The four-time world driving champion has won seven out of nine competitions in the 2015-2016 season, finishing second in the other two, and is currently world number one in the FEI driving rankings.

Exell has also been crowned FEI World Cup Driving champion no fewer than six times and is the current holder after winning in Bordeaux this year.

In addition to being the most successful four-in-hand driver over a sustained period, he was also part of the FEI Driving Committee for four years - as a member from 2010 to 2012 and deputy chairman from 2012 to 2014.

Among the other winners on the night was Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza, who took home the "Longines Rising Star" award.

The 19-year-old jumping athlete has produced consistently strong international performances during 2015, clocking up more than 10 wins in the past year.

Mendoza also represented her country at the European Championships, making her the youngest British senior championship team member for nearly 40 years.

She played a key role in Britain securing Olympic qualification at the Championships in Aachen, Germany, where they finished fourth overall, narrowly missing out on a team medal.

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone, I really wasn't expecting this," she said.

"I'm so proud to be here tonight and receive the 'Longines Rising Star' award.

"I am honoured to be amongst such great sporting talent.

"Thank you to the FEI for organising this awards ceremony and to Longines for the encouragement and acknowledgement of our hard work and efforts throughout the year."

The "Best Groom" prize went to Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna, who has been part of the United States Dressage Federation for almost a decade and grooms for Olympic rider Steffen Peters. 

Uruguayan endurance athlete Oriana Ricca Marmissolle claimed the "Against All Odds" award having returned to competition just eight days after her last chemotherapy session to treat Phase III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May 2014.

As well as competing in 11 endurance events in Uruguay, France, Brazil and Chile, Marmissolle continued studying throughout her treatment, which began in December 2013 when she was aged 17, and graduated from high school.

Meanwhile, the FEI Solidarity accolade went to an initiative aimed at children affected by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, particularly amputees.

Les Chevaux qui pansent les plaies - Horses that heal wounds -which is run in cooperation with the department of psychology at the University of Haiti, has over 250 participants, with the top 10 athletes set to continue to train and compete in Para-equestrian.

"We are here tonight to honour and acknowledge the dedication, commitment and passion of our athletes and other equestrian heroes," FEI President Ingmar de Vos said.

"The FEI Awards recognise talent and excellence in all aspects of equestrian sport across the globe.

"We know that all tonight’s winners will continue to achieve distinction, whatever their involvement in our sport, and it is humbling to meet such incredible individuals, and celebrate their achievements."

Hollywood actress Bo Derek, best known for her role in the 1979 film "10", presented the awards at the event, which was attended by more than 350 distinguished guests, including National Federation representatives and FEI partners.


Related stories
December 2014: Para-equestrian dressage athlete and service dog among winners at 2014 FEI Awards Gala
September 2014: Exell takes third straight driving title as The Netherlands claim double gold on final day of World Equestrian Games
November 2013: Briton Dujardin wins 2013 FEI Reem Acra Best Athlete award
July 2013: International Equestrian partner Longines supports Rising Star Award
June 2013: Fashion designer Reem Acra "very proud" to support FEI's Best Athlete Award