Global equestrian talent hunt begins as nominations open for FEI Awards 2013

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport, today opens nominations for its annual awards.

For the fifth consecutive year, the FEI Awards will highlight and reward excellence, commitment, dedication and courage within the equestrian community. FEI President HRH Princess Haya, who will chair the panel of three international judges that will decide the winners, commented:

“I really hope that National Federations, athletes, fans of equestrianism and everyone working in the sport will make nominations for the FEI Awards 2013. Year after year, the nominations we receive confirm how much incredible talent, commitment and courage exists within our community and deserves to be acknowledged far beyond the equestrian world.”

Nominations can be made in the following five categories:

Reem Acra Best Athlete, for the athlete (equine or human) or combination that, over the past year, has demonstrated exceptional skill in the arena in any FEI discipline;

Longines Rising Star, for a talented and dedicated athlete aged 14-21 in any FEI discipline;

Development, for an equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport;

Against All Odds, for a disabled rider or an individual who has overcome extreme personal difficulties to achieve proficiency in equestrian sport;

Best Groom, for that important person who works behind the scenes with loyalty, dedication and total respect for the welfare of the horse.

Nominations for the FEI Awards 2013 close at midnight on 31 July The winners will be contacted in September and invited to attend the FEI Awards ceremony on 7 November 2013 in Montreux, Switzerland.