Image credit: Liz Gregg
On November 21, Pivo had the pleasure of attending the FEI Awards 2023 Gala Presented by Longines. Held in Mexico City, against the backdrop of the Colegio de la Vizcainas, the event honored the very best athletes in Equestrian sports.
Introducing the Pivo FEI Inspire Award
Among this year's accolades was the Pivo FEI Inspire Award, introduced for the first time. This award combined elements of the FEI Solidarity Award and the FEI Against All Odds Award, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of all nominees.
The Inspire Award category included some incredible talents. First, Valeria Bonfiglio from Italy, who achieved success in Endurance riding at the age of 54. Secondly, Jennie Sharpe from the UK, who overcame medical challenges to return to the saddle. Then, Federico Fernández Senderos, a Mexican Jumping competitor and plane crash survivor. Last but by no means least, the Ukrainian Vaulting team of Polina Shovkova and Kateryna Panasenko, who've shown unwavering determination despite war raging in their country.
Pivo FEI Inspire Award winner: Federico Fernández Senderos
The Pivo FEI Inspire Award is a testament to overcoming adversity. The winner of this category was determined through a combination of public votes on FEI.org and judges' decisions. Federico Fernández Senderos won overall — in recognition of a career full of incredible triumphs. After sustaining severe injuries in a plane crash at the age of just 19, he went on to represent Mexico in seven FEI World Equestrian Games™ and three Olympic Games.
The ceremony also celebrated equestrian excellence with various other categories. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, recognized as one of the world's best Dressage athletes, received the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award. Mimi Gochman, a rising star in Jumping, claimed the Longines FEI Rising Star Award for her outstanding talent and achievements at just 19.
Receiving the award from CEO of Pivo, Ken Kim, Federico said: “For me to receive the PIVO FEI Inspire Award is an honor. I should be the one to say thank you for all that equestrian has done for me, because it has been so important in my life.
“I'm going out every morning with passion. I try to make every day special and happy for myself and for the people whose lives I touch daily. I really think that horses are the healthiest way of taking a step back into real nature and the basics of life. It is about interacting with the animal and not with technology or anything else. Getting on a horse heals every physical and mental pain. It’s just an indescribable moment when you’re on top of a horse.”
To read more about the FEI Awards 2023, head to the FEI website.