Shortlist nominees announced for FEI Awards 2015

A total of 29 candidates have been shortlisted for the 2015 FEI Awards 2015, with the winners to be announced at a glittering gala dinner on the island of Puerto Rico on 13 November. The winners in five hotly contested categories will be presented with their awards by Hollywood actress Bo Derek, Chair of the Jury for this year’s FEI Awards.

The Puerto Rican capital, San Juan will roll out the red carpet next week for the “Oscars of the Equestrian world”, when the FEI family will gather to honour the commitment, dedication and development of equestrian sport in 2015 at the grand finale to the FEI General Assembly.

Equestrian heroes, arriving from all corners of the globe, will attend the equestrian world’s biggest night of glitz and glamour when our stars will get the chance to shine in a different light at the FEI Awards 2015, sponsored by Longines. Over 350 guests, including National Federation representatives, equestrian sport fans and FEI partners will celebrate the achievements of the winners.

Nominees shortlisted for the five categories of the FEI Awards 2015 are:

Longines Rising Star - Dedicated to equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent:

Juan Matute Jr (ESP)

Bertram Allen (IRE)

Kelsey Russell (USA)

Phoebe Peters (GBR)

Jessica Mendoza (GBR)

Gina Schumacher (GER)

Reem Acra Best Athlete - Athletes who have demonstrated exceptional equestrian skills and have taken the sport to a new level over the last 12 months:

Boyd Exell (AUS) 

Jaques Ferrari (FRA)

William Fox Pitt (GBR)

Ingrid Klimke (GER)

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)

Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)

Best Groom - This award is reserved for those all-important, behind-the-scenes team members who work around the clock to ensure that our equine athletes get the best possible care and attention:

Alan Davies (GBR)

Jennifer Arnsten (USA)

Marlen Schannwell (IRE)

Zoltan Herczeg (GER)

Imogen Mercer (GBR)

Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna ("Eddie") (USA)

Against All Odds – For those who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances:

Gerado Tazzer (MEX)

Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU)

Pepo Puch (AUT)

Ben Hobday (GBR)

Celine van Till (SUI)

Rixt van der Horst (NED)

FEI Solidarity - An equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill and energy in expanding equestrian sport:

Ready, Set, Trot (AUS)

First ever pilot course for Grooms (HAI)

Ces Chevaux qui pansent les plaies (HAI)

Youth Summer Camp (BUL)

FEI Photo Catalogue:  Images for editorial purposes are available for free download at www.feiphotos.org

Notes to Editors

FEI Awards 2015 hashtag:  #FEIAwards

About Bo Derek

Raised in Southern California, Bo Derek took her first modeling job at the age of 15 with the hope of buying a new surfboard. She first entered the public consciousness with her breakout role in the hit film “10”, when her natural beauty and cornrow hairstyle started a global fashion craze. Bo Derek continues to work in film and television and supports several animal, conservation and aid organisations - full biography: http://officialboderek.com

About FEI Awards

The FEI Awards, created by FEI Honorary President HRH Princess Haya, were launched in 2009 to reward excellence, commitment, dedication and courage. The shortlist for the FEI Awards 2015 has been made following nominations from the public. Full information on the FEI Awards 2015 and past winners are available here.

About FEI Awards 2015 judging panel & process

The FEI Awards 2015 judging panel, chaired by Bo Derek, also includes FEI President Ingmar De Vos; Carmen Barrera, Chair of FEI Regional Group V (South America); and Ulf Helgstrand, President of the Danish Equestrian Federation and Vice President of the European Equestrian Federation.  More information on the judging panel: www.feiawards.org/judges