EVA – Equine Veterinarians Australia: History, Role & Bain Fallon Lectures
Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) is the peak professional body for equine veterinarians in Australia. Founded in 1971, EVA is a special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and serves as the leading provider of continuing professional development (CPD), advocacy, and resources for horse veterinarians nationwide.
EVA connects clinicians, researchers, industry, and government, ensuring that equine health and welfare in Australia remain at the highest standard. Its flagship event, the Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, has become the largest equine veterinary conference in the southern hemisphere.
A Brief History of EVA
EVA was formed in 1971, at a time when the Australian veterinary profession was expanding and equine practice was becoming more specialised. As a special interest group within the AVA, EVA gave equine vets a clear voice in national discussions while creating a professional identity of its own.
Over the decades, EVA has launched its own journal, built strong connections with equine organisations across the country, and created educational events that attract international audiences. Its mission remains consistent: to advance equine veterinary medicine and support the veterinarians who dedicate their careers to horses.
What EVA Does Today
EVA is central to equine practice in Australia, offering:
- Continuing Education & Events – including the annual Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, workshops, webinars, and practical training sessions.
- Journal: The Australian Equine Veterinarian (AEV) – a peer-reviewed biannual publication featuring clinical reports, case studies, and updates relevant to practitioners.
- Apps & Tools – such as EVA Equine Forms (for pre-purchase exams, Hendra exclusion, and dental exams) and EVA Equine Techniques (a reference app of clinical procedures).
- Awards & Recognition – EVA celebrates excellence through awards at Bain Fallon, including the Patricia Ellis Award and Jane Axon Award.
- Student Engagement – EVA supports the next generation of vets with prizes at universities, such as the EVA Prize at James Cook University.
- Advocacy & Representation – EVA works closely with government, industry, and horse owners to ensure equine welfare remains a national priority.
Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures: EVA’s Flagship Event
The Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, held annually in July, are the highlight of EVA’s calendar.
- Next Congress: 19-24 July 2026 (46th Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures)
- City: Melbourne, Australia
What it is: The largest equine veterinary CPD event in the southern hemisphere.
Who attends: Hundreds of veterinarians, researchers, and industry partners from across Australia and abroad.
What’s included: International and local speakers, practical wet labs, workshops, and a trade exhibition.
Beyond the lectures, Bain Fallon is about community. It’s where vets reconnect, explore innovations, and share experiences in a collaborative environment. For equine practitioners across Australasia, it is an unmissable event.
EVA Events in 2026: What’s Ahead for Equine Veterinarians
Each year, EVA delivers a full calendar of high-quality continuing education, hands-on workshops, and community events for equine practitioners across Australia. The 2026 program reflects EVA’s commitment to practical, clinically relevant CPD – from foundational skills for new graduates to advanced workshops with world-renowned specialists.
Below is a snapshot of EVA’s confirmed 2026 events:
February 2026
19–21 February – Workshop, Rooty Hill (NSW)
EVA & ISELP Foot & Pastern Workshop with Prof. Jean-Marie Denoix
A rare opportunity for vets to learn directly from one of the world’s most respected musculoskeletal specialists, with deep focus on biomechanics, clinical examination, and advanced diagnostics.
March 2026
14–15 March – Workshop, UQ Gatton (QLD)
Foundational Skills for New Graduates
Designed to build confidence and competence in early-career vets or those returning to equine practice.
21–31 March – Autumn State Meetings
Colic – Dr Alex Gillan
A state-based clinical update bringing practical colic management teaching to practitioners nationwide.
May 2026
19 May – Social Event, Brisbane
Equine & Dine
A relaxed social gathering bringing together veterinarians, colleagues, and industry partners.
18–21 May – AVA Conference, Brisbane
EVA participates in the national AVA Conference with equine-specific sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities.
July 2026
18–19 July – Workshop, Melbourne
Bain Fallon Neck & Back Workshop
A hands-on training stream leading into Bain Fallon week.
19–23 July – Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, Melbourne
46th Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures
The largest equine veterinary CPD event in the southern hemisphere – bringing together leading experts, practical wet labs, a major trade exhibition, and hundreds of practitioners from Australia and abroad.
How EVA Connects to BEVA
EVA is part of the wider global equine-vet community through its links with the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) and collaborations with national associations such as NZEVA (NZ) and JSES (Japan). If you’re already a member of EVA, you may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, which provides discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and BEVA Congress rates.
If you’re already a member of EVA (through your AVA membership), you may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, which provides discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and reduced BEVA Congress rates.
Learn more about BEVA Affiliate Membership →
Why EVA Matters to Equine Vets
Whether you are based in Australia or overseas, EVA offers:
- World-class CPD tailored to equine practice.
- Research and publications through The Australian Equine Veterinarian.
- Practical tools and apps designed for daily use in practice.
- Recognition and awards to highlight contributions to the profession.
- A supportive community linked into the global equine veterinary network.
Join Our Community
We already have a strong community of Australian equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from South Africa, the UK, 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 EVA, you’ll gain access to professional support, practical resources, and a global community committed to advancing equine medicine.
