After the ESSA Annual General Assembly was held for the last time in 2019 at the Mezöhegyes National Stud due to the pandemic, the ESSA members were very happy to meet again and have a professional exchange. From 23 to 24 October 2023, a total of 14 participants from seven different countries were welcomed by the Szilvásvárad National Stud in Hungary.
During the meeting, it was decided unanimously to admit a number of new members, which the ESSA now welcomes with great pleasure:
– Szilvásvárad National Stud, Hungary
– North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud Warendorf, Germany
– Yeguarda Cartuja Hierro del Bocado, Spain
– National Stud Farm Topoľčianky, Slovakia
– Peter Richterich, Chairman of the Association of Friends and Sponsor of the former Main Stud Trakehnen, Germany
The Assembly looked back on joint actions of recent years and took decisions on measures for the coming years. As state studs are important custodians of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the representatives of the European state studs discussed, among other things, ways of preserving endangered horse breeds and their bloodlines.
In addition, trends as well as ideas and opportunities for the development of the equine industry in the coming years were summarized and the role ESSA could play in this process were elaborated. Through joint exhibitions, video projects and events, the ESSA aims to bring together its members in and outside Europe in the coming years and thus work together in the field of horses and all related sectors such as education, marketing, research, breeding and tourism.
The next general meeting will take place in 2024 at the Lipizzanergestüt Piber in Austria.