Rock The Vote: Eventers Nominated for 2018 FEI Awards

Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) has been nominated for Best Athlete. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The FEI has released the shortlisted nominees for the 2018 FEI Awards, and for the second year, the public can help pick the winners. Let’s show the eventers some love, and give them a vote!

The FEI Awards include five categories: Longines Rising Star, Best Athlete, Best Groom, Against All Odds, and FEI Solidarity. The online public vote is open now until October 15, and will be considered along with a panel of judges. The winners will be announced that the FEI Awards Gala in Manama, Bahrain on Nov. 20. Let’s see who’s up for recognition.

Victor Levecque. Photo courtesy of the FEI.

Victor Levecque, Longines Rising Star: This 20-year-old  has already earned 10 FEI European medals in his blossoming career, the most impressive being individual gold at the FEI European Eventing Championships this summer aboard Phunambule des Auges. Nicknamed “The Machine,” Victor has a very bright future ahead.

Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44 (JPN). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Yoshiaki Oiwa, Best Athlete: Yoshi is largely known as the most successful Japanese event rider with dozens of accolades across his career including individual and team gold at this year’s Asian Games. Of course, you can’t mention Yoshi without recognizing that he led the 2012 Olympics after the dressage phase, this was his second Olympic appearance for Japan. Now he’s a staple at the top of leaderboards around the world.

Lucy Miles prepares Classic Moet for the prizegiving at Badminton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Lucy Miles, Best Groom: Lucy is the head girl for event riders Tim and Jonelle Price, and she’s had a very busy year caring for three CCI4* winners. Jonelle and Tim have nothing but praise for Lucy for her world class effort and dedication to their talented horses. We know eventing grooms are some of the hardest working int he industry, and this is certainly true of Lucy.

While these are all our eventing nominees, check out the two other categories:

Against All Odds
for an inspiring individual who has pursued their equestrian ambitions and overcome challenges and obstacles along the way.
Sammie Fritz (USA), Dressage
Leila Malki (PLE), Jumping
Sara Morganti (ITA), Para Dressage
Kate Shoemaker (USA), Para Dressage
FEI Solidarity
for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.
Julie Battams and Equine Pathways (AUS)
The Horsemanship charity programme (CHN)
Riders of Hope (BIH)
Mercedes Campdera (MEX)
Go Eventers. Go vote here.