Tag Archives: FEI Awards 2012

Awards, Community/Charity, FEI

Veteran French Groom Encourages Acknowledgement of Labour of Love

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FEI Best Groom Award winner Alice Gaillard (FRA) with FEI 1st Vice-President John McEwen (left) and FEI 2nd Vice-President Pablo Mayorga (right) at the FEI Awards 2011 ceremony in Rio de Janeiro (BRA). © FEI/Rosane Bakierman

25 May 2012 – FEI Best Groom Award 2011 winner Alice Gaillard believes there are many grooms who deserve to be nominated for their work behind the scenes and have the chance to enjoy what she remembers as “a dream experience” at the FEI Awards ceremony, which will this year take place in Istanbul (TUR).

The 76-year-old has groomed at the French Equestrian Federation-accredited centre L’Etrier de Bourgogne in Dijon (FRA) for five decades, an activity that, for many years, she juggled with her job as a mechanic at a mustard factory.  Her reputed gift with horses led her to work for Eventing rider Marie-Christine Duroy at the Olympic Games in 1988, 1992 and 1996, as well as for Jean Teulère at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2002.

“I didn’t know that people could win awards for doing what they love,” said Gaillard, who was incredulous when she was informed she had won.  “Owners and riders should show they realise that their grooms willingly make sacrifices out of their love for horses and nominate them for the FEI Best Groom Award.”

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Awards, Community/Charity, FEI

Nominations Open for FEI Awards 2012

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Lausanne (SUI), 11 May 2012 – The FEI today launches the FEI Awards 2012 and invites the international equestrian community to contribute to this annual celebration of outstanding talent.

For the fourth consecutive year, the search is on for five individuals who have demonstrated remarkable ability and commitment in the following categories:

  • Reem Acra Best Athlete, for the athlete (equine or human) or combination that, over the past year, has demonstrated exceptional skill in the arena in any FEI discipline;
  • HSBC Rising Star, for a rider aged 14-21 with significant talent and commitment;
  • Development, for a development project, individual or organisation demonstrating skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport;
  • Against All Odds, for a disabled rider or an individual who has overcome extreme personal difficulties to achieve proficiency in equestrian sport;
  • Best Groom, for that important person who works behind the scenes with loyalty, dedication and total respect for the welfare of the horse.

Continue reading Nominations Open for FEI Awards 2012 →