Dublin, Ireland – September 22, 2026 – The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) held its annual General Assembly on Tuesday 22 September in Dublin, Ireland. Hosted by Horse Sport Ireland, representatives came together from across Europe for two days of meetings.

With 38 National Federations represented, the Assembly approved a number of key institutional, strategic, financial and sporting decisions, before electing Quentin Simonet (FRA) to a full four-year term as EEF President.

The General Assembly approved the Annual and Financial Reports for 2025/2026, the budget for the 18-month transition period, the appointment of the EEF auditors and the Longines EEF Series Rules for the 2027 season. Members also approved the proposal for Israel to move from the North to the South region of the Longines EEF Series.

In addition, the general assembly approved the EEF Strategy 2027–2030, which sets out the Federation’s priorities for the next four years, with a focus on strengthening support for National Federations, developing European equestrian sport, highlighting the value of the horse in society and building a stronger European voice.

A key moment of the Assembly was the election of the EEF President for the 2026–2030 term. Following the resignation of former President Theo Ploegmakers, Quentin Simonet had​ been elected in May last year to complete the remaining 16 months of the previous presidential mandate before being elected today to serve from now, a full four-year term.

Speaking after his election, Simonet thanked the National Federations for their confidence and emphasised his commitment to collective leadership and continued cooperation across the EEF community.

“I am honoured by the confidence of our National Federations and very conscious of the responsibility that comes with this mandate. The EEF is a collective organisation, and the progress we are making comes from working closely together, with our Board, our National Federations and all our stakeholders. My commitment for the next four years is to keep the EEF united, independent and focused on delivering for its members and for European equestrian sport.”

The Assembly also elected three new members to the EEF Board for the 2026–2030 term. Following several rounds of voting, Philine Ganders-Meyer (GER), Emil Flam (NOR) and Marilena Mladin (ROU) were elected to the Board.

The EEF President thanked all seven candidates who stood for election, recognising the range of experience and perspectives they brought to the Assembly and their willingness to contribute to the community of 40 federations. During their presentations, candidates highlighted priorities including youth development, education, sustainable growth, horse welfare, innovation and strengthening the European voice. He also thanked the outgoing Board members for their contribution to the Federation.

Looking ahead to the new four-year period, Simonet underlined the importance of turning the newly approved strategy into action and strengthening the connection between the EEF and its National Federations.

“We have a clear strategy for the next four years, and now our task is to turn that strategy into action. That means bringing the EEF closer to our National Federations, giving Europe a stronger voice, supporting the development of our sport and making sure the horse and its value to society remain at the heart of what we do. At the same time, we want to build a strong and resilient EEF that is ready to support our members and the sport for the long term.”

Closing the General Assembly, Simonet thanked Horse Sport Ireland for hosting the meeting in Dublin, as well as the National Federations, delegates, staff and stakeholders for their continued engagement and support.

“We have different countries, different perspectives and different challenges, but we are stronger when we work together. Thank you to all our National Federations for your trust and commitment. I am looking forward to working with the new Board and the entire EEF community as we continue to strengthen European equestrian sport.”

The EEF Board now comprises President Quentin Simonet (FRA), 1st Vice President Simone Perillo (ITA), 2nd Vice President Peter Cholakov (BUL), and Members Nayla Stössel (SUI), Klaus Roeser (GER), Sandra Ruuda (SWE), Philine Ganders-Meyer (GER), Emil Flam (NOR) and Marilena Mladin (ROU).

Source: Press Release from EEF – European Equestrian Federation

Photo: © Sam Barnes / Sportsfile

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