FEI Opens Public Voting for 2026 Awards
Equestrian fans can now cast ballots for nominees across four categories in the upcoming international competition awards.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Equestrian
Live Poll
Does public voting improve the selection process for industry achievement awards?
The Federation Equestre Internationale has officially opened public voting for the 2026 FEI Awards, featuring 17 nominees across four distinct categories. Fans have until November 1 to participate in the selection process for this year's top equestrian honors.
Why it matters
The voting system ensures that both the global equestrian community and a designated panel of judges have an equal say in the final outcome of these prestigious awards. This collaborative approach balances grassroots fan support with expert evaluation to determine the annual winners.
Public votes carry a 50 percent weight in the final result, matching the 50 percent contribution from the expert judging panel. There are 17 total nominees competing across four specific award categories.
The players
Federation Equestre Internationale
This is the international governing body for equestrian sports that oversees global rules and championships.
Ingmar de Vos
He serves as a member of the FEI awards judging panel and is a central figure in equestrian sports governance.
The details
The four award categories include Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete, Longines FEI Rising Star, Cavalor FEI Best Groom, and the FEI Inspire Award. A judging panel featuring Ingmar de Vos, Patrick Aoun, Martin Atock, and Diana Al Shaer will oversee the final selection process alongside the public.
Timeline
Public voting for the 2026 FEI Awards opened on October 21, 2026.
The voting period closes on November 1, 2026.
Winners will be honored at the FEI Awards Gala on December 5, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This awards process marks the culmination of the equestrian competition season by recognizing excellence across diverse professional roles. The results will establish the formal benchmark for achievement in the sport heading into the next competitive year.
Fans have the ability to directly influence 50 percent of the final score for each nominee through the online voting platform. Because the public vote closes on November 1, participants must act before the deadline to ensure their preferences are factored into the final tally.
The takeaway
Supporters of the sport can shape the outcome of these awards by participating in the open voting window before the November deadline. Staying involved in these administrative milestones provides a deeper look into the professionals who drive the industry forward.
What happens next
The FEI Awards Gala is scheduled to take place on December 5, 2026, in Jiangyin, China, where the final winners will be announced.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Equestrian sports.
Live Poll
Does public voting improve the selection process for industry achievement awards?
