Belgian Equine Practitioners Society

BEPS – Belgian Equine Practitioners Society: History, Mission & Congress

ByDr Olivia James

Founded in 2001, the Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS) has become the central organisation for horse veterinarians in Belgium. Its role goes beyond education: BEPS works to raise clinical standards, champion equine welfare, and ensure that Belgian practitioners have a clear voice both nationally and within the broader European veterinary community.

Today, BEPS is known for its commitment to equine welfare, professional development, and international collaboration, making it a key player in Europe’s veterinary landscape.

A Brief History

BEPS was established in 2001 to provide equine veterinarians in Belgium with a dedicated professional society. Before its creation, Belgian practitioners had no unified association focused exclusively on horses.

Over the past two decades, BEPS has grown steadily in membership and influence, hosting internationally recognised congresses and becoming actively involved in European networks like FEEVA (Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations).

Mission & Objectives

BEPS’s mission is to advance equine medicine in Belgium while representing the professional interests of veterinarians. Its key objectives are:

  • Continuing education: Organising courses, workshops, and the annual BEPS Congress.
  • Scientific exchange: Sharing clinical knowledge and research among members.
  • Professional representation: Advocating for equine vets in regulatory and welfare matters.
  • Equine welfare: Promoting high standards of care and responsible veterinary practices.
  • International collaboration: Connecting Belgian equine vets with colleagues across Europe and beyond.

Member Services & Benefits

Members of BEPS gain access to a wide range of professional benefits:

  • Discounted registration for the annual BEPS Congress and other training events.
  • Networking opportunities with Belgian and international equine practitioners.
  • Access to the latest updates on equine veterinary medicine and welfare.
  • Representation through BEPS’s involvement in European and global veterinary organisations.

BEPS Congress

The BEPS Congress is the highlight of Belgium’s equine veterinary calendar, attracting hundreds of practitioners each year.

  • When: Annually in early spring
  • Where: Rotating venues in Belgium
  • What to expect: Scientific lectures, clinical case discussions, practical workshops, and a trade exhibition.

The BEPS Congress draws not only Belgian veterinarians but also international speakers and delegates, making it a leading CPD event in Europe’s equine veterinary community.

International Links

BEPS plays an active role in international equine veterinary affairs:

  • As a member of FEEVA (Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations), BEPS contributes to harmonising standards and advocating for equine welfare at the European level.
  • Through WEVA (World Equine Veterinary Association), BEPS members benefit from global continuing education opportunities.
  • BEPS also maintains close relationships with peer associations, including BEVA (UK), AVEF (France), and GPM/GEVA (Germany).

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

Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

Why BEPS Matters to Equine Vets

For Belgian equine veterinarians, BEPS provides:

  • A professional identity and strong national representation.
  • High-quality continuing education through its annual congress and workshops.
  • A platform to exchange clinical expertise and research.
  • Links to international collaborations through FEEVA, WEVA, and BEVA.

For veterinarians outside Belgium, BEPS represents an opportunity to engage with a highly active equine vet community and to participate in a congress that is gaining increasing recognition across Europe.

Join Our Community

Many of our subscribers are already Belgian equine veterinarians, joined by colleagues from neighbouring countries such as France and Portugal. By becoming part of this growing network, you’ll be able to connect with peers, share experiences, and strengthen your professional community. In partnership with BEPS, you’ll also enjoy access to top-tier education, meaningful networking, and international collaboration opportunities.

BEPS FAQ’S

What is BEPS?
The Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS) is Belgium’s national association for equine veterinarians.

When was BEPS founded?
BEPS was founded in 2001 to unite and represent equine practitioners in Belgium.

What does BEPS do?
BEPS provides CPD, professional networking, and advocacy for equine veterinarians in Belgium.

What is the BEPS Congress?
The BEPS Congress is held annually in Belgium, featuring lectures, workshops, and industry exhibitions.

Is BEPS connected internationally?
Yes, BEPS is part of FEEVA and WEVA and maintains strong ties with BEVA, AVEF, and GPM/GEVA.

Dr. Olivia James is the founder and CEO of The Equine Practice Company, that specializes in delivering accessible, practical education for equine veterinarians worldwide.

With a career spanning from mixed practice in rural Australia to equine dentistry, Dr. James combines firsthand experience with a passion for advancing veterinary care. Inspired by a volunteer mission in Indonesia, she created a platform to meet the global need for real-world, on-demand learning.

Dedicated to empowering equine vets, Dr. James provides tools and knowledge to improve patient outcomes and support veterinarians, all driven by her enduring love for the horse and the profession.

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