Lausanne, Switzerland – October 20, 2026 – The countdown to the 2026 FEI Awards has begun, with public voting now open, giving fans the opportunity to recognise the outstanding individuals and initiatives shaping the future of equestrian sport. The public can cast their votes across four categories: the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete, Longines FEI Rising Star, Cavalor FEI Best Groom and FEI Inspire Award.
The winners will be honoured at the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines, taking place in Jiangyin (CHN) on the evening of 5 December.
Make Your Voice Count – Cast Your Vote for the FEI Awards 2026!
Supported by long-standing partners Longines, Peden Bloodstock and Cavalor, the FEI Awards shine a spotlight on the achievements and passion that help drive equestrian sport forward. From outstanding performances in the arena to the dedication of those working tirelessly behind the scenes and initiatives creating meaningful change, the Awards recognise excellence and innovation with the welfare of the horse always at the heart of the sport.
This year, 17 outstanding nominees have been shortlisted across four categories. The line-up features Olympic, World and European champions, promising young talent, committed grooms and inspiring individuals and initiatives making a positive impact on equestrian sport and communities around the world.
Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete
Recognising outstanding performances across equestrian disciplines, the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete category celebrates athletes who have distinguished themselves on the international stage.
This year’s nominees are:
Steve Guerdat (SUI) – Jumping
Alice Layher (GER) – Vaulting
Nina Mallevaey (FRA) – Jumping
Kate Shoemaker (USA) – Para Dressage
Watch the video celebrating last year’s winner:
Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete 2025 – Justin Verboomen
Longines FEI Rising Star
The future of equestrian sport is already taking shape, with emerging talents making their mark on the international stage. The Longines FEI Rising Star category celebrates the achievements of these young athletes.
This year’s nominees are:
Lukas Heitmann (GER) – Vaulting – 17 years old
Prins Lejeune (BEL) – Driving – 15 years old
Teresa Leowald (GER) – Eventing – 17 years
Greta Lepratti (ITA) – Jumping – 21 years old
Jiayi “Dina” YU (CHN) – Dressage – 22 years old (aged 21 at the time of nomination)
Watch the video celebrating last year’s winner:
Longines FEI Rising Star Award 2025 – Tom Wachman
Cavalor FEI Best Groom
Behind every equestrian success are hardworking grooms whose expertise, commitment and daily care are essential to the horses’ health, wellbeing and performance. The Cavalor FEI Best Groom category honours the dedication and invaluable contribution of these often-unsung heroes.
This year’s nominees are:
Shahrouk Khan (IND) – Dressage groom for Gabrielle Thompson
Romuald Le Goff (FRA) – Vaulting groom for the FRA Vaulting team and individuals
Alizée Olivier (FRA) – Groom for Eventing & Jumping athlete Gaspard Maksud
Victoria Riskalla (BRA) – Freelance groom for Dressage & Para Dressage Athletes
Watch the video celebrating last year’s winner:
Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award 2025 – Sanne Melsen
FEI Inspire
The FEI Inspire Award celebrates the individuals and initiatives harnessing the power of equestrian sport to make a lasting difference. From supporting communities and creating new opportunities to inspiring others, this category recognises the potential of equestrianism to create positive change.
This year’s nominees are:
Julia Battams – Equine Pathways Australia EPA (AUS)
Fazenda Educadora (BRA)
Laura Griffith (GBR) – Horse Rangers Association
Tegan Vincent-Cooke (JAM) – Para Dressage athlete
Watch the video celebrating last year’s winner:
FEI Inspire Award 2025 – Beat as One – Stable Management Challenge
Every Vote Counts!
Voting for the FEI Awards 2026 opens today, 21 October, and runs until 1 November. Everyone is invited to have their say and vote for their favourites on https://www.fei.org/awards !
The final results will be determined by a combination of the public vote and the judges’ vote, each accounting for 50% of the overall result.
Curious to know who is on the judging panel this year? Discover the judges and read their biographies here.
Make your voice heard! Head to https://www.fei.org/awards and cast your vote to help celebrate the athletes, rising stars, grooms and changemakers who make equestrian sport so special and are shaping its future!
Source: Press Release from the FEI – Fédération Équestre Internationale
Photo: © FEI / Liz Gregg
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