Commenting on the FEI awards, which reward the horses, men, women and youngsters who have contributed to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport, Douglas said: "The FEI Awards provide a platform for the global community to applaud riders and organisations for their outstanding achievements.

"I am delighted to offer my support and urge you to submit your nominations for the 2011 FEI Awards.

"At the end of the year, in Rio de Janeiro, we will pay tribute to equestrians who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and in doing so, celebrate the very best of equestrian sport."

Over his hugely successful career, Douglas has walked the red carpet numerous times to receive prestigious awards.

These include two Oscars - Best Picture for his production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest in 1979 - a film that scooped Oscars in five categories – and Best Actor for his role in Wall Street in 1987.

Among the many other major box-office hits Douglas has starred in The China Syndrome, Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Falling Down, The American President and Traffic.

Douglas received the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award at a tribute gala in Los Angeles in 2009.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be the venue of the glittering FEI Awards ceremony, where this year's equestrian heroes will be rewarded and applauded.

Nominations for the five-category FEI Awards - Reem Acra Best Athlete, HSBC Rising Star, Against All Odds, Development and Best Groom are open until July 31.

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