SIVE – Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini: History, Mission & Congress

The Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini (SIVE) is Italy’s national professional association for equine veterinarians.

Founded in 1992, SIVE supports veterinarians working with horses through advanced continuing education, scientific exchange, and professional representation in Italy and across Europe.

Today, SIVE is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most influential equine veterinary organisations, best known for its internationally attended annual congress and its role in promoting high clinical and welfare standards in equine practice.

What is SIVE?

The Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini (SIVE) is Italy’s national association for equine veterinarians. It was founded in 1992 to promote continuing education, scientific collaboration, and professional standards in equine veterinary medicine.

History of the Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini

SIVE was established in 1992 by Italian equine practitioners who identified the need for a dedicated national organisation focused exclusively on equine veterinary medicine.

From its earliest years, SIVE prioritised postgraduate education and scientific exchange, filling a critical gap in structured equine CPD in Italy.

As equine sport, breeding, and referral medicine expanded nationally, SIVE evolved into a central professional body supporting veterinarians at all stages of equine practice.

Over more than three decades, SIVE has developed a strong international reputation through its congress, collaborations, and participation in European veterinary initiatives.

SIVE’s Role in Italian and Southern European Equine Practice

Italy occupies a unique position in European equine medicine, bridging Northern European clinical frameworks with Southern European sport horse, endurance, and breeding systems.

SIVE plays a pivotal role in this landscape by:

• Translating international research into practical CPD for Italian clinicians
• Hosting one of Southern Europe’s largest equine veterinary congresses
• Facilitating dialogue between Italian practitioners and global experts

This positioning has made SIVE a key reference point not only for Italy, but also for veterinarians across Southern and Mediterranean Europe.

Mission & Objectives

SIVE’s mission is to promote excellence in equine veterinary medicine in Italy while providing members with a platform for collaboration and growth. Its key objectives include:

• Education & CPD: Delivering courses, workshops, and scientific meetings tailored to equine practice.
• Scientific exchange: Encouraging collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and academics.
• Professional advocacy: Representing Italian equine vets in national and international forums.
• Equine welfare: Promoting evidence-based veterinary practices that prioritise horse health.
• International collaboration: Strengthening ties with organisations across Europe and beyond.

Member Services & Benefits

Members of Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini benefit from:

• Discounted access to the annual SIVE Congress and other CPD events.
• A strong professional network within Italy’s equine veterinary community.
• Opportunities to present and publish clinical or research findings.
• Updates on regulatory, clinical, and welfare issues affecting equine practice.
• Representation in European initiatives through FEEVA.

SIVE Congress (Italian Equine Veterinary Congress)

The SIVE Congress is the flagship event of the Italian equine veterinary calendar and is widely regarded as one of Southern Europe’s most important equine veterinary meetings.

When: Annually, usually in late January. This year it is based in Florence
Where: Rotating Italian cities, commonly Bologna, Verona, or Rome

What to expect:

• Lectures from internationally recognised equine experts
• Practical workshops and case-based sessions
• A large industry exhibition showcasing equine diagnostics and therapeutics

The congress attracts hundreds of equine veterinarians from Italy and abroad, making it a major hub for continuing education, professional networking, and clinical advancement.

International Recognition & Collaboration

SIVE is an active member of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), contributing to the development of European guidelines, welfare standards, and professional policy.

Through FEEVA and international congress participation, SIVE collaborates with organisations such as British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), AVEF (France), BEPS (Belgium), and PEVA (Poland).

Many SIVE members also engage with WEVA (World Equine Veterinary Association) initiatives, ensuring Italian equine medicine remains aligned with global best practice.

Connection to BEVA: Members of SIVE 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 →

Why SIVE Matters to Equine Veterinarians

For equine veterinarians working in Italy, SIVE provides:

• Structured, high-level CPD tailored to equine practice
• Access to international expertise without leaving Italy
• Professional representation within European veterinary frameworks
• A strong national network spanning ambulatory, referral, and academic practice

For international veterinarians, SIVE offers access to one of Europe’s most respected equine congresses and insight into Italian and Southern European equine medicine.

Join Our Community

Although English is not their first language, we already have Italian equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from France, Spain, and across Europe.

By joining this network, you’ll gain access to knowledge-sharing, professional collaboration, and global opportunities.

Together with SIVE, you can connect with peers, build your expertise, and contribute to the advancement of equine medicine worldwide.

Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini – FAQs

What is SIVE?
SIVE (Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini) is Italy’s national association for equine veterinarians.

When was SIVE founded?
SIVE was founded in 1992.

What does SIVE do?
SIVE provides continuing education, scientific collaboration, and professional representation for equine veterinarians in Italy.

Does SIVE organise a congress?
Yes. The SIVE Congress is held annually and is one of Southern Europe’s leading equine veterinary meetings.

Is SIVE internationally recognised?
Yes. SIVE is a member of FEEVA and actively collaborates with European and global equine veterinary organisations.

This overview has been compiled by The Equine Practice Company, an education-focused platform supporting equine veterinarians worldwide through clinical CPD, professional resources, and international collaboration.