Canadian David Ziegler Nominated for FEI Award

Equestrian heroes will soon be ditching their breeches and boots to don tuxedos, ball gowns and high heels for a glittering competition of another kind. They will fly to Baku (AZE) to be whisked onto the red carpet of the FEI Awards on 14 December. The “Oscars of the equestrian world” have been organised by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport, since 2009.

Eighteen candidates have been shortlisted for this year’s awards, and one from each of five categories will be selected as the winners by a jury of international experts chaired by FEI President HRH Princess Haya.

The winners – individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the growth of equestrian sport in 2014 – will be announced at a gala evening in Baku’s stunning Buta Palace, where 350 guests representing the FEI’s 132 National Federations, enthusiasts and stakeholders will celebrate their achievements.

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Take a closer look at the candidates shortlisted for the five categories of the FEI Awards 2014 by clicking on the buttons below:

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

Irma Karlsson (SWE)

Lambert Leclezio (MRI)

David Ziegler (CAN)

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)

Daniel Deusser (GER)

Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)

Joanne Eccles (GBR)

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

Alan Davies (GBR)

Jackie Potts (GBR)

Jessica Benbow (GBR)

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

Roxanne Trunnell (USA)

Sofie Lexner (SWE)

Sudipti Hajela (IND)

Sydney Collier (USA)

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

Andrjey Malcievsky (RUS)

Equal Ark (SIN)

Southern Hills Eventing Inc (AUS)

Yuriy Chertkov (UKR)

“Supporting the up-and-coming athletes in the sports Longines is involved in has been a high priority for the brand for the past few years”, said Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines Vice-President and Head of International Marketing. “These young talents are the future of their discipline and will be part of the development and influence of the sport across the globe.

“To encourage these promising sportsmen and women to reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams is one of the most rewarding efforts a brand can make and we are very proud of that. Along with the Longines Rising Star prize, which rewards the most promising athlete between 14 and 21 years in any FEI discipline, Longines organises a tennis tournament for children in the frame of the French Open at Roland-Garros and a race of young jockeys during the Prix de Diane Longines. In alpine skiing, we support young talents with the prize Longines Rising Ski Stars, as well as the Longines Future Ski Champions, a race held in the exact same conditions as the World Cup.”

“After another season of top level sport I am thrilled to announce the shortlist for the Reem Acra Best Athlete Award for 2014: Jeroen Dubbeldam (Jumping), Daniel Deusser (Jumping), Boyd Exell (Driving) and Joanne Eccles (Vaulting). The competition was intense but these riders have all risen above their peers. I cannot wait to see who will make the final jump to the number one position this year”, said international fashion designer Reem Acra, title sponsor of the Western European League and Final of the prestigious FEI World Cup™ Dressage series.

The FEI Awards were launched in 2009 to reward excellence, commitment, dedication and courage. The shortlist for the FEI Awards 2014 has been made following nominations from the public. For full information on the FEI Awards 2014 and past winners visit: www.feiawards.org