HAEP – Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners: History, Mission & Congress

The Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners (HAEP) is the national professional body for veterinarians specialising in horse medicine in Hungary. Founded in 1988, HAEP provides a platform for continuing education, scientific exchange, and professional advocacy.

Over the past three decades, HAEP has built a strong reputation for promoting excellence in equine veterinary care, representing Hungary within the European veterinary community, and hosting one of Central Europe’s most respected equine congresses.

What is the Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners (HAEP)?

The Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners (HAEP) is Hungary’s national professional organisation for veterinarians working in equine medicine. Founded in 1988, HAEP supports equine vets through continuing professional development, scientific exchange, welfare advocacy, and international collaboration within Europe.

In Hungary, HAEP fulfils a role similar to that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in the United States or BEVA in the United Kingdom – acting as the primary professional body for equine veterinarians, setting educational standards, and providing a collective voice for the profession.

A Brief History

HAEP was created in 1988, during a time of significant transformation in Hungarian veterinary medicine. Its founders recognised the need for a dedicated organisation focused exclusively on equine practice, particularly as equestrian sports and horse ownership were growing rapidly in Hungary.

Since then, HAEP has steadily grown, developing both national training initiatives and international partnerships. Today, it is a cornerstone of equine veterinary life in Hungary, linking local practitioners with the wider European community.

Who Is HAEP For?

HAEP represents veterinarians who work primarily or exclusively with horses, including:

• Ambulatory and first-opinion equine practitioners
• Referral and hospital-based clinicians
• Veterinarians working in sport horse, racing, breeding, and equine welfare

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

Mission & Objectives

HAEP’s mission is to strengthen equine veterinary medicine in Hungary and to represent practitioners both nationally and abroad. Its objectives include:

• Continuing education: Providing CPD courses, seminars, and practical workshops.
• Scientific collaboration: Promoting knowledge exchange between clinicians, academics, and researchers.
• Professional advocacy: Acting as a unified voice for Hungarian equine vets in policy discussions.
• Equine welfare: Encouraging responsible, evidence-based standards of care for horses.
• International integration: Ensuring Hungarian practitioners are represented in European and global forums.

Member Services & Benefits

Membership of HAEP provides equine veterinarians with practical, career-relevant benefits, including:

• Discounted registration for the annual HAEP Congress.
• Opportunities to attend seminars and wet labs across Hungary.
• Access to international experts and training through partnerships.
• Representation in FEEVA and other professional networks.
• Networking with Hungarian and European equine practitioners like Estonia.

For many Hungarian practitioners, HAEP forms the backbone of structured equine CPD throughout their career.

HAEP Congress

The HAEP Congress is one of Central Europe’s longest-running equine veterinary meetings and a cornerstone of equine CPD in Hungary.

• When: Annually in late autumn (typically October or November)
• Where: Rotating Hungarian cities, often Budapest or Szilvásvárad
• What to expect: Scientific lectures, hands-on workshops, clinical case sessions, and a trade exhibition.

The congress regularly welcomes international speakers, allowing Hungarian equine veterinarians to engage directly with global advances in equine medicine without leaving the region.

International Links

As a member of Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), HAEP ensures that Hungarian equine veterinarians are represented in European discussions on:

• Medicines availability
• Equine welfare policy
• Harmonised clinical standards

Through this network, HAEP maintains active professional links with organisations such as British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and other leading European equine bodies.

Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

Why HAEP Matters to Equine Vets

For Hungarian equine veterinarians, HAEP provides:

• A dedicated professional association for equine practice.
• Access to the latest research and clinical training.
• A strong collective voice within Hungary’s veterinary profession.
• Opportunities to engage with the international equine veterinary community.

For international colleagues, HAEP offers an entry point into Central Europe’s veterinary networks and the chance to attend a respected congress that combines local expertise with international perspectives.

Editorial note:
This article is maintained by The Equine Practice Company, an education-focused platform supporting practising equine veterinarians worldwide through continuing professional development, clinical resources, and collaboration with national and international equine veterinary organisations.

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Our subscriber base already includes Hungarian equine veterinarians, alongside colleagues from Germany, France, and across Europe.

By joining this network, you’ll gain access to new ideas, professional support, and opportunities to connect with a worldwide community of equine practitioners.

Together with HAEP, you’ll also benefit from continuing education and collaborative networks dedicated to advancing equine medicine.

Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners – FAQs

What is HAEP?
The Hungarian Association of Equine Practitioners (HAEP) is Hungary’s national professional organisation for equine veterinarians.

When was HAEP founded?
HAEP was founded in 1988 to support veterinarians specialising in equine medicine.

What does HAEP do?
HAEP provides continuing education, scientific exchange, professional advocacy, and welfare leadership for equine vets in Hungary.

Does HAEP organise an equine veterinary congress?
Yes. The HAEP Congress is held annually and is one of Central Europe’s key equine veterinary meetings.

Is HAEP connected internationally?
Yes. HAEP is a member of FEEVA and maintains professional links with leading European equine veterinary associations.