Jessica Mendoza wins Longines Rising Star

The five winners of the FEI Awards 2015, the “Oscars of the equestrian world”, were tonight presented with their awards by Hollywood actress Bo Derek, at a Longines sponsored glittering gala dinner in the Puerto Rican capital city of San Juan. 

Above: FEI Awards 2015 winners from left to right: Longines’ Vice President and Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli, Hollywood actress Bo Derek, Reem Acra Best Athlete Boyd Exell (AUS), Longines Rising Star Jessica Mendoza (GBR), Against All Odds Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU), Best Groom Jose Eduardo (Eddie) Garcia Luna (USA), FEI Solidarity Anne-Rose Schoen Les Chevaux qui pansent les plaies (Horses that heal wounds) (HAI) and FEI President Ingmar de Vos.  (FEI/Richard Juilliart)

It was to be Jessica Mendoza’s night as she collected the Longines Rising Star Award.  2015 heralded a meteoric rise for the 19 year old Jumping athlete from Great Britain. She has produced consistently strong international performances, with more than 10 wins in the past year and represented Great Britain at the 2015 European Championships, making her the youngest British senior championship team member for nearly 40 years. She played a key role in Britain securing Olympic qualification at the Championships in Aachen (GER), where they finish fourth overall, narrowly missing a team medal.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone, I really wasn’t expecting this”, she said.

“I’m so proud to be here tonight and receive the Longines Rising Star award. I am honoured to be amongst such great sporting talent.

Thank you to the FEI for organising this awards ceremony and to Longines for the encouragement and acknowledgement of our hard work and efforts throughout the year.” 

Above Right: Longines Vice President and Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli Longines Rising Star – Jessica Mendoza (GBR),and Bo Derek,Hollywood actress and Chair of the Jury for the FEI Awards 2015.

Saluting the heroes of today and tomorrow for their outstanding contribution to equestrian sport, the FEI Awards 2015 – in association with Longines and international fashion designer Reem Acra – applauded what has been an amazing 2015 sporting year, honouring the pursuit of excellence and rising talent.

The other winners, recognised for their significant achievements and willingness to demonstrate their passion for developing equestrian sport, were:

Reem Acra Best Athlete – Boyd Exell (AUS) 

Best Groom – Jose Eduardo (Eddie) Garcia Luna (USA) 

Against All Odds – Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU)

FEI Solidarity – Les Chevaux qui pansent les plaies (Horses that heal wounds) (HAI) 

The equestrian stars flew in from around the globe for a spectacular evening of glitz and glamour in the presence of over 350 distinguished guests, including National Federation representatives, FEI partners, VIPs and international media. On stage with Bo Derek and no stranger to success himself, was Puerto Rican actor and celebrated radio host Braulio Castillo Jr who served as master of ceremonies. 

“We are here tonight to honour and acknowledge the dedication, commitment and passion of our athletes and other equestrian heroes”, FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “The FEI Awards recognise talent and excellence in all aspects of equestrian sport across the globe. We know that all tonight’s winners will continue to achieve distinction, whatever their involvement in our sport, and it is humbling to meet such incredible individuals, and celebrate their achievements.”

“It is a real honour to work so closely with the FEI Awards and to present these awards to such talented individuals, highlighting their contributions to the world of equestrian sport”, Chair of the Jury for the FEI Awards 2015 Bo Derek said. “I am really excited to share in celebrations endorsing the commitment, dedication and hard work of these incredible people and this amazing sport, developing well-rounded and confident individuals. We hope that tonight will raise the profile of the sport even higher and motivate others to strive to achieve their goals.”

“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”, Longines’ Vice President and Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli said. “Longines is proud to recognise the achievements of these up and coming athletes on the global stage, for their dedication and willingness to achieve. They are a true inspiration to the sport.”

“There is an abundance of talent across the many equestrian disciplines and certain athletes who stand out for their performance, longevity and continuous achievement. I am very proud to be associated with this prestigious award for Best Athlete,” FEI Partner Reem Acra said.