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The shortlists have been revealed...
The wait is over – the shortlist for the prestigious FEI Awards 2025 has been revealed, and now it’s up to you to help decide this year’s winners!
From Friday 3 October until Sunday 12 October, fans across the world can cast their votes for the athletes, grooms and projects that inspire and represent the very best of equestrian sport. 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. This year’s winners will be honoured at the FEI Awards Gala Ceremony on 7 November in Hong Kong, China (HKG).
What are the FEI Awards? The FEI Awards celebrate the dedication, talent, and passion of individuals and organisations whose contributions shape our sport – in the arena, behind the scenes and in the wider community.
Olympic Jumping champion Christian Kukuk revealed just how much the FEI Awards mean to the equestrian community as he spoke of his pride after being named Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete last year.
“It was a big honour for me to win this award,” Kukuk said. “To be called the best athlete in 2024 was incredible.”
The 2025 Shortlist
Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete
Some of equestrian sport’s biggest names have made the shortlist for 2025 in this category, which recognises outstanding achievement at the very highest level. Previous winners include Olympic champions and World Cup heroes, with Kukuk, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Charlotte Fry, the last three to pick up the award.
- Justin Verboomen (BEL) – Dressage
- Marijke Visser (NED) – Endurance
- Richard Vogel (GER) – Jumping
- Laura Collett (GBR) – Eventing
Longines FEI Rising Star
This award celebrates our sport’s most promising young talents, recognising the athletes under the age of 21 who are making their mark on the international stage. Who will you choose?
- Tom Wachman (IRL) – Jumping, 20 years old
- Thijs Boon (BEL) – Eventing, 17 years old
- Géraldine Straumann (SUI) – Jumping, 21 years old
- Dominique van Dalsen (NED) – Dressage, 18 years old
Cavalor FEI Best Groom
The behind-the-scenes heroes of our sport are recognised here – the grooms whose tireless dedication ensures horses are happy, healthy and ready to shine on the world stage.
- Oona Eerola (FIN) – Groom to Yuri Mansur (BRA), Jumping
- Adam Short (GBR) – Groom to Tom McEwen (GBR), Eventing
- Sanne Melsen (BEL) – Groom to Gilles Thomas (BEL), Jumping
- Steffi Wiegard (GER) – Groom to Isabell Werth (GER), Dressage
FEI Inspire
First introduced in 2023, this award unites elements from the former FEI Solidarity and FEI Against All Odds award categories. It showcases the incredible spirit and determination of individuals and organisations who serve as role models and show that anything is possible. Who gets your vote?
- Beat as One – Stable Management Challenge (CHN): A groundbreaking welfare-focused project that transforms stable care into teamwork, pride, and personal growth.
- Chao-Yuan “Alain” Chang (TPE) – Director of the Therapeutic Riding Centre of Taiwan, championing inclusion and equine-assisted therapy for over 20 years.
- Saskya Bingei (INA) – Founder of Equine Resources Indonesia, bringing equine science, welfare and sustainable industry practices to South East Asia.
From seasoned champions to rising stars, from tireless grooms to inspiring projects that change lives through horses – the FEI Awards once again showcase the breadth and brilliance of the global equestrian community.
Now it’s your turn to play a part in this celebration. Make sure your voice is heard by voting before Sunday 12 October. Cast your vote now and help shape the future of the FEI Awards 2025!
