Equestrian heroes - and a very special dog - were celebrated at the 2014 FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines. Five winners of the “Oscars of the equestrian world” 2014 were presented with awards by outgoing FEI President HRH Princess Haya on her final day as FEI President at the spectacular ceremony in Baku’s fabulous Buta Palace. Azerbaijani TV presenter Leyla Aliyeva and retiring FEI Endurance Director Ian Williams were the Masters of Ceremony. Almost 350 guests from National Federations, Partners, VIPs and International Media attended the gala dinner. The winners, who have made outstanding contributions to the growth of equestrian sport in 2014, were:
Reem Acra Best Athlete Award: World Jumping champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
Longines Rising Star Award: Vaulter Lambert Leclezio (MRI)
Best Groom Award: Jackie Potts (GBR), groom to Eventing world number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR)
FEI Solidarity: Equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN)
Against All Odds: Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II also became the first recipient of the FEI Lifetime Achievement award, at Buckingham Palace by HRH Princess Haya, in the prior month, in recognition of her leading role as supporter of equestrian sport throughout her reign as British monarch. HRH Princess Haya was also acknowledged for her outstanding commitment to equestrian sport and to the FEI, during her eight year term in office as FEI President.
Equestrian heroes celebrated at FEI Awards Gala 2014 presented by Longines
Photo Credits: FEI PR Team
Fuzionz Magazine and TV 46