European Equestrian Federation Attends MEP Horse Group Meeting at the European Parliament

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) welcomed the opportunity to take part in the meeting of the MEP Horse Group held on 5 March 2026 at the European Parliament in Brussels, bringing together representatives from more than 34 organisations of the European Horse Network.

The meeting was led by Members of the European Parliament Hilde Vautmans and Nina Carberry, leaders of the MEP Horse Group, together with Mark Wentein, Chair of the European Horse Network.

The EEF particularly welcomed and wishes to thank Ursula von der Leyen for her presence and engagement during the discussion. Her participation — an exceptional gesture given the responsibilities of the President of the European Commission — also reflected a clear understanding of the many dimensions of horsemanship and of how the horse sector contributes to key European priorities, including rural development, sustainability, education, sport, as well as economic activity and employment.

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF), an active member of the European Horse Network, was represented by its President, Quentin Simonet. Avalon Everett was also present, attending on behalf of Horse Sport Ireland and also serving as Chair of the EEF Legal and Governance Working Group.

Discussions emphasised the strong understanding and commitment of European institutions towards the horse sector and equestrian activities, while also underlining the need to continue improving the legislative and regulatory framework affecting the sector across Europe.

Horses and Humans: A Partnership that Enriches Lives and Landscapes

The discussions also highlighted the unique place of the horse in European society. Among the many strengths and specificities of the horse, recognised as a farm animal, the horse stands at the crossroads of several societal dimensions: a driver of children’s passion and education, a connection to nature and rural landscapes, a guardian of grasslands and natural carbon sinks, a partner in therapy, and an athlete in sport.

Across Europe, the horse sector represents a major economic, social and environmental ecosystem, generating more than €100 billion in annual economic impact, supporting around 400,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and involving more than 6 million horses. Equestrian activities also contribute to the maintenance of approximately 6 million hectares of permanent grassland, playing a vital role in biodiversity preservation, soil protection and carbon storage.

Europe also holds a leading position globally in hosting equestrian competitions, as well as in horseracing and breeding, reflecting the long-standing cultural, sporting and agricultural importance of the horse across the continent.

Key Policy Perspectives

The meeting also addressed key policy perspectives for the sector, including the simplification of the Single Market for equine mobility and trade, as well as the place of equines within the future post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy and the wider rural policy agenda.

The EEF remains committed to working alongside European institutions and partners of the European Horse Network to ensure that equestrian sport continues to develop in a responsible and sustainable manner, while contributing to youth education, the vitality of rural territories, and economic activity and employment across Europe.