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Entries for the 2014 Equine Online Equestrian Social Media Awards open November 4.

Since 2010 the Equine Online Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMAs) have been rewarding equestrians across the globe for bringing the industry closer together. ESMA Director, Liam Killen explains: “In 2011 we received just over 4,000 votes, in 2013 we received 107,624. Proof that those who are doing social media well are creating an army of advocates who find real value in their online activity. We're here to reward them for their hard work. The 2014 awards will continue to celebrate the best in show internationally.”

Those wishing to enter will be able to pre-register, free of charge, from November 4 – December 5. Equestrians will then be able to nominate their social media champions from lists of pre-registered entries from December 9-20.

There will be two prizes up for grabs in each category. The first will be the Judges’ Choice ESMA, decided by a panel of the global equestrian industry’s most talented marketers and media professionals; the second will be the People’s Choice ESMA, 100% decided by the public. Finalists will once again have to film short acceptance speech videos for the online award ceremony announcing the winners.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale’s (FEI) Director of Corporate Communications, Richard Johnson will once again be judging the winners of the regional categories to decide the overall winner of the World Award. The FEI Solidarity campaign is supporting a special award in 2014, which is open to projects that are at the heart of the grass roots development of equestrian sport and welfare. Called the FEI Solidarity Social Good ESMA, the award is for those who have captured the interest and conversations of the development of the sport in a creative and inclusive manner. Local sports programmes, individual riders, coaches, online communities, educational projects, charities and welfare campaigns achieving this are all eligible.

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.

That's not all…

Five new categories are being 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

Entries for the first Equestrian Digital Awards will open on November 4 along with the main ESMAs. The winners will be decided solely by the Expert Panel and will be announced in March, alongside the ESMA winners.

To find out more about the ESMAs and stay up-to-date, sign up to the newsletter above, or follow @ESMAwards on Twitter.