Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) | History, Mission & European Role
The Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) is the united voice of equine veterinarians across Europe. Founded in 1998 in Strasbourg, FEEVA was created to protect equine medicine at a time when new European legislation threatened the availability of essential medicines for horses.
Since then, it has grown into a powerful network that today represents 23 national associations and over 8,600 equine veterinarians across the continent.
For vets in Europe and beyond, FEEVA provides a collaborative platform for education, welfare advocacy, and harmonising professional standards.
A Brief History of FEEVA
In the late 1990s, equine veterinarians across Europe faced a major challenge: restrictive EU regulations risked limiting access to medicines needed for horses. To respond effectively, representatives from national associations came together in Strasbourg in 1998 and founded FEEVA.
From its earliest days, FEEVA was built as both a defensive body to protect equine medicine and a forward-looking organisation to promote welfare and professional development. Over the years, it has expanded its membership, influence, and scope to become the leading equine veterinary federation in Europe.
Mission & Objectives
FEEVA’s mission is to ensure that every horse in Europe receives the highest standard of care by supporting veterinarians with resources, advocacy, and collaboration. Its objectives include:
- Advocacy: Representing equine veterinarians at the European level, especially in discussions with the European Parliament and Commission.
- Welfare: Promoting high standards of horse welfare, including euthanasia guidelines and behavioural standards.
- Medicines & regulation: Ensuring that safe, effective treatments remain available to horses throughout Europe.
- Standardisation: Developing common guidelines for pre-purchase examinations, diagnostics, and clinical protocols.
- Collaboration: Creating a platform where national associations can share knowledge, resources, and strategies.
Working Groups
Much of FEEVA’s strength comes from its specialist working groups, which focus on key areas of equine veterinary practice:
- Medicines and antimicrobial use
- Equine welfare
- Disease surveillance and control
- Pre-purchase examination (PPE) standards
- Dentistry and behaviour guidelines
These groups prepare position papers, guidelines, and policy recommendations that influence both veterinary practice and European legislation.
Membership & Structure
FEEVA is made up of 23 national equine veterinary associations, representing approximately 8,600 vets. Each association has voting rights in the General Assembly, which is held regularly in different European cities.
The organisation is led by a Board of Directors, including a President, Vice-Presidents, and Treasurer, who coordinate the work of the committees and working groups.
Key Events & General Assemblies
Unlike national associations that host their own congresses, FEEVA’s central events are its General Assemblies, where member associations meet to debate, update statutes, and adopt new guidelines.
For example, the 2024 General Assembly in Lisbon approved updated statutes and ratified new position papers on dentistry and behaviour. These gatherings are critical moments for aligning standards across Europe and setting future priorities.
Partnerships
FEEVA actively collaborates with other organisations. A notable partnership is with the European Federation of Farriers Associations (EFFA), where vets and farriers work together to promote best practice in hoof care.
By aligning with veterinary and equestrian stakeholders, FEEVA strengthens its role as the authoritative European voice on equine welfare and veterinary practice.
International Links
FEEVA sits at the heart of the European equine veterinary community, but its reach goes further:
- Through WEVA (World Equine Veterinary Association), FEEVA links to global education and continuing professional development.
- Through its national members, it connects directly with associations like BEVA (UK), AVEF (France), GPM (Germany), and others.
Connection to BEVA: If you’re already a member of a national association under FEEVA, 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 →
FEEVA Member Associations
- Austria – Verein Österreichischer Pferdetierärzte
- Belgium – Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS)
- Czech Republic – Czech Hippiatric Association
- Croatia – Croatian Veterinary Association
- Denmark – Den Danske Dyrlægeforening
- Estonia – Estonian Equine Veterinary Association (EEVA)
- Finland – Finnish Association of Equine Veterinary Practitioners
- France – Association Vétérinaire Equine Française (AVEF)
- Germany – Gesellschaft für Pferdemedizin (GPM)
- Hungary – Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners (HAEP)
- Ireland – Veterinary Ireland – Equine Group
- Ireland – Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA)
- Italy – Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini (SIVE)
- Latvia – Latvian Equine Veterinary Association (LVB, Zirgu Arstu sekcija)
- Netherlands – Koninklijke Nederlandse Maatschappij voor Diergeneeskunde
- Norway – Norwegian Horse Practicing Veterinarians Association
- Poland – Polish Equine Veterinary Association (PEVA)
- Romania – Romanian Equine Veterinary Association
- Sweden – Sveriges Veterinärförbund
- Spain – Asociación de Veterinarios Especialistas en Équidos (AVEE)
- Switzerland – Association Suisse de Médecine Equine / Schweizerische Vereinigung für Pferdemedizin (ASME/SVPM)
- Portugal – Associação de Médicos Veterinários de Equinos (AMVE)
- United Kingdom – British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)
Why FEEVA Matters to Equine Vets
Whether you are based in Finland, Spain, Germany, or Ireland, FEEVA ensures that your national association has a voice at the European level. For equine practitioners, this means:
- Stronger representation in policy and regulation.
- Access to standardised guidelines across borders.
- Membership in a European-wide professional network.
- Contribution to welfare, education, and clinical progress.
Join Our Community
We already have a strong community of European equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from South Africa, New Zealand, 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 FEEVA, you’ll gain access to European advocacy, collaborative standards, and a global community committed to advancing equine medicine.
Suggested FAQ (SEO Rich Snippets)
What is FEEVA?
The Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) is a European umbrella organisation representing equine vets.
When was FEEVA founded?
FEEVA was founded in 1998 in Strasbourg, France.
How many members does FEEVA have?
FEEVA represents 23 national associations and over 8,600 equine veterinarians.
What does FEEVA do?
FEEVA advocates for equine welfare, ensures access to medicines, and develops harmonised veterinary standards.
Does FEEVA organise congresses?
FEEVA’s main events are its General Assemblies, where member associations meet to set policy and adopt guidelines.
