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Posted by Equestrian Australia on 07/07/2015.

FEI Awards 2015: quest for global equestrian heroes begins

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body of equestrian sport, has today launched the FEI Awards 2015 to celebrate the world’s exceptional equestrians. The FEI Awards, created by FEI Honorary President HRH Princess Haya, were launched in 2009.

The annual salute to excellence, courage, commitment and dedication starts today with nominations open at www.feiawards.org.

A number of Australians rank among the previous awards recipients including Joan Formosa winning the 2013 Against all Odds Award, in 2012 Tom McDermott received the Rising Star Award and in 2011 endurance rider Meg Wade also received the Against All Odds accolade. Michelle Robson, the former groom of Shane Rose, was also acknowledged as best groom in the inaugural year of the awards in 2009. #GoAUS

FEI Awards 2015 - five hotly-contested categories

The Longines Rising Star Award - won last year by Lambert Leclezio, who at just 17 became the first athlete to represent Mauritius at a World Championship when he stepped into the Vaulting arena at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 – is for equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment.

The Reem Acra Best Athlete - awarded to Dutch jumping legend Jeroen Dubbeldam, who scored individual and team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 and helped the Netherlands clinch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final just weeks later – celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level.

The Against All Odds Award acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances. Last year this award went to Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey. Collier, also named 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation, has relentlessly pursued her dreams while dealing with the rare Wyburn Mason syndrome and is now aiming to represent the USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The Best Groom Award – won last year by Jackie Potts (GBR) who has spent over 20 years as groom and right-hand woman in the stables of world Eventing number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR) – is dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members who work 24/7 to ensure their horses get the best possible care and attention.

The FEI Solidarity Award – which went to equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN) last year – will be presented to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, or an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding equestrian sport.

Nominations for the FEI Awards 2015 will close at midnight on 28 August 2015.

“Our sport is unique and extraordinary”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our athletes and everyone working in the equestrian community have amazing track records of success, incredible personalities and fascinating back stories. Time and time again as spectators and on television we see sensational victories, but there is so much more to our sport than meets the eye.

“These awards honour everyone who makes our sport happen, highlighting the true value of horse sport and its contribution to our global society. HRH Princess Haya created these important awards and I am proud to continue this tradition, which is now part of our community.”

Glamorous Gala

The winners of the awards will be flown to the glittering FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan, where over 350 guests from the global equestrian community, including representatives from the FEI’s National Federations around the world, will celebrate their triumphs.

Follow the FEI Awards 2015 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #feiawards

Full details on past winners are available here.

 FEI Awards 2015 

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