European Equestrian Federation Announces 2026 Working Group Appointments

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) has announced the appointment of Chairs and members to its newly restructured 2026 Working Groups.

The updated structure strengthens the Federation’s strategic and operational capacity, ensuring clear objectives, actionable plans, and enhanced governance across key areas of European equestrian sport. The appointments, approved by the EEF Board, reflect the Federation’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the long-term development of its flagship initiatives.

The Federation’s Working Groups bring together specialist expertise to provide guidance across governance, compliance, sport development, commercial strategy, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. These groups play a key role in translating strategy into action, supporting both operational excellence and the long-term growth of equestrian sport in Europe. The EEF’s strength continues to lie in its people, their dedication, experience, and passion remain the driving force behind its success.

Strategy Working Group
Chair: Jim Eyre (GBR)
The Strategy Working Group provides guidance on the Federation’s long-term vision, institutional priorities, and strategic positioning. Its work ensures that EEF initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs and opportunities of European equestrian sport, enabling sustainable growth across all levels.

Audit and Compliance Working Group
Chair: Klaus Roeser (GER) - EEF Board Member & Treasurer
This group strengthens financial oversight, internal control mechanisms, and compliance standards, safeguarding transparency, accountability, and best-practice governance throughout the Federation.

Legal and Governance Working Group
Chair: Avalon Everett (IRL)
The Legal and Governance Working Group advises on statutory and regulatory matters, ensuring the Federation adheres to governance standards. Recent structural updates have clarified responsibilities between this group and the Audit and Compliance Working Group, creating dedicated oversight across both areas.

Jumping Working Group
Chair: Henrik Ankarcrona (SWE)
Focused on the Jumping discipline, this group provides expertise on competition structures, performance pathways, and coordination with national and European stakeholders to advance sporting excellence.

Development Working Group
Chair: Tore Sannum (NOR)
The Development Working Group supports the sustainable growth of equestrian sport through education initiatives, training programmes, and capacity-building support for National Federations, ensuring the sport’s accessibility and resilience.

Commercial and Communication Working Group
Chair: Nayla Stössel (SUI) - EEF Board Member
The Commercial and Communication Working Group is responsible for strengthening the commercial positioning and communication impact of the EEF. Its work aims to create added value for member federations, enhance stakeholder engagement, and raise the visibility of the Federation. By driving strategic communications, marketing initiatives, and brand development, the group plays a key role in supporting the long-term development of the EEF’s flagship initiatives.

Sustainability Working Group
Chair: Tomasz Polgrabski (POL)
Promoting environmentally responsible and socially conscious practices, this group ensures that sustainability principles are embedded within EEF activities, events, and strategic planning.

"Building on the valuable discussions with our National Federations during last year’s General Assembly in San Marino, these changes reflect the EEF’s clear commitment to stronger governance." EEF Secretary General Teodor Sheytanov said.

"The restructured Working Groups bring together the expertise, experience, and vision that are central to the Federation’s success. Their work will continue to enhance governance with greater effectiveness, build on strategic priorities, and translate these priorities into concrete action, supporting the sustainable growth of equestrian sport across Europe. We thank all National Federations and candidates who participated in the nomination process."

The EEF looks forward to the commencement of the Working Groups’ activities and continued close cooperation with its National Federations and stakeholders in delivering on the Federation’s strategic priorities.

The full list of the EEF Working Group members can be found here