BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association): History, Global Role, and BEVA Congress 2026

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is one of the world’s most respected professional organisations for equine veterinarians. Founded in 1961, BEVA has grown into a global leader in equine veterinary education, research, and clinical standards.

For equine vets in the UK and abroad, BEVA provides world-class continuing professional development (CPD), publishes leading scientific journals, and represents the profession on issues that matter – from antimicrobial stewardship to equine welfare.

At the heart of BEVA’s calendar is BEVA Congress, the largest equine veterinary event in Europe. In 2026, it takes place at the ICC Birmingham from 9–12 September 2026, attracting thousands of delegates from around the globe.

A Brief History of BEVA

BEVA was established in 1961, when equine medicine was becoming increasingly specialised and veterinarians needed a dedicated organisation to raise standards and share knowledge. Among its founding figures was Peter Rossdale, who would later edit the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ), one of the most cited equine publications in the world.

From the outset, BEVA combined rigorous science with practical clinical application. Early BEVA congresses set the tone for what has become Europe’s premier equine veterinary meeting. The launch of Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) and Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) cemented BEVA’s role as a publishing leader in the field.

What British Equine Veterinary Association Does Today

Today, the British Equine Veterinary Association is more than just a membership society. It is a global hub for equine veterinary excellence, offering:

• Gold-standard CPD – Over 50 courses annually, including dentistry, reproduction, foal care, orthopaedics, and imaging.
• Scientific publishing – Through EVJ and EVE, BEVA ensures that the latest equine research is accessible to clinicians worldwide.
• Policy & advocacy – BEVA leads on responsible antimicrobial use, equine welfare, and improving working conditions for vets.
• Community & wellbeing support – From mentoring to mental health resources, BEVA supports the people behind equine practice.

Supporting Equine Vets Worldwide

Although BEVA is rooted in the UK, its influence stretches worldwide. It supports international colleagues in two key ways:

1. Affiliate Membership – Vets who belong to recognised national associations (such as IEVA in Ireland or SAEVA in South Africa) can join BEVA 2026 at a discounted rate. This provides access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and reduced Congress registration fees.
   
2. European collaboration through FEEVA – As an active member of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), BEVA works with societies across Europe to align standards, share resources, and advocate on behalf of equine vets on issues such as antimicrobial stewardship and welfare.

In this way, BEVA not only strengthens UK equine practice but also helps smaller associations benefit from its experience and resources.

BEVA Congress 2026: Birmingham, 9-12 September 2026

The BEVA Congress 2026 is the highlight of the equine veterinary calendar, drawing thousands of practitioners, specialists, researchers, and industry leaders every year.

• Dates: 9-12 September 2026
• Venue: ICC Birmingham, UK
• Theme: Yet to be announced

If you want to be the first to know when BEVA 2026 congress tickets are released or know when all the international equine conventions and congress are held worldwide, simply register your name and email below.

Delegates can expect:

• World-class lectures from leading international speakers.
• Practical workshops and wet labs covering clinical skills.
• Parallel streams so attendees can tailor their learning.
• Networking and social events that make BEVA Congress as memorable as it is educational.

Across three intensive days, attendees can expect more than 90 hours of live and on-demand CPD, spanning virtually every area of equine clinical practice.

The 2026 programme combines expert-led lectures with interactive panel discussions, debates, and hands-on workshops, delivering evidence-based insights tailored to all career stages – from recent graduates to experienced practice owners and senior clinicians.

Alongside the educational programme, the British Equine Veterinary Association exhibition space continues to grow, bringing together a diverse range of leading suppliers, service providers, and referral centres from across the equine industry.

This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to connect directly with key organisations, explore emerging technologies and treatments, and build professional relationships that support both clinical development and career progression.

The BEVA Congress is renowned for its vibrant social programme, beginning with the BEVA President’s Welcome Reception.

Super early bird registration for BEVA Congress 2026 is soon to open. All tickets include entry to the full lecture programme, exhibition halls, and unrestricted access to the virtual Congress platform. What is super handy is that the delegates will also be able to revisit all recorded content until March 2027.

For BEVA members, super early bird pricing for a three-day pass is around £550 for veterinarians and around £150 for veterinary nurses, with discounted rates available for recent graduates (within three years of qualifying) and those earning under £25,000 annually. Single-day passes and practice passes are also available. Super early bird pricing closes normally closes at the end of May.

For vets outside the United Kingdom, BEVA Congress is the gateway into Europe’s equine veterinary community – a chance to benchmark practice standards, explore the latest innovations, and bring back new knowledge to their own clinics.

Why BEVA Matters to Every Equine Vet

Even if you are not based in Britain, the British Equine Veterinary Association offers:

• Access to cutting-edge CPD and research journals.
• Opportunities to attend BEVA Congress at discounted Affiliate rates.
• A voice in global equine veterinary policy and welfare debates.
• A chance to connect with a worldwide community of equine practitioners.

Join Our Community

We already have a strong community of British equine veterinarians among our The Equine Practice Company subscribers, alongside colleagues from USA, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and beyond.

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 BEVA, you’ll gain access to world-class education, global collaboration, and a community committed to advancing equine medicine.