On behalf of the European Equestrian Federation, I am delighted to welcome you back to Budapest for the second semi-final in the 2025 Longines EEF Series. We are proud to return to this world-class venue and would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the organisers and the entire Hungarian team for once again hosting this crucial stage of the Series.
The 2025 season has already delivered thrilling sport across our regional qualifiers. With the top five teams from the North & West regions now gathered here in Budapest, the stakes could not be higher. These elite combinations have earned their place through exceptional performances in the qualifying rounds, and we look forward to seeing which teams will rise to the challenge and secure their coveted places in the Series Final in Avenches (SUI) in September.
At the EEF, we are committed to a sustainable and forward-thinking future for equestrian sport, supporting not only the environment but also the long-term wellbeing and development of horses, athletes, and officials. The Longines EEF Series is key to this mission, offering a valuable pathway for nations to grow, gain experience in team competition, and build towards future championships.
We are especially pleased to bring this level of international sport once again to Hungary, a country with a passionate equestrian community and a truly world-class sporting venue. Our warmest thanks go to the President of the Organising Committee and the Hungarian National Federation President Vilmos Lázár, Event Director and Secretary General of the Hungarian National Federation Dorottya Stróbl, and all the volunteers and sponsors who help bring this semi-final to life.
We are also grateful to our series sponsor Longines for their continued partnership and support of equestrian sport, which makes events of this caliber possible. Gaining selection to represent your country at this semi-final level is a huge moment for any rider, and the quality of sport we expect to see here in Budapest will be truly exceptional.
We wish all competitors the very best of luck and hope you enjoy an exciting week of top-level sport as we determine who will advance to the 2025 Series Final,
Quentin Simonet
EEF President
Cover photo: CSIO Budapest / Krisztina Hajdu