South African Equine Veterinary Association

SAEVA – South African Equine Veterinary Association: History, Role, and SAEVA Congress 2026

The South African Equine Veterinary Association (SAEVA) is the national professional body for equine veterinarians in South Africa. As a special interest group of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), SAEVA plays a central role in improving equine health and welfare, advancing clinical standards, and supporting equine practitioners through continuing education.

For South African and international veterinarians alike, SAEVA provides CPD opportunities, practical guidelines, resources for equine practice, and a strong voice in matters affecting the horse industry. At the heart of its annual calendar is the SAEVA Congress, one of the most important equine veterinary meetings in the southern hemisphere.

A Brief History of SAEVA

SAEVA has deep roots in South African veterinary history. It began life as the Equine Practitioners Group (EPG), a forum created to bring together clinicians working in equine practice. As the profession grew, the organisation formalised its role and in 2005 adopted the name South African Equine Veterinary Association (SAEVA), reflecting its status as the national body for equine veterinarians.

Through its constitution, SAEVA established clear governance, regional representation, and a framework to advance the profession. It continues to operate as an official group within the South African Veterinary Association, giving equine veterinarians both national influence and a dedicated voice in policy discussions.

What SAEVA Does Today

Today, SAEVA is a cornerstone of equine veterinary practice in South Africa, offering members:

  • Guidelines & protocols – including vaccination recommendations, equine influenza and EHV vaccination schedules, and the SAEVA Antibiotic Toolkit.
  • Continuing professional development (CPD) – with a mix of live webinars, in-person workshops, and recorded resources, most free to members.
  • Representation & leadership – engaging with government, racing authorities, and industry stakeholders to advocate for equine health and welfare.
  • Publications & communication – including the Equine Health Update newsletter and clinical resources tailored to South African practice.
  • Community & networking – bringing together equine vets across South Africa’s regions to share knowledge and support one another in practice.

SAEVA Congress 2026: Drakensberg,19 – 22 February 2026

The highlight of SAEVA’s year is the SAEVA Congress, which attracts veterinarians, academics, and industry partners from across South Africa and abroad.

  • Dates:  19 – 22 February 2026
  • Venue: Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Theme: 58th SAEVA Congress 2026. Among confirmed speakers is Dr Gemma Pearson, specialist in equine behavioural medicine, a lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies 

The congress blends scientific lectures, practical sessions, and networking opportunities in one of the most iconic wildlife settings in the world. It is not only a place for cutting-edge equine learning, but also a unique opportunity to build professional relationships in an unforgettable environment.

For international delegates, SAEVA Congress offers a window into equine practice in southern Africa and the chance to exchange knowledge with colleagues working in a wide range of equine disciplines, from sport horses and racing to stud practice and welfare.

How SAEVA Connects to BEVA

SAEVA is part of the wider equine veterinary community through FEEVA (Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations), where BEVA collaborates with national associations on policy, welfare, and clinical standards.

If you’re already a member of SAEVA, you may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, which provides discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and reduced BEVA Congress rates.

Learn more about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

Why SAEVA Matters to Equine Vets

Whether you are based in South Africa or abroad, SAEVA provides:

  • Practical resources and guidelines directly applicable to everyday equine practice.
  • High-quality CPD via webinars, congresses, and regional meetings.
  • Representation in policy and industry matters, ensuring the equine veterinary voice is heard.
  • A professional community for support, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

Join Our Community

We already have a strong community of South African equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside southern hemisphere colleagues from the Australia, New Zealand, Brasil 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 SAEVA, you’ll gain access to professional support, practical resources, and a global community committed to advancing equine medicine.

Similar Posts