Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking: Athena Lekkas Blossoms in Art Bodega’s May/June Issue

Wellington, FL (May 18, 2025) - Putting an equestrian spin on a spring staple, Athena Lekkas and her mare, Picobella de Pot, brought brilliant floral couture and a rustic, country vibe to the spring 2025 issue of Art Bodega Magazine. Under the direction of Equestrian Editor Shereen Fuqua, some of the world’s top equestrians were featured in the end of circuit issue, including the Torano family, the Kasselman family, Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, Israeli dressage rider Micah Deglidish, power dressage couple Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann, and more. Lekkas, who was the cover of the 2025 Wellington Winter Pre-Circuit issue, returned to Art Bodega with a girl power feature written by Equinium Sports Marketing. As a competitor in the 1.25M jumpers, Lekkas and Picobella de Pot (I'm Special de Muze x Einhorn) train with AMG Equestrian in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida and were rising through the ranks of the Winter Equestrian Festival in the beginning of 2025. The 18-year-old also graduates from the Benjamin School this month, and is enrolled to attend Florida Atlantic University in the Fall pursuing a degree in Business with a minor in finance. She will also continue her equestrian passion with Picobella, which was one of her goals in attending college in south Florida.

Athena Lekkas’ Spring 2025 Article in Art Bodega Magazine

Girl power has been a theme in Athena Lekkas’ life since her birth. As her parents’ only child, she is just as comfortable driving a F350 as she is riding a horse over 1.20M+ fences, and when she partnered with her current competition mount, Picobella de Pot (I’m Special de Muze x Einhorn), the girl power increased exponentially. This opinionated mare, known affectionately as the 'spicy hippo’ or just Bella around the barn, definitely lives up to her sire’s name: she knows she’s special. She makes sure her rider knows how to treat her as a partner, and requires an equal amount of talent and discernment in return.

Athena’s previous horse, a beautiful and sweet gelding named Karthago di Cambra, made sure to cover for Athena as she moved up the ranks to 1.20M. People love horses like him (and the Lekkas were in love with him) and they are a huge asset to give riders the confidence to grow, but to really learn to ride equestrians must seek out horses that truly challenge them to step up and actually RIDE. When Bella became Athena’s partner, there were numerous hurdles to jump (literally and figuratively) to get them into the show ring, and huge adjustments for Athena’s riding and development. Bella’s combination of sensitivity and power, combined with a personality that can only be described as a mix between a mare and stallion, makes her a tricky ride that must be based on trust.

As they work on perfecting their partnership, Athena has discovered an entirely new power within herself, unlocked by Bella’s trust and scope over fences. With lots to say about Athena’s riding, and under the tutelage of Antonio Martinez of AMG Equestrian, Bella is constantly teaching this determined 18-year-old to push herself to be better both in the saddle and on the ground. With their sights set on the U25 divisions in the next few years, Athena and Bella have been making strides and embracing their feminine energy driven presence in the show ring this winter and spring.

Lekkas and Picobella de Pot competing at the World Equestrian Center Ocala (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)

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 an 18-year-old senior at The Benjamin School, Lekkas is a determined rider whose goal is to ride at the Grand Prix level. Her prime competition mount, Picobella De Pot, is a Dutch-bred Warmblood mare by I'm Special De Muze, out of Lotus by Elmshorn. Athena and Picobella are aiming to accomplish her FEI goal under the tutelage of Carlo Graziani of Graziani Performance Horses.

For more information on Elpida Equestrian, visit www.ElpidaEquestrian.com.

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

Media Contact: 
Holly Johnson 
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC 
www.Equinium.com 
holly@equinium.com 
+1 954 205 7992