Online voting is now live for the FEI Best Athlete, FEI Rising Star, FEI Best Groom, and FEI Inspire Award, ahead of a glittering FEI Awards Gala at the 2025 FEI General Assembly on 7 November 2025.
With the continued support of long-time partners Longines, Peden Bloodstock, and Cavalor, the Awards recognise the athletes, grooms, rising stars, and initiatives driving excellence, innovation, and welfare across the equestrian world.
There are 15 exceptional candidates nominated across the four award categories this year. They include Olympic and European champions, rising talents, dedicated grooms, inspirational volunteers, and pioneering initiatives shaping the future of equestrian sport.
The FEI Best Athlete category celebrates the very best performers across equestrian disciplines. The nominees are:
- Laura Collett (GBR) – Eventing
- Justin Verboomen (BEL) – Dressage
- Marijke Visser (NED) – Endurance
- Richard Vogel (GER) – Jumping
The FEI Rising Star category shines a spotlight on young equestrian talents already making their mark on the international stage. The nominees are:
- Thijs Boon (BEL) – Eventing
- Géraldine Straumann (SUI) – Jumping
- Dominique van Dalsen (NED) – Dressage
- Tom Wachman (IRL) – Jumping
The FEI Best Groom category recognises the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of those working behind the scenes to support equestrian excellence. The nominees are:
- Oona Eerola (FIN), groom to Yuri Mansur (BRA) - Jumping
- Sanne Melsen (BEL), groom to Gilles Thomas (BEL) - Jumping
- Adam Short (GBR), groom to Tom McEwen (GBR) - Eventing
- Steffi Wiegard (GER), groom to Isabell Werth (GER) - Dressage
The FEI Inspire category celebrates initiatives and individuals making a lasting impact on equestrian sport and communities worldwide. The nominees are:
- Beat as One – Stable Management Challenge, Shanghai Sport Development Foundation, People’s Republic of China (CHN)
- Chao-Yuan “Alain” Chang for the Therapeutic Riding Centre of Taiwan (ThRCT), Chinese Taipei (TPE)
- Saskya Bingei for Equine Resources Indonesia, Indonesia (INA)
The public can cast their votes until Sunday, 12 October 2025 at FEI.org. Winners will be revealed at the FEI Awards Gala that will be held in Hong Kong, China (HKG) on the evening of the 7 November.
Related Links
Kukuk, Al Marzooqi, Cardinael and Namibian NF Recipients of 2024 FEI Awards
Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl, Christian Simonson, Sofia Flodin Nominated for 2023 FEI Awards
Patrik Kittel's Groom Marie Johansson Named FEI Best Groom at 2021 FEI Awards
Olympic and Paralympic Champions Shortlisted for FEI Awards 2021
Ingrid Klimke and Semmieke Rothenberger Take Top Honours in 2020 FEI Awards
2020 FEI Awards to be Popularity Vote of Past Winners
Semmieke Rothenberger Wins 2019 FEI Rising Star Award, Ingrid Klimke FEI Best Athlete
Rothenberger, De Boer, Voets, Jørgensen Dressage Nominees for 2019 FEI Awards
Isabell Werth, Alan Davies, Steffi Wiegard, Hannah Erbe Nominated for 2017 FEI Awards Announced
Dressage Riders Rothenberger and Riskalla Win 2016 FEI Awards
Charlotte Dujardin Named 2013 FEI Athlete of the Year
Courtney King-Dye on her Incredible Trip to Receive 2012 FEI Against All Odds Award
Adelinde Cornelissen, FEI Athlete of the Year 2011
Dressage Riders Gal and Roffman Honoured at 2010 FEI Awards
Edward Gal, FEI Athlete of the Year 2010
Caroline Roffman Honored by HRH Princess Haya at FEI Awards Ceremony in Taipei