FEI Awards 2024: Cavalor FEI Best Groom

Lisa Fundis (GER)

Jumping Groom to Philipp Weishaupt (GER)

It was a phone call from Philipp eight-and-a-half years ago changed Lisa’s life. Lisa had seen on social media that Philipp was searching for a show groom and applied, not thinking that she could land such a dream job for a five-star athlete. Thankfully, she was wrong, Philipp asked Lisa if she wanted to work for him and just eight days later, she flew to Qatar for two weeks to start her job.

Lisa is known to go above and beyond, not only for her horses but also her colleagues. She stands out through her great personality, friendliness and is known as a great groom with a lot of knowledge, who is always happy to help other grooms. Rumour also has it that she is a great truck driver.

Lisa is always looking after other grooms, whether it be by giving a small congratulation message after a win, or leaving a present with a handwritten note saying that she’s proud of a fellow groom’s work.

Lisa grew up with her parents and three siblings on a farm, with horses a big part of her life from the very beginning. Her family has a riding school and were competing at national shows from early on. Lisa credits her parents with teaching her what it means to be organised, responsible and respectful of her horses.

Mette Klose Nielsen (DEN)

Para Dressage Groom to Jens Lasse Dokkan (NOR)

Mette started travelling as a groom for the Norwegian Para Dressage team in 2002, grooming parttime for Jens Lasse Dokkan and Ann Cathrin Lübbe. Following the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, she gradually started to groom fulltime for Jens Lasse, and since 2017 she has had full daily responsibility for his horses.

Working as a groom for a Grade I athlete involves training the horses as well as facilitating them for the athlete. This year Jens Lasse competed at his eighth Paralympic Games and Mette has been with him for five of these. Mette always provides the horses with the best care possible. She ensures optimal conditions whether the horses are at home, on the road, or in the air, and she never compromises when it comes to the horse’s well-being. For Jens, having Mette as his groom gives him the security he needs at home and at events.

Mette has also played a great role in increasing the visibility of Para Dressage in Norway by providing the Norwegian Equestrian Federation Communications department with photos and stories of the daily life of Para Dressage athletes and what happens at events. Last year, she was appointed as a Dressage IGA Representative for the International Grooms Association, reaffirming her commitment to the job she loves and continuing to be a respected role model.

Bettina Cardinael (FRA)

Eventing Groom to Lara De Liederkerke (BEL)

‘Always look on the bright side of life’ is how Bettina lives her life. Constantly smiling, she is very much a positive thinker. When Lara broke her collarbone at the Arville 4*, Bettina simply said, ‘’It’s not so bad, it could have been worse … Lara will be out and about soon!’’

Bettina has had an amazing year with Lara, winning the CCI5* in Lumühlen and going to the Olympic Games in Paris. She takes care of the horses at home and at events, and by fulfilling her job the way she does, contributes to Lara success. Bettina is like a family member, anticipating every move of her four-legged friends. She is known as someone professional and hardworking, who truly loves her horses.

After her first experience working with horses in France, Bettina moved to England for a while, grooming for Ludwig Svennerstal. She then decided to go freelance which allowed her to work alongside some amazing athletes, top-class and up-and-coming, from around the world. This is also how she came to work for Lara. Bettina did a couple of events with her and was quickly offered a fulltime position which she did not hesitate to accept, as she saw a lot of herself in Lara – her ethics and horsemanship, her love of the sport and horses, as well as her willingness to work hard and continue learning.

Pille-Riin Roosileht (EST)

Driving Groom to Zsolt Rimarcsik (HUN)

Pille-Riin is the fulltime groom to Zsolt Rimarcsik, who is the trainer of the Hungarian Youth Driving team. She simply loves horses and has that rare ability to bring out the best in them.

Pille-Riin has excellent knowledge of proper feeding and care, knows the rules of the FEI Driving discipline, drives trucks, and can build a camp. She never counts her working hours and is friendly with everyone, which all combined, makes her one of the most appreciated grooms on the driving circuit.

Pille-Riin moved to Hungary in 2011 and shortly after that she became the head groom and stable manager in a professional driving stable. She is also a very experienced athlete herself with great success at FEI Driving Championships, especially in Dressage. Pille-Riin helped win many medals as groom and trainer, including two individual gold medals, team bronze and silver at the FEI Driving European Youth Championships. She continuously studies to perfect her skills and has also become an FEI Steward, officiating even at championships when she is not grooming.

Driving is a complex discipline, where a groom must prepare five horses for different tests, and Pille-Riin is one of the best there has been in the field.

FEI Awards 2024 

This year’s FEI Awards features four categories with the short-listed nominees hoping to add their names to a roll of honour that dates back to 2009.

The public have until 13 October to cast their vote for the 16 shortlisted nominees. The winners will be decided by a voting system that is based 50% on the public vote and 50% on the judges’ panel featuring equestrian experts.

The winners will be announced at this year’s FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines, in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 13 November. Vote here today!