Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA): Supporting Equine Vets in Ireland and Beyond
The Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) is the specialist body representing equine veterinarians across Ireland. With its focus on education, wellness, leadership, and professional support, IEVA has become a central hub for equine veterinary professionals. Its work not only benefits members in Ireland but also attracts interest from veterinarians abroad who want to connect with the Irish equine community.
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’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.
The Annual IEVA Conference in November
Each year in early November, the Irish Equine Veterinary Association hosts its flagship annual conference – Ireland’s largest gathering of equine veterinarians.
Why It Matters
- High-quality CPD: Featuring lectures, case presentations, and hands-on wet labs.
- Networking: Meet colleagues from across Ireland and abroad.
- Accessible to non-members: Conference passes often include a year of IEVA membership.
The 2025 IEVA Conference is scheduled for 6-8 November 2025 at the Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, continuing the tradition of combining education, networking, and community spirit in one of Ireland’s most prestigious venues.
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
The Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) plays a vital role in supporting equine veterinarians in Ireland while fostering connections with Veterinary Ireland, SVF, VOP and beyond. Its dedication to professional development, wellness, and high clinical standards makes it a society worth following for any equine practitioner.
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.
