Zimbabwe Equestrian Federation (ZEF)

Why Committees Are Important to ZEF

Without active and engaged committees, ZEF would not be able to function at a high standard. These groups ensure that:

• Athletes are supported through clear, fair selection processes.
• Officials and coaches are trained to meet international expectations.
• Events run smoothly, with informed discipline-specific oversight.
• Development continues, especially at junior and grassroots levels.
• Zimbabwe remains aligned with FEI standards, positioning our athletes for success both locally and internationally.

Committees are the beating heart of ZEF’s operations — combining passion with structure, and community with professionalism. Their work behind the scenes enables the sport to thrive and grow across Zimbabwe.

Why Committees Are Needed

ZEF represents multiple disciplines and a diverse membership spread across Zimbabwe. Committees enable the Federation to:

• Distribute responsibilities: Rather than placing decision-making in the hands of a few, committees share the workload and bring varied perspectives to the table.
• Ensure specialist focus: Each discipline — whether it’s dressage, showjumping, eventing, endurance, or vaulting — requires its own rules, development strategies, and competition standards. Committees allow for focused attention on each.
• Promote grassroots involvement: By including athletes, coaches, judges, parents, and volunteers, committees bring the voices of the broader community into ZEF’s operations.
• Support transparency and accountability: Committees document their discussions and decisions, which are reported to the ZEF Council, ensuring oversight and alignment with the Federation’s vision.

How Committees Are Run

Each committee within ZEF is formed around a specific discipline or function. They typically include:

• A Chairperson, who leads the committee and communicates with the ZEF Council.
• A Secretary, who manages minutes and correspondence.
• Committee members, who bring experience, ideas, and time to support the discipline’s growth.

Committees meet regularly (in-person or virtually) to:

• Review upcoming events and national calendars.
• Discuss athlete development, selection criteria, and talent identification.
• Address technical rules and judging standards.
• Raise concerns or suggestions from within the discipline.
• Plan clinics, workshops, and outreach programs.

Committee decisions are made through discussion and consensus where possible. Recommendations are passed to the ZEF Council for final approval where necessary.