian Festival, she eventually took home the blue ribbon in the $50,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix with Nougat du Vallet.

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