Swedish Equine Veterinary Association (SVF): Role, Education & Annual Meeting

The Swedish Equine Veterinary Association (SVF) is the national professional body representing veterinarians working in equine practice across Sweden. Founded in 1973, SVF brings together clinicians, researchers, and educators involved in horse health, welfare, and veterinary science.

Operating within one of Europe’s most progressive animal welfare frameworks, SVF plays an important role in continuing professional development (CPD), scientific exchange, and international collaboration through organisations such as FEEVA.

What Does the Swedish Equine Veterinary Association Do?

The Swedish Equine Veterinary Association supports equine veterinarians by:

• Delivering continuing professional development (CPD) through meetings and workshops
• Promoting evidence-based equine welfare standards
• Representing equine veterinarians in national and European discussions
• Facilitating collaboration between practice, academia, and research institutions
• Connecting Swedish veterinarians to Europe-wide networks through FEEVA

A Brief History

Founded in 1973, the Swedish Equine Veterinary Association emerged during a time when equestrian sport was expanding rapidly in Scandinavia. A group of dedicated veterinarians saw the need for a specialised body to support horse practitioners, share clinical expertise, and provide a collective voice for equine vets in Sweden.

Since then, SVF has developed into a strong national association with close ties to Swedish universities, research institutes, and international colleagues.

Mission & Objectives

The SVF Annual Scientific Meeting is the association’s main educational event and a cornerstone of equine continuing education in Sweden.

It provides veterinarians with practical CPD, current research updates, and opportunities to exchange clinical experience with colleagues from across Scandinavia and Europe.

• Continuing education: Offering CPD through workshops, lectures, and annual meetings.
• Professional representation: Acting as the voice of equine veterinarians in Sweden.
• Knowledge sharing: Encouraging collaboration between practitioners, researchers, and academics.
• Equine welfare: Promoting evidence-based standards that improve horse health.
• International collaboration: Building strong links through FEEVA, WEVA, and BEVA.

Member Services & Benefits

SVF members benefit from:

• Access to annual scientific meetings and CPD events.
• Reduced fees for training and international congresses.
• Representation in national and European veterinary policy discussions.
• Networking with Swedish and international equine practitioners.
• Updates on clinical and welfare issues affecting horse medicine.

Annual Meeting & Events

The highlight of SVF’s calendar is its annual scientific meeting, which attracts veterinarians from across Sweden and beyond.

• When: Annually, usually in late autumn.
• Where: Rotating venues in Sweden, often Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Uppsala.
• What to expect: Scientific lectures, case discussions, wet labs, and industry exhibitions.

The meeting has become a key opportunity for Swedish equine practitioners to access world-class education and network with colleagues from Scandinavia and across Europe.

International Links

International collaboration is a core part of SVF’s work. As a long-standing member of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), SVF contributes to Europe-wide discussions on equine welfare, medicines regulation, and professional standards.

Through FEEVA, SVF collaborates with organisations including BEVA (UK), AVEF (France), BEPS (Belgium), and GPM/GEVA (Germany).

Connection to BEVA: Members of SVF 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 SVF Matters to Equine Vets

For Swedish veterinarians, SVF offers:

• A strong professional identity within the national equine sector.
• Continuing education tailored to equine practice.
• Representation on welfare and policy issues.
• Access to international resources and networks.

For international colleagues, SVF represents a gateway into the Scandinavian equine community, known for its high standards of welfare and progressive approach to veterinary care.

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

Join Our Community

We already have Swedish equine veterinarians among our subscribers (top 10 worldwide), alongside colleagues from Norway, Denmark, Finland and beyond.

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

With SVF, you can strengthen your expertise while connecting with peers dedicated to advancing equine medicine worldwide.

Swedish Equine Veterinary Association (SVF) – FAQs

What is the Swedish Equine Veterinary Association (SVF)?
The Swedish Equine Veterinary Association (SVF) is the national professional organisation for veterinarians working in equine practice in Sweden.

When was SVF founded?
SVF was founded in 1973 to support education, collaboration, and welfare in equine veterinary medicine.

What does SVF do?
SVF provides continuing education, professional representation, and scientific exchange for equine veterinarians.

Does SVF organise an annual meeting?
Yes. SVF hosts an annual scientific meeting with lectures, workshops, and case discussions.

Is SVF connected internationally?
Yes. SVF is a member of FEEVA and maintains links with European and global equine veterinary organisations.