The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is delighted to announce the election of Quentin Simonet (FRA) as its new President during an Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) held in Frankfurt (GER) on Monday 19 May 2025. The election saw all 40 member federations of the EEF represented, reflecting the importance of this leadership transition for the EEF.

His presidency will continue through to the General Assembly in 2026. The election was conducted through a democratic process in line with EEF statutes, requested by the member national federations, following the resignation of Theo Ploegmakers, who stepped down due to health reasons. 

Two candidates stood for the presidency: Quentin Simonet and interim president George Dimaras (GRE). Simonet, who currently serves as the EEF’s 2nd Vice President, a position he has held since elected in 2022 and brings 17 years of experience with the French National Federation (FFE), secured the presidency after two rounds of voting with a decisive 28 votes to Dimaras’s 10, with two abstentions.

Simonet, who also serves as EEF Group Deputy Chair on the FEI Board, will lead the Federation for a 16-month term. This shortened term, voted on earlier in the assembly, aligns the EEF’s leadership cycle with that of the FEI, ensuring coordinated European representation on the FEI Board.

A seasoned sports administrator, Simonet has worked across all equestrian disciplines and contributed significantly to EEF working groups in development, endurance, driving, and jumping. He has also served as Chef de Mission for the Olympic Games and has been a key advisor on international relations and institutional affairs.

In his vision for the presidency, Simonet outlined a strategic plan centered on unity, service, and development. His key principles include enhancing cooperation among national federations, supporting officials and trainers education, and expanding initiatives like the European Young Leaders (EYLE) program. His strategic approach focuses on making the EEF more service-oriented for all National Federations while emphasising responsibility, transparency, and impartiality in governance. He also aims to strengthen the EEF sport development footprint and a more balanced focus across disciplines.

“Our strength lies in unity, not uniformity,” Simonet said during his presentation. “I want the EEF to build bridges across Europe that respect each federation’s identity while creating a strong, collective force that moves European equestrian sport forward.”

Simonet emphasised the EEF’s broader social responsibilities, including horse welfare, sustainability, and safeguarding. On an institutional level, he committed to addressing EU regulations impacting the equine industry.

In his first statement after being elected, Simonet added: “Thank you for the critical thinking engagement. I would like to congratulate George for this contested election. I would like to assure you all, national federations and board members, that I am fully committed and looking forward to collaborating with you. I want that collectively we make our European community stronger, raising the level but also to fix a sustainable structure. Again, thank you.”

During the Frankfurt meeting, member federations also discussed proposed amendments to the EEF statutes, which will now move forward to the next step of the consultation process allowing national federations to put forward additional feedback.