Swiss Association for Equine Medicine (SVPM-ASME): Role, Education & Annual Congress

The Swiss Association for Equine Medicine (SVPM-ASME) is the national professional organisation representing veterinarians dedicated to equine medicine in Switzerland.

Founded in 1996, SVPM brings together clinicians, academics, and specialists working across first-opinion, referral, and university settings.

Within a country known for high regulatory standards and precision medicine, SVPM plays a key role in supporting evidence-based equine practice, continuing professional development (CPD), and collaboration with European veterinary organisations.

What Does the Swiss Equine Veterinary Association Do?

The Swiss Association for Equine Medicine supports equine veterinarians in Switzerland by:

• Providing structured continuing professional development (CPD)
• Promoting evidence-based equine welfare standards
• Representing equine veterinarians in national and European discussions
• Facilitating collaboration between practice, academia, and industry
• Maintaining international links through FEEVA and partner associations

A Brief History

The Swiss Association for Equine Medicine was founded in 1996 by a group of equine practitioners who saw the need for a dedicated national body. Their aim was to provide a professional home for Swiss equine veterinarians, encourage continuing education, and ensure that Swiss horse medicine remained aligned with international best practices.

Since then, SVPM has grown into a respected organisation within the European veterinary community, maintaining close links with universities, clinics, and global associations.

Mission & Objectives

The mission of the Swiss Association for Equine Medicine is to support the professional and scientific development of equine veterinarians in Switzerland. Its objectives include:

• Education & CPD: Providing regular seminars, workshops, and scientific meetings.
• Professional advocacy: Representing Swiss equine vets within national and European forums.
• Equine welfare: Promoting responsible, evidence-based approaches to horse healthcare.
• Networking: Building a strong community of equine veterinarians across Switzerland.
• International collaboration: Strengthening connections with European and global veterinary associations.

Member Services & Benefits

Members of the Swiss Association for Equine Medicine enjoy access to:

• Educational events across Switzerland, including CPD seminars and wet labs.
• Reduced registration fees for national and international congresses.
• Networking opportunities with colleagues across Switzerland and abroad.
• Updates on regulatory, welfare, and clinical developments in equine practice.
• Representation within FEEVA (Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations).

The Swiss Equine Veterinary Association Congress & Events

The SVPM Annual Scientific Meeting is the association’s primary educational event and a key fixture in the Swiss equine veterinary calendar. It provides Swiss veterinarians with access to practical CPD, current research, and international expertise without the need for long-distance travel.

• When: Annually, usually in autumn.
• Where: Rotating venues in Switzerland, often near Zurich or Bern.
• What to expect: Scientific lectures, case-based discussions, hands-on workshops, and industry exhibitions.

These meetings provide Swiss equine vets with practical education while also attracting international speakers, making them a valuable platform for cross-border collaboration.

International Links

International collaboration is an important part of Swiss Association for Equine Medicine’s role. Through membership of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), the Swiss Equine Veterinary Association contributes to Europe-wide discussions on equine welfare, medicines regulation, and professional standards.

Through FEEVA, SVPM connects with organisations such as BEVA (UK), AVEF (France), BEPS (Belgium), GPM/GEVA (Germany) and Società Italiana Veterinari per Equini (Italy)

Connection to BEVA: Members of SVPM may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, giving discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and BEVA Congress rates.

Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →

Why SVPM Matters to Equine Vets

For Swiss veterinarians, the Swiss Association for Equine Medicine provides:

• A professional identity tailored to equine practice.
• Access to national CPD opportunities and international experts.
• A collective voice within Switzerland’s veterinary profession.
• International connections through FEEVA and BEVA.

For international colleagues, Swiss Association for Equine Medicine offers a window into equine veterinary practice in Switzerland, known for its precision, high standards, and long-standing equestrian traditions.

This overview has been compiled by The Equine Practice Company as part of an educational series documenting national and international equine veterinary organisations.

Join Our Community

We already have Swiss equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from Germany, Italy, and further afield like India. By joining this network, you’ll gain access to professional collaboration, continuing education, and global connections.

With SVPM, you’ll be part of a community dedicated to advancing equine medicine and improving horse welfare worldwide.

Swiss Equine Veterinary Association (SVPM) – FAQs

What is the Swiss Equine Veterinary Association (SVPM)?
The Swiss Equine Veterinary Association (SVPM) is the national professional body representing veterinarians working in equine practice in Switzerland.

When was the Swiss Association for Equine Medicine founded?
SVPM was founded in 1996 to support continuing education and professional collaboration in equine veterinary medicine.

What does SVPM do for equine veterinarians?
SVPM provides CPD events, scientific meetings, professional representation, and international collaboration opportunities.

Does SVPM organise a congress?
Yes. SVPM hosts an annual scientific meeting featuring lectures, workshops, and case-based discussions for equine veterinarians.

Is the Swiss Association for Equine Medicine connected internationally?
Yes. The Swiss Equine Veterinary Association is a member of FEEVA and maintains links with European and global equine veterinary organisations.