A rising star on the international stage

The first award of the night, the Longines FEI Rising Star Award, went to Ireland’s Tom Wachman.

Cecilia Kwok, Vice President of Longines for Hong Kong, China & Macau, presented the award along with an elegant timepiece from the FEI’s Top Partner. The accolade celebrates equestrian sport’s most promising young talents under the age of 21.

At just 20, Tom is already making his mark on the international stage. A three-time European Champion, he has won team gold in the Pony (2019), Junior (2023), and Young Rider (2024) categories, and helped Ireland secure team silver at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Young Riders, Juniors & Children 2025 in Riesenbeck (GER). This year has been particularly remarkable for Tom. He realised his childhood dream of representing Ireland at multiple CSIO5* events, contributing to team victories.   

From his early days on the Irish pony circuit to the highest levels of international competition, his journey is a testament to talent, dedication, and remarkable consistency.

"I’ve been lucky to work with great horses and an incredible team behind me,” Tom said reflecting on his award.

“From the very start, I’ve had the support of amazing grooms, coaches, and everyone in the yard, and that makes all the difference. It’s been an amazing year — a lucky year with great horses, strong partnerships, and opportunities I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Awards like this are just the icing on the cake. They recognise not just individual results, but the effort of everyone involved, and hopefully they inspire young people to stay focused, work hard, and enjoy the journey as much as I have."

Belgian talent takes best athlete recognition

The second award of the evening, the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award, was received by Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and presented by the sponsor’s Managing Director, Martin Atock.

Together with his nine-year-old partner Zonik Plus, Justin delivered a career-defining season, capturing double gold at the FEI Dressage European Championship in Crozet (FRA) and reaching the top of the FEI Dressage World Ranking in 2025, a historic first for Belgium.

Raised in a family of riding instructors, Justin’s lifelong connection with horses has shaped a grounded and classical approach to his craft. From the time Justin met Zonik Plus as a two-year-old, their partnership has grown through years of patience, trust, and quiet determination, forming the foundation for their success at the highest levels of the sport.

Their achievements during the 2025 season brought Belgium unprecedented international recognition, including the nation’s first-ever FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ victory and an individual triumph at CHIO Aachen (GER). Beyond the results, Justin has demonstrated consistency, composure, and deep respect for his horses, embodying the qualities celebrated by the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award.

“Exactly one year ago, I was only dreaming of us taking part in our first international show together,” Justin said. “I never imagined how far this journey would take us. Mechelen was unforgettable especially because it was the last show my mother saw, and that memory makes every moment since even more meaningful.

“Winning the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award wasn’t something I expected; I just wanted to share the connection I feel with Zonik, to let people see his spirit and our story.

“To feel that others were moved too is incredibly touching. I’m endlessly grateful to have met a horse like him. He’s not just a partner in sport, but truly part of my family. This award isn’t just ours; it belongs to everyone who believed in us and felt our emotion through the arena.”

 Celebrating excellence behind-the-scenes

Belgium celebrated its second award of the night as Sanne Melsen received the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, recognising her exceptional contribution to the success and well-being of the horses in Belgian Jumping athlete Gilles Thomas’s team.

Presented by the CEO of Pegasus Holding Lieselot Hamerlinck, Sanne was honoured for her calm professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and deep empathy for the horses in her care — qualities that ensure every horse performs at its best while feeling confident and cared for. Her dedication, precision, and quiet leadership have earned her profound respect throughout the sport.

Sanne’s journey into grooming began by chance, when she decided to pursue her love of horses full-time. The very next day, she received a call offering her a role with Gilles’s team, marking the start of a partnership that has brought both success and joy. From Belgian Championship titles to international podium finishes in Shanghai, her steady hand and commitment behind the scenes have been essential to every achievement.

"I think I would be lying if I said this award doesn’t mean a lot — because it does,” said Sanne.

“Not just for me, but for everyone around me and everyone in the sport. It’s a sign of recognition. The nomination was already an unexpected surprise, but to win it — I feel honoured and very proud. I don’t do this job for awards, but to know that people see and appreciate the care and dedication behind the scenes makes me happy, proud, and maybe even a bit emotional.

"Every partnership with a horse is different. I try to let them be horses, to understand their world and earn their trust. With some it’s easier than others, but I truly believe a strong partnership is built on trust, patience, and understanding. Sometimes I wish they could speak — but in their own way, they do.

"For me, this award is for all the moments people don’t see: the long hours, the attention to detail, and the care that keeps the horses happy and healthy. It’s a recognition of the daily commitment of grooms and everyone who works quietly in the background to make sure the horses are at their best."

 

Inspiring excellence in stable care

 The FEI Inspire Award, presented by FEI President Ingmar De Vos, was awarded to the Beat as One – Stable Management Challenge for transforming stable care into a source of pride, responsibility, and personal growth for young participants in Shanghai (CHN).

Through hands-on training, participants develop essential skills such as empathy, teamwork, and accountability, while learning to see horses as true partners. The initiative raises awareness of welfare and management issues, promotes responsible horsemanship, and engages the wider community through competitions, media campaigns, and public events, including the Shanghai leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) 2025.

As China’s first government-supported equestrian programme focused on welfare and stable management, the Challenge redefines success — emphasising values, skills, and lasting impact, not just medals — and highlights the commitment of Shanghai’s equestrian community to inspiring the next generation of responsible horse caregivers.

"Receiving the FEI Inspire Award is a deeply meaningful recognition of our belief that true horsemanship goes beyond competition,” said Deputy Director General of Shanghai Administration of Sports Mr Lin Lu who accepted the award on behalf of the programme.

It’s about empathy, care, and responsibility, and teaching that excellence is built on understanding and respect for horses.

"This honour belongs to everyone who has supported the Stable Management Challenge — from participants, coaches, and grooms, to parents, volunteers, and partners. Together, we are showing that education and welfare are as important as performance, shaping the next generation of horse caretakers.

"The Award also strengthens our mission to make welfare-based education central to equestrian culture. By promoting responsible horsemanship and professional stable management, we hope to inspire sustainable practices, instil values that last a lifetime, and ensure that care and respect for horses remain at the heart of the sport."