Press release from FEI, edited by World of Showjumping

From Europe to Asia, equestrian excellence was celebrated tonight at the FEI Awards Gala 2025 presented by Longines, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Hong Kong, China — the Pearl of the Orient.

Since their launch in 2009, the FEI Awards have become a highlight of the equestrian calendar. This year’s winners were once again determined through a combination of 50 percent public votes on FEI.org and 50 percent judges’ votes. National Federations, FEI partners, and stakeholders attended the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines, with equestrian commentator Robyn Lamsam (HKG) as Master of Ceremonies.

The first award of the night, the Longines FEI Rising Star Award, went to Ireland’s Tom Wachman.

Cecilia Kwok, Vice President of Longines for Hong Kong, China & Macau, presented the award along with an elegant timepiece from the FEI’s Top Partner. The accolade celebrates equestrian sport’s most promising young talents under the age of 21.

At just 20, Tom is already making his mark on the international stage. A three-time European Champion, he has won team gold in the pony (2019), junior (2023), and young rider (2024) categories, and helped Ireland secure team silver at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Young Riders, Juniors & Children 2025 in Riesenbeck (GER). This year has been particularly remarkable for Tom. He realised his childhood dream of representing Ireland at multiple CSIO5* events, contributing to team victories.  

From his early days on the Irish pony circuit to the highest levels of international competition, his journey is a testament to talent, dedication, and remarkable consistency.

"I’ve been lucky to work with great horses and an incredible team behind me,” Tom said reflecting on his award.

“From the very start, I’ve had the support of amazing grooms, coaches, and everyone in the yard, and that makes all the difference. It’s been an amazing year — a lucky year with great horses, strong partnerships, and opportunities I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Awards like this are just the icing on the cake. They recognise not just individual results, but the effort of everyone involved, and hopefully they inspire young people to stay focused, work hard, and enjoy the journey as much as I have."

Belgium celebrated its second award of the night as Sanne Melsen received the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, recognising her exceptional contribution to the success and well-being of the horses in Belgian jumping athlete Gilles Thomas’s team.

Presented by the CEO of Pegasus Holding Lieselot Hamerlinck, Sanne was honoured for her calm professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and deep empathy for the horses in her care — qualities that ensure every horse performs at its best while feeling confident and cared for. Her dedication, precision, and quiet leadership have earned her profound respect throughout the sport.

Sanne’s journey into grooming began by chance, when she decided to pursue her love of horses full-time. The very next day, she received a call offering her a role with Gilles’s team, marking the start of a partnership that has brought both success and joy. From Belgian Championship titles to international podium finishes in Shanghai, her steady hand and commitment behind the scenes have been essential to every achievement.

"I think I would be lying if I said this award doesn’t mean a lot — because it does,” said Sanne.

“Not just for me, but for everyone around me and everyone in the sport. It’s a sign of recognition. The nomination was already an unexpected surprise, but to win it — I feel honoured and very proud. I don’t do this job for awards, but to know that people see and appreciate the care and dedication behind the scenes makes me happy, proud, and maybe even a bit emotional.

"Every partnership with a horse is different. I try to let them be horses, to understand their world and earn their trust. With some it’s easier than others, but I truly believe a strong partnership is built on trust, patience, and understanding. Sometimes I wish they could speak — but in their own way, they do.

"For me, this award is for all the moments people don’t see: the long hours, the attention to detail, and the care that keeps the horses happy and healthy. It’s a recognition of the daily commitment of grooms and everyone who works quietly in the background to make sure the horses are at their best."