Netherlands Equine Veterinary Association (NEVA): It's Role, Membership & Global Links

The Netherlands Equine Veterinary Association (NEVA), also known in Dutch as Nederlandse Vereniging voor Paardenpraktici, is the professional organisation dedicated to equine veterinarians in the Netherlands.

As a member of the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA), NEVA represents Dutch equine practitioners both nationally and internationally, working to raise standards of equine care and support continuing professional development (CPD).

A Professional Voice for Equine Vets in the Netherlands

NEVA provides a platform for equine practitioners across the Netherlands, from solo practitioners in local clinics to specialists working in referral hospitals. Its membership includes:

First-line equine practitioners – the majority of members (~66%), working directly with horse owners and daily practice cases.
Acknowledged equine veterinarians – those formally accredited for higher-level expertise.
Specialist vets providing referral-level services in surgery, sports medicine, reproduction, or advanced imaging.

By bringing these groups together, NEVA ensures that every equine vet in the Netherlands has a voice in discussions about standards, training, and the future of the profession.

Education & Professional Standards

NEVA’s mission centres on advancing equine veterinary practice through education and quality assurance. Its activities include:

Continuing Education: Organising lectures, workshops, and specialist training to keep Dutch equine vets up to date.
Accreditation & Quality Routes: NEVA has been involved in shaping the concept of the “acknowledged equine veterinarian” in the Netherlands, a system designed to raise standards of care and client confidence.
Guidelines & Pre-Purchase Standards: The association contributes to protocols and best practices, including recognised procedures for equine pre-purchase examinations.

Through these initiatives, NEVA plays a central role in ensuring Dutch equine vets have access to world-class knowledge and training.

Research, Policy & Advocacy

NEVA represents its members on issues ranging from welfare to medicine use. For example:

Antimicrobial use: NEVA members have participated in surveys and research on responsible antibiotic use in equine practice.
Welfare standards: The association has contributed to discussions about equine welfare, aligning Dutch veterinary practice with broader European expectations.
Practice representation: NEVA balances the interests of both small first-line practices and large referral centres, ensuring policy reflects the realities of daily equine veterinary life.

International Collaboration

NEVA is part of the wider global equine-vet community through its membership of the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA). This allows Dutch veterinarians to connect with colleagues worldwide and benefit from shared resources, congresses, and CPD opportunities.

NEVA is also connected indirectly through the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), where groups like BEVA (UK) collaborate with national associations on policy, welfare, and clinical standards. If you’re already a member of NEVA, you may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, which provides discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and BEVA Congress rates.

Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

Events & Congresses

NEVA regularly participates in international congresses, particularly through WEVA and European veterinary networks.

Why NEVA Matters to Equine Vets

For veterinarians working with horses in the Netherlands, NEVA offers:

A professional identity dedicated to equine practice.
Access to CPD tailored to the needs of Dutch equine vets.
Support for accreditation and professional recognition.
Involvement in welfare and policy debates that affect daily practice.
International collaboration with BEVA, WEVA, and other associations.

Join Our Community

We already have a strong community of Dutch equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from Germany, Denmark, Switzerland 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 NEVA, you’ll gain access to global collaboration, practical resources, and a community committed to advancing equine medicine.

FAQ’s

What is NEVA?
The Netherlands Equine Veterinary Association (NEVA) is the professional body representing equine veterinarians in the Netherlands.

What does NEVA do?
NEVA supports equine vets through continuing education, accreditation systems, and welfare advocacy.

Is NEVA part of international associations?
Yes, NEVA is a member of the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) and collaborates with European associations like BEVA through FEEVA.

Who can join NEVA?
Membership is open to equine veterinarians in the Netherlands, from first-line practitioners to specialists.