FEI Awards 2023
The FEI Awards Gala 2023, presented by Longines, took place at the stunning and historic Colegio de la Vizcainas in Mexico City, with more than 200 guests in attendance. Followers of this annual event noticed that this edition featured only four categories, with the introduction of the new Pivo FEI Inspire Award, uniting elements from both the FEI Solidarity and the FEI Against All Odds Awards.
This Award was designed to showcase the incredible spirit and determination of individuals who serve as role models and show that anything is possible. The FEI Inspire Award also proudly welcomed sponsor Pivo, who became the FEI’s Official Technology Training Partner earlier in the year. Pivo’s support for this Award stood alongside long-time sponsors Longines, Cavalor and Peden Bloodstock.
In 2023, the FEI Awards once again brought a glamourous end to an intense week of discussions and decisions determining the future of equestrian sport. One of the main highlights of the evening, the details of which you will discover below, was having a home-grown winner to celebrate.
Let’s look back on the laureates who illuminated the FEI Awards stage in 2023…
Longines FEI Rising Star
Mimi Gochman (USA)
The 19-year-old Jumping sensation from New York City has already made her mark on the international stage with three senior FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ team appearances. Mimi came into her own during the 2023 season, placing fourth in the FEI Jumping U25 Rankings and earning top three results at several CSI5* level competitions. With her sights set firmly on the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, the young Rising Star is also currently pursuing a degree at USA Ivy League school Brown University.
Longines International Sponsorship and Event Manager, Michael Vuilleumier, presented Mimi with the Longines FEI Rising Star Award and an elegant timepiece from the FEI’s Top Partner.
"Riding means everything to me. It’s the thing I've been doing my whole entire life and for which I’m very grateful. I've always had a connection to horses. I think they're incredible animals, and I'm lucky enough to spend my time with them. This sport has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons, and I hope to continue it as long as I can."
Mimi Gochman (USA), Longines FEI Rising Star 2023
Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER)
Considered one of the best Dressage athletes of her generation, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl was the recipient of the highly sought after Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award. Together with her phenomenal mare TSF Dalera BB, Jessica has not only taken home Olympic gold in Tokyo, in 2023 she went on to successfully defend her FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2022 title at the Final in Omaha (USA) and was also crowned FEI Dressage European Champion.
“Dalera is probably the most intelligent horse I've ever worked with so far in my life! She is the cuddliest version when we are in the stable and walking together, and she is a rockstar when we enter the arena. Dalera and I have a very special relationship. We love each other and we love what we are doing together.”
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER), Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete 2023
Unfortunately, Jessica was not able to attend the FEI Awards Gala in person, which is why she left us a very chic, dedicated video message.
And of course, we had paid Jessica a visit at home to find out a bit more about the Dressage superstar and her entourage…
Cavalor FEI Best Groom
Emma Uusi-Simola (FIN)
The Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award went to Emma Uusi Simola in recognition of her outstanding dedication and hard work as groom for Swiss Jumping legend Steve Guerdat. For 10 years, Emma has been an integral part of Steve’s team, demonstrating unwavering passion and commitment through the highs and lows of the sport. Managing Director of Cavalor Liselotte Hamerlinck handed out the prestigious trophy as well as a voucher for Cavalor products to the Finnish super-groom.
“Horses are my whole life. I love to work with them because they challenge me every day. All of them have their own personality, and I have to figure out how to handle each and every one of them.”
Emma Uusi Simola (FIN), Cavalor FEI Best Groom 2023
Pivo FEI Inspire Award
Federico Fernández Senderos (MEX)
At the age of 19, Federico was one of just three people to survive a plane crash in which more than 50 people were killed. After months of intensive recovery and with a new take on life, Federico returned to competition and has gone on to become one of Mexico’s most well-known Jumping athletes.
Federico has participated in seven FEI World Equestrian Games™, three Olympic Games, and won a silver medal, together with team Mexico, at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo (DOM) in 2003. He has also competed at countless CSIO5* Longines FEI Nations Cup™ competitions, including wins in Xalapa (MEX) and Dublin (IRL).
“I'm going out every morning with passion and I try to make every day special and happy for myself and for the people whose lives I touch daily. I really think that horses are the healthiest way of taking a step back into real nature and into the basics of life.”
Federico Fernández Senderos (MEX), Pivo FEI Inspire Award winner 2023
FEI President Ingmar De Vos provided a few closing words to the FEI Awards ceremony before the awards winners and guests took to the dancefloor.
"Tonight, we are celebrating the individuals who effectively inspire our decision-making process and the many discussions we have behind the scenes, so that we can provide them with the very best platform to thrive. So, this is a special night and I look forward to this occasion every year. Congratulations not just to our winners but also to everyone who was nominated for these Awards. And I also want to thank the sponsors – Peden Bloodstock, Cavalor and pivo and especially our Top Partner Longines who also present the Gala evening. The FEI and Longines are kindred spirits and tonight is another example of our wonderful collaboration."
FEI President, Ingmar De Vos (BEL)