Two Irish people have made the 20-strong shortlist for the 2017 FEI Awards.

Harry Allen, younger brother of senior international show jumper Bertram Allen, is one of four to be nominated in the Longines Rising Star category, while Liam Moggan has been nominated for an FEI Solidarity Award.

The shortlist, announced today, features the reasons why each person has been nominated.

For Harry Allen, the citation reads: “Ireland’s Harry Allen, who competes on both horses and ponies at international level, is following in his older brother Bertram’s footsteps making a name for himself on the international stage in Jumping. He has had a hugely successful year claiming double gold at the FEI European Pony Championships in Kaposvar this summer.”

Liam Moggan’s nomination reads: “Liam was one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the FEI Coach Education Programme in 2004 and has been in charge of the tutors delivering the course, putting more than 300 coaches through the level 3 workshop. He has been helping the FEI Eventing and Veterinary Departments in the ongoing education of their course directors.”

The FEI statement today, announcing the shortlist – which spans five categories – said: “For the first time since the creation of the awards in 2009, the public can cast a vote for their heroes and impact who they think deserves to win.

“A billing packed with champions and those who go above and beyond, the twenty nominees have been shortlisted across five categories for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the sport, showcasing some of the most successful achievements and talent within the Equestrian community.

The statement goes on: “We received hundreds of nominations from around the globe over the twelve week nomination period. The calibre of entries for this year’s awards was exceptional. Now it’s over to the public to choose their favourites from the final shortlist of candidates for Best Athlete, Longines Rising Star, Best Groom, Against All Odds and FEI Solidarity by registering through this link from now until 1 October 2017. The public vote determines 50% of the total vote whilst the other 50% will be decided by a star studded expert judging panel.”

The winner of each of the five categories will be announced at the FEI Awards 2017 gala presented by Longines in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 21 November 2017, in front of more than 350 distinguished guests, including top sporting legends, equestrian fans, FEI partners and other interested parties representing the 134 National Equestrian Federations. The awards will be broadcast live on FEI platforms, providing a valuable opportunity to celebrate the best of the best of Equestrian worldwide.

The five categories are: Best Athlete, Longines Rising Star, Best Groom, Against All Odds and FEI Solidarity. You may vote for your favourite at this link.

Jack Burns