The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced recently that Steffan Peters was the official Athlete of the Month for April for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

This is the first time a U.S. Dressage rider has been honored. Peters took home the gold medal at the FEI World Cup of Dressage held in Las Vegas in mid-April. “We are so proud of what Steffen and Ravel accomplished in Las Vegas,” said Gil Merrick, Assistant Executive Director of Sport Programs for the United States Equestrian Federation. “It is a huge honor to have one of our athletes recognized as the USOC Athlete of the Month. The most exciting part about Steffen and Ravel is that they continue to improve at every competition. We look forward to what the future holds for this fantastic combination.”

Peters beat out two of the world’s reigning dressage queens, Isabel Werth and Anky van Grunsven.