Welshman Marijke Hammink nominated for FEI Awards

The international equestrian federation FEI has announced the nominees for the prestigious FEI Awards 2023. Pony foursaddle rider Marijke Hammink, who won her world title last September, has been nominated in the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete category.

The FEI Awards have existed since 2009 and were created by former FEI president HRH Princess Haya. Awards are presented in four categories. In addition to the ‘Best Athlete,’ awards are given in the ‘Rising Star,’ ‘Best Groom’ and ‘FEI Inspire’ categories. A total of 16 individuals have been nominated for the FEI Awards 2023. Voting was possible through Oct. 22.

Welsh A ponies

Born and raised in Bornerbroek, Marijke Hammink has been passionate about horses from an early age. She started jumping when she was only six years old, and by the time she turned fourteen, Marijke started riding single and two-horse teams. Since 2007, she has been riding four-in-hand.

Her trademark are her beautiful brown Welsh A ponies. Marijke rode her first FEI World Pony Driving Championships in 2017, where they won team silver for the Netherlands. At the 2019 FEI World Pony Racing Championships, Marijke won individual silver and in 2021 in Le Pin au Haras she managed to secure the individual gold medal for the first time. In that year there was team gold again.

World Champion

This year Marijke Hammink was unbeatable with eleven consecutive victories during the season and prolongation of her world title at the FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Oirschot where she managed to win gold both individually and with the team!

This impressive list prompted the FEI to nominate Marijke Hammink for the ‘Best Athlete’ Award. In this category, the four-horse rider competes against Steve Guerdat (jumping), Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl (dressage) and Rosalind Canter (eventing).

Vote

You can no longer vote. Public votes make up 50% of the results, with the other half determined by a panel of judges. The winners will be announced at the FEI Awards Gala in Mexico City on Nov. 21.