British showjumping star Jessica Mendoza collects FEI award
British showjumper Jessica Mendoza was among the five winners at the FEI awards 2015.
Dubbed the “Oscars of the equestrian world”, Jessica won the Longines rising star prize.
This award was open to riders aged 14-21 who demonstrate “outstanding sporting talent”.
Nineteen-year-old Jessica made her senior championship debut this summer at the Europeans in Aachen.
This made her the youngest British senior championship team member for nearly 40 years.
Jessica has taken top honours a number of high-profile shows across Europe, including the Gucci Masters in Paris in December 2014.
She has won gold medals at pony and junior European level and also has numerous Olympia and Horse of the Year Show titles to her name.
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“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone, I really wasn’t expecting this”, she said.
“I am honoured to be amongst such great sporting talent.”
Australian driver Boyd Exell fought off competition from Charlotte Dujardin and William Fox-Pitt to take the Reem Acra best athlete award.
Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna of the USA won best groom and Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU) was the winner in the “against all odds” category.
The FEI solidarity honour went to the Haitian project Les Chevaux Qui Pansent Les Plaies (horses that heal wounds).
“The FEI awards recognise talent and excellence in all aspects of equestrian sport across the globe,” said FEI president Ingmar de Vos.
“We know that all the winners will continue to achieve distinction, whatever their involvement in our sport.
“It is humbling to meet such incredible individuals and celebrate their achievements.”
Six other Brits were shortlisted for the awards, which were presented by actress Bo Derek at the FEI general assembly gala dinner in Puerto Rico on 13 November.
These were Alan Davies (Valegro’s groom), Charlotte Dujardin, Ben Hobday, Phoebe Peters, William Fox-Pitt and Imogen Mercer (groom to eventer Sam Griffiths).
“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the recipients of these prestigious awards, and particularly to Jessica Mendoza, winner of the Longines Rising Star Award”, added Juan-Carlos Capelli, from Longines.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.