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

The South African Equine Veterinary Association (SAEVA) is the national professional body representing equine veterinarians in South Africa.

Operating as a special interest group of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), SAEVA supports equine practitioners through continuing professional development (CPD), clinical guidance, professional advocacy, and resources focused on improving equine health and welfare.

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, which supports responsible prescribing and aligns with national antimicrobial stewardship principles in equine practice.
• 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 members work across racing, sport horse, breeding, ambulatory, referral, and welfare-focused equine practice settings throughout South Africa.

Educational activities and SAEVA Congress attendance contribute toward continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for equine veterinarians.

SAEVA Congress 2026 (South Africa’s Leading Equine Veterinary Conference)

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

Through its position within the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), 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.

SAEVA (South African Equine Veterinary Association) – Frequently Asked Questions

What does SAEVA stand for?
SAEVA stands for the South African Equine Veterinary Association, the professional body representing veterinarians working with horses in South Africa.

Is SAEVA part of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA)?
Yes. SAEVA operates as a special interest group of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), representing the equine profession nationally.

Who can join SAEVA?
SAEVA membership is open to veterinarians with an interest in equine practice in South Africa, typically through their membership with SAVA.

What is the SAEVA Congress?
The SAEVA Congress is the association’s flagship annual conference, bringing together equine veterinarians, researchers, and industry partners for CPD, networking, and professional collaboration.

Does SAEVA Congress count toward CPD?
Yes. Attendance at SAEVA Congress contributes toward continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for equine veterinarians.

Is SAEVA relevant to international equine veterinarians?
Yes. SAEVA Congress and educational resources attract international delegates and speakers, offering insight into equine practice in southern Africa and opportunities for global knowledge exchange.

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.