Until September 9th you can bring out your vote for this years FEI Awards. The FEI Awards were launched in 2009 to put a spotlight on the men, women, young people and organisations that are making an outstanding contribution to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport – in or out of the arena. Nominations are now open and submissions can be made until midnight on 9 September at www.feiawards.org for five categories. The Longines Rising Star Award, won last year by Reed Kessler (USA), the youngest equestrian athlete to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games, is for equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment. The Reem Acra Best Athlete, awarded to double Olympic gold medallist and current world Dressage number one Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) in 2013, celebrates the human or equine athlete - or the combination - who over the last 12 months have demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and have taken equestrian sport to a new level. The Against All Odds award, which went to Australian gold medal winning London 2012 Paralympic athlete Joann Formosa last year, rewards people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances. The Best Groom award, won last year by Carmen Thiemann (GER) who manages Olympic Eventing team gold medallist Ingrid Klimke’s yard, is reserved for those all-important behind-the-scenes team members who work around the clock to ensure that their horses get the best possible care and attention. The FEI Solidarity award completes the FEI Awards 2014 category line-up, and 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.
