Athena Lekkas & Valdes Z Build 1.40m–1.45m Résumé, Emerging as a Confirmed National Grand Prix Pair

Ocala, FL (June 26, 2026) — Athena Lekkas and Valdes Z are quickly turning promise into proof, solidifying their 1.40–1.45M résumé and taking decisive steps toward becoming a confirmed National Grand Prix partnership. As the young and developing rider in the pairing, Lekkas is gaining invaluable experience at the Grand Prix level, delivering rounds that show both growing confidence and competitive consistency.

Their upward trajectory began with a notable performance at the Venice Equestrian Tour at Fox Lea Farm early this spring, where the duo finished ninth in 1.40M $24,999 Sunsets and Show Jumping Grand Prix, setting the tone for what has become a steady climb through the ranks. Since then, the pair has continued to build momentum at World Equestrian Center – Ocala's Summer Show Series this June, producing a string of performances that underscore their readiness for top-level national competition.

Across their recent 1.40M starts, they stopped the timers with no rails or faults, including a second place finish with just .5 of a second separating them from the leader. Lekkas and Valdes Z demonstrated the hallmark of a partnership coming into its own: clear rounds paired with minimal jumping faults—finishing their 1.45m efforts with only two rails. The results reflect not only the horse’s scope and reliability, but also Lekkas’s developing precision and decision-making as she learns to ride at speed and height against deeper, more experienced Grand Prix fields.

Under the tutelage of Antonio Martinez of AMG Equestrian, the pair will journey to New York for HITS Saugerties, Old Salem Farm's Summer Classic, and the Hampton Classic, with the goal of competing in the U25 divisions.

Elpida comes from the ancient Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) – the personification and spirit of hope in Greek mythology

Inspired by her own Greek and Puerto Rican heritage, as well as her passion for show jumping, Athena Lekkas competes under her brand, Elpida Equestrian. As a 19-year-old college student, Lekkas is a determined rider whose goal is to ride at the Grand Prix level. Her newly acquired competition mount, Valdes Z, is a Zangersheide gelding by Vigo d’Arsouilles, out of a KWPN mare by Ircorlando. Athena and Valdes are aiming to accomplish her FEI goal under the tutelage of Antonio Martinez of AMG Equestrian.

Follow Athena and Elpida Equestrian on Instagram (@elpida_equestrian)!

All photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography, Forever Photo Co, and Equinium Sports Marketing LLC

Media Contact: 
Holly Johnson 
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC 
www.Equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
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