Yom Tov Calls for Losonczy's Resignation After Hungarian Federation Denies Group C Olympic Team Qualifier in 2027

Dressage

Hungary

In an open letter posted on social media on 29 October 2026 by Grand Prix rider and daughter Jazmin Yom Tov, Hungarian show organiser Arie Yom Tov has openly questioned the integrity and motivation of the Hungarian Dressage Committee in promoting dressage sport in Hungary.

Arie Yom Tov's attempt to bring the Group C Olympic Team Qualifier to Hungary has been denied by the Hungarian federation.

Yom Tov vs Losonczy

Yom Tov received confirmation from the FEI that he could host the Group C Olympic Team Qualifier at his stable in Pilisjaszfalu (HUN) in 2027 - just like he did in 2023 - but the Hungarian Federation has wiped those plans off the table.

In his open letter Yom Tov accuses Hungarian team rider Aniko Losonczy, chair of the Hungarian Dressage Committee, for putting spanners in the work.

Yom Tov quotes that Losonczy stated, "the dressage discipline will not apply this year to organize the Olympic qualification competition. The competition was organized by Hungary four year ago, therefore there is little chance that your country will once again obtain the right to host it."

Arie Yom Tov at the 2025 European U25 Championship

Yom Tov provided proof that he already received the FEI's permission and believes the country has stronger chances to win that team spot with new riders stepping to the fore (editor's note: he seems to be hinting at Diana Porsche on Imhotep).

"Hungary was in an exceptionally strong position, possessing the necessary experience, infrastructure, and a unique advantage: Hungary is the only country able to welcome competitors from all participating (group C) nations," Yom Tov opined.

He added, "after weeks of unanswered telephone calls and emails we received a shocking communication regarding the position taken by you. We were called from the FEI shocked from the crazy situation, never happened before that a country withdrew, after FEI acceptance an Olympic qualification opportunity from their own country."

Call for Resignation

Yom Tov feels sabotaged in his efforts to promote the sport in Hungary. The entrepreneur says to have invested considerable financial resources over the years in hosting CDI's, World Cup qualifiers and European youth championships in Pilisjaszfalu to promote dressage in Hungary.

Arie holds Losonczy as head of the dressage committee responsible for this decision.

"Over the past year, tens of families, trainers, and riders have approached us with serious complaints regarding your leadership, including allegations of inconsistent application of regulations, the introduction of rules serving particular interests, and using your power against the dressage sport community and many times for your sole interest," Arie alleges.

"You, Aniko, as Head of the Hungarian Dressage Committee have the full responsibility to protect the interests of the sport, support its athletes, and actively pursue opportunities that strengthen Hungary's successful international standing, that we miss for so long. With no new generation to follow us, as a result of your activity it is one of your failures."

Yom Tov calls for her resignation.

Executive Decision Made by Hungarian FN Board

However, Lonsonczy explains that the decision to deny Hungary from hosting the Group C Olympic Team Qualifier was an executive decision made above her head by the board of directors of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation.

She told Eurodressage, "as far as I know, only the Board of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation is authorized to submit such an application. I have no knowledge of who actually submitted which application, or exactly why it may or may not have been withdrawn."

The Hungarian federation informed Yom Tov on 28 October that "the Dressage Committee and the Board of the HUN NF have not approved the qualifying competition in Pilisjaszfalu. The FEI registered your application by mistake, which is why they sent you the email and the draft contract."

Lonsonczy added that "the President of the Hungarian Equestrian Federation and its Olympic Preparation Committee (...) do not intend to apply to host a 2027 Olympic qualification event in dressage or show jumping. However, an application was submitted for an eventing qualification competition in Bábolna."

According to the official federation website the board of directors at the Hungarian NF include Kristóf Szotyori Nagy (president), Tibor Juhász (vice president), Zsofia Dallos (vice president sport), Lajos Moro (vice president protocol), Rita Csillo, Mondok Miksa, and Dr. Pal Tuska.

On Facebook Losonczy commented on the open letter with the following two paragraphs: "I find it particularly unacceptable that you are calling for a personal attack and resignation by formulating a public campaign against me for an unfavorable sports decision. I acknowledge the support you and your family have provided for Hungarian equestrian sports. However, I would like to clarify: the financial support of the sport does not justify anyone placing themselves above the federation's decision-making body."

Jazmin Yom Tov replied on Facebook, citing the lack of communication, phone calls ignored, and not putting more efforts into securing this important event in Hungary.

Hungarian Federation

Losonczy detailed to Eurodressage that, "decisions that fall under the authority of the Federation’s Board cannot be made independently by the Dressage Committee or its President."

Eurodressage reached out to the board of the Hungarian NF through Losonczy, but they chose not to comment in time for publication of this article.