The ESMAs were initially created to allow fans and followers of UK and Irish businesses, brands and professionals, to give their feedback and support for who they truly felt flew the flag for the equestrian industry. Last year, during 10 days on the run-up to Christmas Eve, people were asked to nominate their favorites from 15 varying categories, with the top 10 from each category continuing on to the finals. The 181 finalists represented a range of equestrian sports including racing, eventing, western, dressage, and show jumping. With the enormous amount of nominations, just under 4,000, it became apparent that the ESMAs could reach out to an even broader audience.
This year, the ESMAs will host finalists representing the Americas, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Norway, France, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. When nominations open on December 15, 2011, fans will be able to nominate up to three of their favorites in each general category and also select one nominee whose social media activity stands out from a single region.
The general categories include: YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, Charity, Professional Rider, Amateur Rider, Feed Company, Publication, Horse Attire Brand, Rider Attire Brand, Event/Competition, Talking Animal, Most Informative, Riding School, Saddlery/Tack Shop, Best Newcomer, Blog, Social Network, Broadcast Media, and Celebrity.
The FEI regional groups include: United Kingdom and Ireland; South-West Europe (Group I); North-West Europe (Group II); Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (Group III); North America (Group IV); Central America (Group V); South America (Group VI); North Africa and Middle East (Group VII); South-East Asia and Oceania (Group VIII); Central and South Africa (Group IX). The winner of each regional group will go forward to the FEI to decide the overall winner of the FEI World Award.
Phelps was selected to participate as a judge for the ESMAs due to his exceptional career not only as a lifelong horseman, event manager, governance leader and charity organizer, but also due to his world-renowned equestrian public relations firm, Phelps Media Group International. Phelps is both the founder and president of the company, and also created the United States’ best equestrian news website, PhelpsSports.com.
Phelps was named Alternate to the U.S. Three Day Team that competed in the Mexico City Olympic Games and was named the U.S. Combined Training Association’s Rider of the Year. He founded, produced and managed the first International Jumping Derby in Newport, RI, founded and created the New England Horsemen’s Association Hunt Seat Medal, and was a major player in the formation of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. As the President of the National Horse Show of America, Ltd., Phelps oversaw the rebirth of the highly successful Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY, in November 2011. His most recent project is the World Dressage Masters in Wellington, FL.
“I am thrilled to have been selected as one of the judges for the Equestrian Social Media Awards; I think that it is a great way to bring together people from the global community of equestrians. Technology changes everything, and really makes an impact for our industry, it’s great to be able to provide feedback and also unity within the industry,” Phelps concluded.
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International (PMG), based in Wellington, Florida, is a public relations firm primarily focused on promoting events and people in the equestrian world. For more information, please visit www.phelpsmediagroup.com, or call (561) 753-3389. For more information about the PagePlay Equestrian Social Media Awards please visit www.equestriansocialmediaawards.com.
Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com