Outgoing FEI President, Princess Haya, presents the award to Jackie Potts Photo: Liz Gregg/FEI
Once again an eventing groom has taken out the FEI Groom of the Year with the well earned recognition going to William Fox-Pitt’s head girl Jackie Potts
After spending the last 22 years as groom and right-hand woman in the stables of world eventing number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Jackie Potts is one of the most well respected grooms on the circuit. She has groomed at four Olympic Games, four FEI World Equestrian Games™ and eight European Championships, on top of countless three-day events around the world. Jackie is the consummate professional, managing all aspects of Fox-Pitt’s yard and horses from training to veterinary care. Her extensive knowledge of horse management and training means her advice is often sought by other grooms as well as Team GBR.
Now Jackie has taken out a win of her own by being awarded the FEI Groom of the Year at the FEI Awards Gala 2014 presented by Longines. The five winners of the “Oscars of the equestrian world” 2014 were presented with their awards by outgoing FEI President HRH Princess Haya on her final day as FEI President at a dazzling ceremony in Baku’s fabulous Buta Palace.
“It is so exciting and an absolute privilege to be here to receive this award tonight,” Jackie Potts said. “I feel like I am accepting this award on behalf of all other grooms, who are so hardworking and equally deserving,”
Photo: FEI/Liz Gregg
“It is a hugely deserved and very prestigious award,” William Fox-Pitt said by video message (above). “Jackie has a profound empathy with horses, and horses love her. She is fantastic at motivating her team, and is generous in the sharing of her knowledge and expertise.
“There are few grooms in the world that rival her experience, and her dedication is proven by her 22 years as my yard manager. After all she has achieved in her profession, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see her being rewarded tonight.”
Jackie is the fourth eventing groom to win the award since its inception in 2009 when it was won by Australia’s Michelle Robson, then groom for Shane Rose (and our own AEL blogger). In 2011 the winner was France’s Alice Gaillard who has groomed for Marie-Christine Duroy, Bruno Bouvier, Jean Teulere and Astier Nicolas during her career and in 2013 Ingrid Klimke’s groom Carmen Thiemann was the worthy recipient
The other winners, who have made outstanding contributions to the growth of equestrian sport in 2014, were:
Reem Acra Best Athlete Award: World Jumping champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
Longines Rising Star Award: Vaulter Lambert Leclezio (MRI)
FEI Solidarity: Equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN)
Against All Odds: Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey
The “Oscars of the equestrian world”, presented by Longines in Baku’s fabulous Buta Palace (left to right): HRH Princess Haya, Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Melissa Tan (SIN) chairman of equine therapy centre Equal Ark , Jackie Potts (GBR), Lambert Leclezio (MRI) with (centre) Sydney Collier (USA) and her service dog Journey. Photo: FEI/Liz Gregg
