Former FEI President Princess Haya honoured with 2015 Longines Ladies Award

Former FEI president Princess Haya bint Al Hussein has won the Longines Ladies Award ©Getty Images

Princess Haya bint Al Hussein has been awarded the prestigious Longines Ladies Award during ceremony at Hampton Court Palace in London attended by global horse sport industry leaders.

The Jordanian was the sole recipient of this year's annual award which aims to celebrate he achievements of women who have consistently succeeded at the highest level within the horse world.

The winner receivies a Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Horses Trio 1911, a limited edition 18-carat rose gold pocket boasting design depicting a trio of horses.

Princess Haya received the award as recognition for her long distinguished career, including her country's Flagbearer and competitor in showjumping at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, before serving as the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) President from 2006 until 2014.

The decision to select Princess Haya made by a jury consisting of Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), Nathalie Bélinguier, President of the International Federation of Gentleman and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI), and new FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

De Vos replaced Princess Haya as President in December and led the praise for the Jordanian who, upon leaving the role, was announced as an Honorary FEI President, joining Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón of Spain and Britain’s The Princess Royal and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, in the postion.

"The Longines Ladies Award recognises the success and achievements of elegant women at the very highest level of the global horse sports industry," De Vos said.

“Princess Haya has had a profound and long lasting effect not only on equestrian sport and all those involved in it, but also on countless women outside the sport, who have been inspired by her determination, her strength and her integrity."

New FEI President Ingmar De Vos was praised Princess Haya's work in Equestrian ©Getty Images

Princess Haya also received praise for her efforts to increase the sports profile and tackle controversial issues, her work as a humanitarianism and for increasing the collaboration amongst the elite level of equestrian.

“It’s a massive honour to be the winner and the recipient of this award”, Princess Haya said after becoming the eighth winner of the award.

“I have so many people to thank and I accept this award on behalf of the many women who have helped me along the way, and of course the many men.

"The fact is that horses bring out the best in people and it’s all about working together.”

On behalf of the guests attending the award evening, which proceeded Royal Ascot, Longines made a donation to the FEI Solidarity, the FEI’s sport development programme.

The programme had been created by Princess Haya and focuses on providing communities from across the world with local structures to develop the sport and provide opportunities for future generations.