Finalists for the ESMAs and EDAs have been announced

Due to the exponential growth of the ESMAs we did things slightly differently for 2014's ESMAs. Brands entered the competition and then received nominations to get them through to the finals. Each nomination had to include a supporting statement, telling us why they enjoyed their selections' social media activity. The finalists in each category, with the most unique supporting statements got through to the finals.

There will be two awards up for grabs in each category. The first will be the Judges’ Choice, decided by a panel of experts, the second will be the People’s Choice, decided by public vote. Finalists will once again film acceptance speech videos for the online award ceremony announcing the winners.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale’s Director of Corporate Communications, Richard Johnson will again be judging the winners of the regional categories to decide the overall winner of the World Award.

Prizes

The Judges' Choice winner in the category for best use of social media by an Amateur Horseperson will receive a free place on a Hippikos Training Programme (Intensive Training in Dressage or Jumping or Both). The training week includes three lessons a day on advanced horses (dressage to Grand Prix and jumping to 1.45m), all accommodation, meals and drinks. The winner of the Equestrian Creatives category, for artists, designers and the media, will receive a portfolio on the Equestrian Creative Network, free for a year.

That's not all…

Five new categories were introduced to showcase digital excellence beyond social media with the new Equestrian Digital Awards, supported by the Equestrian Creative Network. The categories are, best:

Website <20k visitors pcm

Website >20k visitors pcm

E-commerce site

Mobile/tablet application

Rich media

The winners in each award ceremony will be announced on 24 February. Click here to view the EDA finalists and submit your votes for the ESMA finalists.