Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA): Supporting Equine Vets in Ireland and Beyond

The Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) is the official professional body for equine veterinarians in Ireland, providing continuing professional development (CPD), advocacy, leadership, and professional support for vets working with horses.

What Is the Irish Equine Veterinary Association?

The Irish Equine Veterinary Association was founded to bring together professionals dedicated to horse health and equine medicine in Ireland. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to provide leadership, promote excellence, and support equine vets throughout their careers.

Membership is open to a wide range of practitioners – including students, new graduates, experienced vets, and even overseas veterinarians looking to build ties with the Irish equine sector. IEVA members work across Ireland’s racing, sport horse, breeding, and leisure sectors.

IEVA’s Mission and Values

The Irish Equine Veterinary Association is built on four pillars:

• Professional Development: Providing CPD (continuing professional development) through lectures, workshops, and online resources.
• Wellness: Supporting members’ mental health and work–life balance.
• Leadership: Representing equine veterinary interests in Ireland.
• Excellence in Practice: Promoting evidence-based, high-quality equine veterinary care.

Member Services and Benefits

Veterinarians who join the Irish Equine Veterinary Association can expect:

• CPD opportunities through workshops, wet labs, and webinars.
• Access to Ireland’s largest equine veterinary conference each November.
• Professional advocacy on issues affecting equine practice.
• Wellness support and peer connections.
• Discounted access to training events and resources.
• Special membership categories for students, new graduates, retirees, and overseas members.

For international veterinarians, IEVA membership offers a direct link to the Irish equine veterinary community.

IEVA Annual Conference (Ireland’s Largest Equine Veterinary Conference)

The Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) Annual Conference is Ireland’s largest dedicated equine veterinary event and a cornerstone of the equine CPD calendar.

Held every year in early November, the conference brings together equine veterinarians from across Ireland and overseas for three days of high-quality education, collaboration, and professional connection.

The Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) has confirmed the dates for its 2026 Annual Conference, which will take place from Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th November 2026.

The conference has been held annually for many years and is regarded as the flagship equine veterinary event in Ireland.

While further details on the venue, programme, and speakers have not yet been announced, the IEVA Annual Conference is a firmly established event in the equine veterinary calendar, consistently attracting equine veterinarians from across Ireland and abroad.

IEVA Annual Conference – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend the IEVA Annual Conference?
The conference is open to equine veterinarians at all career stages, including students, new graduates, experienced practitioners, referral clinicians, and retired vets. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

Is the conference suitable for international veterinarians?
Yes. The IEVA Annual Conference regularly attracts international equine vets who are interested in Irish equine practice, CPD opportunities, and networking with the Irish equine veterinary community.

Does the IEVA Annual Conference count toward CPD?
Yes. The conference is CPD-focused and includes lectures, case-based discussions, and practical sessions designed to support continuing professional development for equine veterinarians.

Where is the IEVA Annual Conference usually held?
The conference is typically hosted at high-quality venues in Ireland, with Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny being a regular location due to its excellent conference facilities and accessibility.

Why the IEVA Annual Conference Matters

• Recognised CPD event for equine veterinarians
• Annual recurrence each November, making it a fixture in the equine calendar
• Strong national and international attendance
• Focus on practical, evidence-based equine medicine

For equine veterinarians seeking structured CPD, professional networking, and insight into Irish equine practice, the IEVA Annual Conference remains one of the most important events of the year.

IEVA Leadership

The association is guided by a committee of equine veterinarians who represent different aspects of the profession. At the time of writing, Dr. Sabrina Barnwell serves as President, supported by a diverse committee of practitioners from across Ireland.

This leadership ensures that IEVA remains closely connected to the real needs of equine vets in both practice and academia.

Why International Vets Should Care About IEVA

For veterinarians outside Ireland, the Irish Equine Veterinary Association offers:

• A gateway into the Irish equine industry, one of the most respected horse sectors worldwide.
• Opportunities to attend the annual November conference and earn CPD credits.
• Access to a community of like-minded colleagues passionate about equine health.
• The chance to learn regional insights on equine health, regulation, and practice models in Ireland.

Final Thoughts

IEVA works alongside broader veterinary organisations such as Veterinary Ireland, SVF, VOP and international equine-focused groups, ensuring Irish equine veterinarians are represented both nationally and internationally.

We already have a strong community of Irish equine vets among our subscribers. If you would like to join this network, meet like-minded colleagues, and connect with the Irish equine veterinary community, now is the perfect time to get involved.

This article was prepared by the team at The Equine Practice Company, which supports equine veterinarians worldwide through continuing education, professional development programmes, and clinical training resources.