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

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.

What is BEPS?

The Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS) is Belgium’s national professional association for equine veterinarians. Founded in 2001, it supports horse vets through continuing education, professional representation, welfare advocacy, and international collaboration.

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.

Who Is BEPS For?

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

• Ambulatory and first-opinion equine veterinarians
• Referral and hospital-based clinicians
• Vets working in sport horse, racing, breeding, and welfare-focused practice

Its activities are designed specifically for practising equine veterinarians, rather than general veterinary audiences.

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 Belgium’s flagship annual equine veterinary meeting and one of the most established equine CPD events in Northern Europe.

• When: Annually in November
• 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 practising equine veterinarians in Belgium, BEPS provides clear clinical, professional, and international advantages, including:

• 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

BEPS is widely recognised as a leading equine veterinary organisation in Belgium, contributing to education, welfare, and clinical standards both nationally and across Europe. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

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 for equine veterinarians?
BEPS supports equine veterinarians in Belgium through continuing education, professional representation, welfare advocacy, and international collaboration. It also organises Belgium’s annual equine veterinary congress.

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.

This article is maintained by The Equine Practice Company, an international education platform supporting practising equine veterinarians through CPD, clinical resources, and collaboration with leading equine veterinary organisations worldwide.