The 58-year-old triumphed in the Olympic jumping competition at Rio 2016 after a six-rider jump-off for the medals.

Skelton was appearing in his seventh Olympic Games, having made his debut at Seoul 1988.

He had initially retired 16 years ago after breaking his neck in two places, missing Sydney 2000, but he later recovered and returned for Athens 2004.

The Briton was part of his country’s gold medal winning team at the London 2012 Olympic Games, before finally claiming individual gold on board Big Star in Rio.

"I would like to thank the FEI for this most fabulous award," he said.

"I've had an incredible year and this award makes it even better.

"I would like to thank the team that is behind me and Big Star for all their hard work and patience."

Mark Beever, who has a longstanding working relationship with Skelton, was also honoured as he picked up the Best Groom award.

The event at the Park Tower Hotel was held in association with the FEI’s top partner Longines, and sought to recognise the "commitment, dedication and courage" of those in equestrian sport.

A further three major honours were handed out throughout the course of the evening, which was attended by FEI Honorary President, Princess Haya of Jordan.

Sönke Rothenberger was named as the winner of the Rising Star Award, with the 22-year-old part of the German team dressage squad which earned gold at Rio 2016.

The Moroccan Equestrian Federation won the FEI Solidarity Award thanks to their work to develop structures, coach education and athlete training in the country, with a special focus placed upon horse welfare.

Brazil’s Rodolpho Riskalla won the Against All Odds honour, after competing at the Paralympic Games despite losing both of his feet and most of his fingers to meningitis in 2015.

He had previously hoped to compete at the Olympic Games, but would ultimately battle back to represent the host nation at the Paralympics.

"The FEI Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of those who deserve the recognition, not just of our community but of the wider sports industry, and we’ve had five fantastic award winners tonight," said Ingmar De Vos, FEI President.

"These talented and dedicated athletes and individuals constantly inspire future generations of athletes, and not just equestrian athletes, and can literally change lives and communities.

"The FEI is very proud to honour and acknowledge these achievements."

The nominees for the five award categories were decided after a record number of nominations from the public.

A panel was then established to select the final winners.