CONGRATULATIONS to Tom Wachman who was named the Longines FEI Rising Star at the FEI Awards Gala 2025 presented by Longines, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Hong Kong, China on Friday.

The accolade celebrates equestrian sport’s most promising young talents under the age of 21. Tom (20) had already made his mark on the international scene as a three-time European Champion, he has won team gold in the Pony (2019), Junior (2023) and Young Rider (2024) categories, and helped Ireland secure team silver at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Young Riders, Juniors and Children 2025 in Riesenbeck (GER).

This year has been particularly remarkable for Tom. He realised his childhood dream of representing Ireland at multiple CSIO5* events, contributing to team victories and he jumped a remarkable double clear in the Aga Khan Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show.

“I’ve been lucky to work with great horses and an incredible team behind me,” Tom said reflecting on his award at the gala ball. “From the very start, I’ve had the support of amazing grooms, coaches, and everyone in the yard, and that makes all the difference. It’s been an amazing year - a lucky year with great horses, strong partnerships, and opportunities I’ve dreamed of since I was a child.”

Tom added: “A lot of it is down to Tobasco de Toxandria; he is just an unbelievable horse and brought me to shows I didn’t think I would be doing this year. I have been working with Cian O’Connor for a number of years now, Ross Mulholland is his right-hand man and I have a very good groom in Kim Hendriks and my family support me a lot. The horse has been exceptional; we had a good partnership, made a good plan and it all worked out.

“The highlight of the year was the Aga Khan, it’s the dream to jump that class for nearly all Irish riders. The world championships in Aachen next year would be a dream come true, but it’s hard in Ireland to get on teams. I am very proud to win this award, it’s a fantastic end to the year.”