Highway has already arrived in Wellington, Florida. Together with Willem Greve, the stallion enjoyed a stellar career, winning the Grand Prix of Rotterdam in 2023, the Dutch Masters in Den Bosch in 2024, and the World Cup in Amsterdam that same year. The pair also represented the Netherlands at the European Championships in Milan and secured a victory in the World Cup qualifier in Leipzig last year.

Strategic Shift

While Highway TN is undoubtedly Greve's most successful partner to date, the national coach sees more potential in Grandorado TN and Pretty Woman van 't Paradijs for this year's World Equestrian Games in Aachen. “I understand that,” says co-owner Henk Nijhof. “Performing for three days in Aachen isn’t for every horse. In terms of pure scope, Grandorado TN and Pretty Woman have that little bit extra.”

N.O.P. Roster Change

This strategic vision led the N.O.P. Foundation (Dutch Olympic Horse) to withdraw its support for Highway last autumn, reallocating the spot to Pretty Woman. “Three horses from a single rider in the N.O.P. program is too many; we understand that,” Nijhof explains. “However, it did get us thinking. Right at that moment, American top rider Lillie Keenan crossed our path. We already had an excellent relationship with her following the sale of Opium JW vd Moerhoeve a few years ago.”

A Calculated Decision

The Nijhof family took their time to consider the lease option before ultimately agreeing. “He is going to a rider in the global top 30. He won't have to be the primary horse there, he will be exceptionally well cared for, and he can return to breeding duties quickly after the lease period. It’s actually the perfect solution, especially since Team NL is prioritizing two other horses for Aachen.”

A Difficult Farewell

Once the decision was made, things moved quickly, making the departure emotionally difficult for Willem Greve. “That says everything about him as a rider and a horseman,” Nijhof notes. “It is completely understandable: Highway went through fire for him. Horses like that leave a lasting impact. We are immensely grateful to Willem Greve and his groom Richard Skillen for the extraordinary achievements they reached with Highway.”

Greve has accepted the move, though it remains a bittersweet moment. “In sporting terms, this is a great loss. With Highway, I realized my dreams; I consider him my most successful horse ever. We were a true team, and he holds a very special place in my heart. I hope he can show what he’s capable of on the other side of the world. Fortunately, he is joining a rider who will give him every opportunity to do so.”

Debut in Wellington

Highway has already cleared quarantine in Wellington and is expected to make his debut under his new rider shortly.

Lillie Keenan expressed her excitement: “I feel honored to ride such a special stallion and hope to write a beautiful new chapter in Highway TN’s history. It is a great privilege to have this opportunity, and I hope to make his owners proud.”