Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos (AVEE): History, Mission & Congress

The Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos (AVEE) is Spain’s national professional association for equine veterinarians, providing continuing professional development (CPD), specialist training, professional representation, and leadership in equine health and welfare.

Established in 2014, following the merger of two earlier equine associations, AVEE now unites equine practitioners across Spain with a mission to advance veterinary science, protect the profession, and improve horse health and welfare.

With an active membership base and growing recognition, AVEE has become the central hub for equine veterinary knowledge, training, and collaboration in Spain.

A Brief History of AVEE

• 2011: Initial talks between equine vet groups in Segovia.
• 2014: Official founding in Antequera, Andalusia, uniting Spanish equine veterinary associations into one national body.

From its inception, AVEE’s goal has been clear: to bring together veterinarians working in equine practice, strengthen professional standards, and represent Spanish equine vets at both national and international levels.

Mission & Objectives

AVEE’s mission combines professional development with advocacy for equine welfare and veterinary integrity. Its main objectives are:

• Professional training: Delivering continuous education through courses, webinars, workshops, and its annual congress.
• Scientific advancement: Supporting research, disease prevention, and the clinical treatment of horses.
• Defending the profession: Combating “intrusismo” (non-veterinarians performing veterinary tasks) and promoting fair, science-based legislation.
• Specialist recognition: Promoting accreditation routes and certification programs for equine vets in Spain.
• Welfare leadership: Guiding debates on equine welfare, reproduction, dentistry, podiatry, and physiotherapy through working groups.

Who Is AVEE For?

AVEE represents veterinarians working exclusively or primarily in equine practice, including:

• Ambulatory and first-opinion equine veterinarians
• Referral clinicians and hospital-based specialists
• Veterinarians working in reproduction, dentistry, podiatry, imaging, and sports medicine
• Academic and research-focused equine vets

Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos is not a general veterinary association; its activities, training, and advocacy are specifically designed for equine-only practice.

Education & Member Benefits

AVEE offers equine veterinarians a wide range of resources and services:

• Annual Congress – the flagship event, attracting equine vets from across Spain and abroad.
• Specialised training courses – such as Diagnóstico por Imagen in Gran Canaria, covering advanced diagnostic imaging.
• Webinars & e-learning – recorded and live sessions available through AVEE’s digital platform.
• Veterinary directory – an official listing of equine veterinarians in Spain, searchable by province and speciality.
• Discounted CPD – members receive reduced fees for training and congress registration.
• Membership cost: Currently €120 per year.

AVEE Congress

For equine veterinarians in Spain, the AVEE Congress is the primary national meeting point for clinical education, professional networking, and exposure to international best practice in equine medicine.

The event includes:

• Lectures by national and international experts.
• Hands-on practical workshops.
• Networking with equine veterinary colleagues from across Spain.
• Updates on research, welfare, and clinical standards.

(The next AVEE Congress dates and theme are to be confirmed – this section can be updated as soon as official details are released.)

International Collaboration

AVEE is part of the global equine veterinary community through its membership in the Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Veterinarios de Équidos (FIAVE) and World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA).

Connection to BEVA: Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos also links indirectly through FEEVA (Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations), where BEVA (UK) collaborates with national associations on welfare, policy, and clinical standards.

If you’re already a member of AVEE, you may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, which provides discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and BEVA Congress rates.

Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

For international equine veterinarians, AVEE offers insight into equine practice in Spain and a pathway to collaboration through its links with World Equine Veterinary Association, FIAVE, and European equine associations.

Why AVEE Matters to Equine Vets

For equine practitioners in Spain, AVEE provides:

• A professional identity as part of a national equine vet community.
• Access to world-class CPD and congresses.
• Representation in policy and welfare debates.
• Support through specialist accreditation and certification.
• International collaboration with BEVA, WEVA, and FIAVE.

Join Our Community

We already have a strong community of Spanish equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from Italy, Austria, Portugal and beyond such as Turkey.

If you would like to join this network, meet like-minded professionals, and connect with the wider equine veterinary community, now is the perfect time to get involved.

Together with AVEE, you’ll gain access to education, advocacy, and a global platform committed to advancing equine medicine.

FAQ’S

What is AVEE in equine veterinary medicine?
AVEE is Spain’s national professional association for equine veterinarians, supporting clinical education, specialist training, welfare advocacy, and professional representation.

Is AVEE relevant for practising equine vets in Spain?
Yes. The Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos (AVEE) is the primary body representing equine-only veterinary practice in Spain and is central to CPD, congress education, and professional standards.

Does AVEE organise an equine veterinary congress?
Yes. AVEE hosts an annual international equine veterinary congress featuring national and international speakers, practical workshops, and clinical updates.

Is AVEE connected to international equine veterinary organisations?
Yes. AVEE is a member of World Equine Veterinary Association and FIAVE, and collaborates with European equine associations linked to British Equine Veterinary Association.