Message From The EEF President

First of all I would like to express once again my sadness about the sudden death of Michal Wroblewski. Michal contributed so much to the development of the EEF, and he became a link between former Eastern and Western countries. First and foremost, he had an absolutely likeable character and became a true friend. We will miss him greatly.
Together with Manuel Bandeira de Mello I attended the funeral service. In the name of EEF I spoke some words, and I believe this gave some comfort to the family. At the end of this letter, you will find the postal address of his widow Grazyna Wroblewska, in case you would like to send her some personal words.

According to our Statutes, we have to elect a successor in our General Assembly. For the time being, his position as EEF Board Member will remain vacant. At its last meeting, the Board concluded that we must find a replacement who can fulfil Michal’s function I already mentioned, someone who can be a link between former Eastern and Western countries and who is from that region again. Please understand this as a wish from our part, the Statutes do not stipulate anything like that. But I would be grateful if you let me have your thoughts already now, maybe even with proposed names.

The EEF Board met on 19 December in Istanbul. In the focus of our discussions were the latest decisions on the reshaping of the website. At our General Assembly in London, Armagan Özgörkey courageously promised that the new website would be accessible on 1st January 2012. I admit that I had doubts. But: The last decisions are currently being implemented, and exactly on time, on 1st January, the new website will be online. It has become much more user-friendly, representative for a European Federation and very logic in its structure. I am capable to use it, and this means any of you can as well.

Now we ask for your constructive criticism – and for helping not only to establish this website, but to keep it alife. Therefore we look forward to your proposals.

As it was stipulated by many, with the new website we also present a new EEF logo. It is based on the old one (e. g. in its lettering and colour), but it creates the desired connection to the horse and is much more dynamic, like the EEF! We have debated for a long time about its final layout, and I am sure you will do the same. Give your positive feedback to Armagan Özgörkey and Manuel Bandeira de Mello, the negative feedback to me.

I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to Armagan Özgörkey who not only contributed to this significant improvement personally, but together with his family also took over the costs. Thank you, Armagan.

There is another task I have for you. The President of the Hungarian NF, Vilmos Lázár, asked EEF and FEI for permission to host a European Championship for Pairs in 2012 in Hungary, as a new FEI Driving Championship (see his letter attached). I received substantial negative feedback, in particular from Driving nations. I therefore ask you for your comments until 15 January 2012. I will collect the replies and send the analysis to the FEI. Please complete the attached form.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,