The FEI Awards 2023 have been announced with exciting changes, including online voting for the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete, Longines FEI Rising Star, Cavalor FEI Best Groom, and Pivo FEI Inspire Awards.
This year, there are only four categories, with the introduction of the Pivo FEI Inspire Award, which combines elements from the FEI Solidarity Award and the FEI Against All Odds Award. This new award honors individuals who serve as role models and demonstrate that anything is possible.
The nominees in the different categories encompass remarkable achievements and extraordinary stories. The public can vote for the 16 nominees from 13 countries until October 22.
Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete: This category honors athletes who have demonstrated exceptional skills and taken the sport to a new level in the past year.
- Steve Guerdat (SUI) - Jumping
- Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl (GER) - Dressage
- Ros Canter (GBR) - Eventing
- Marijke Hammink (NED) - Driving
Longines FEI Rising Star: This category focuses on athletes aged 14 to 21 who exhibit outstanding sporting talent and dedication.
- Christian Simonson (USA) - Dressage
- Rodrigo Storani Saliba (BRA) - Endurance
- Quentin Jabet (FRA) - Vaulting
- Mimi Gochman (USA) - Jumping
Cavalor FEI Best Groom: This category honors the unsung heroes behind the scenes who ensure the horses they care for receive the best possible care.
- Danny Ingratta (CAN) - Groom for Jumping at Millar Brooke Farm (CAN) (Ian & Amy Miller)
- Sarah Charnley (GBR) - Groom for Eventing for Rosalind (Ros) Canter (GBR)
- Emma Uusi-Simola (FIN) - Groom for Jumping for Steve Guerdat (SUI)
- Sofia Flodin (SWE) - Groom for Dressage for Mathias Rath (GER)
Pivo FEI Inspire: This new category aims to honor individuals who have delivered inspiring performances and serve as role models, demonstrating that everything is possible, even in the face of challenges.
- Valeria Bonfiglio (ITA) - Endurance athlete - Passionate Motivator
- Jennie Sharpe (GBR) - Showjumper with a physical impairment - Resilience Champion
- Federico Fernandez Senderos (MEX) - Ultimate Survivor
- Ukrainian Vaulting team of Polina Shovkova and Kateryna (Katya) Panasenko - Youth Sport Advocates
The winners will be determined through a system in which 50% of the public's votes via FEI.org and on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, and 50% of the judges' votes will be combined to determine the final results. There are seven expert judges, including FEI President Ingmar De Vos, representatives of sponsors, and other equestrian experts. The winners will be announced at the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Mexico City (MEX) on November 21.
Source: FEI
