Veterinary Ireland (Equine Division): History, Mission & Congress
Veterinary Ireland is the national professional organisation representing all veterinarians in Ireland. Within its structure, the Equine Division serves as the dedicated body for practitioners who work with horses. The division brings together equine vets from across Ireland, supporting them through continuing education, professional representation, and international collaboration.
Through its work, the Equine Division ensures that Irish equine veterinarians are well supported at home and strongly connected to European and global veterinary networks.
A Brief History
Veterinary Ireland was formed in 2001 as a merger of several existing veterinary organisations, creating a single unified body to represent the profession nationwide. Its Equine Division emerged to provide specific representation and services for horse veterinarians, reflecting the importance of equine practice in Ireland’s culture and economy.
Since then, the Equine Division has grown into a key forum for professional exchange, continuing education, and advocacy on issues affecting horse health and welfare.
Mission & Objectives of Veterinary Ireland
The mission of Veterinary Ireland’s Equine Division is to advance equine veterinary medicine in Ireland while supporting the professional development of its members. Its objectives include:
- Continuing education: Delivering CPD through seminars, lectures, and annual meetings.
- Professional advocacy: Representing Irish equine vets in national and European discussions.
- Knowledge exchange: Encouraging collaboration between practitioners, academics, and researchers.
- Equine welfare: Promoting evidence-based standards of care for Ireland’s horse industry.
- International collaboration: Building strong ties with FEEVA and global veterinary associations.
Member Services & Benefits
Members of the Equine Division enjoy:
- Reduced fees for CPD and conferences in Ireland and abroad.
- Representation on welfare, policy, and professional issues at national level.
- Access to a network of equine veterinarians across Ireland.
- Connections to European colleagues through FEEVA.
- Updates on regulatory and clinical developments.
- Produces journals for veterinarians throughout Ireland.
Annual Meetings & Events
The Equine Division of Veterinary Ireland hosts regular meetings and CPD events, giving Irish practitioners opportunities to learn, network, and discuss issues affecting equine medicine.
Highlights include:
- Annual Equine Meeting: A scientific and professional gathering of Ireland’s horse vets.
- Workshops and CPD courses: Covering key clinical areas such as lameness, reproduction, and dentistry.
- International collaborations: Irish equine vets are frequent participants at BEVA Congress and FEEVA events.
Why Ireland Has Two Equine Veterinary Associations
Ireland is unusual in having two organisations that represent equine veterinarians:
- Veterinary Ireland (Equine Division): Part of the national umbrella body for all veterinarians in Ireland, covering small animals, farm animals, public health, and equine. The Equine Division ensures horse vets are represented within this broader structure.
- Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA): A newer, stand-alone organisation formed by equine vets “for equine vets.” IEVA focuses specifically on equine practice, wellbeing, and CPD, and was formally incorporated as a company in 2023.
In practice, many practitioners are members of both. Veterinary Ireland provides the national and political representation, while IEVA offers equine-specific networking, education, and community. Together, they strengthen support for equine veterinarians across Ireland.
International Links
The Equine Division of Veterinary Ireland is an active member of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA), ensuring Irish veterinarians are represented in European policy and professional discussions.
Connection to BEVA: Members of Veterinary Ireland may also be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, providing discounted access to BEVA’s journals, CPD library, webinars, and BEVA Congress rates.
Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →
Why Veterinary Ireland’s Equine Division Matters to Equine Vets
For Irish practitioners, the Equine Division provides:
- A professional identity tailored to equine practice.
- Access to CPD, networking, and peer collaboration.
- Representation in welfare and veterinary policy discussions.
- Strong international links through FEEVA and BEVA.
For international colleagues, Veterinary Ireland offers insight into a country with one of the world’s richest equestrian traditions and an active veterinary community.
Join Our Community
We already have many Irish equine veterinarians among our subscribers, alongside colleagues from the UK, the Nordics like Sweden, and across Europe. Joining this network allows you to share knowledge, strengthen professional ties, and access global resources. With Veterinary Ireland’s Equine Division, you’ll be part of a community dedicated to advancing equine veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Ireland FAQ’S
What is Veterinary Ireland?
Veterinary Ireland is the national professional organisation representing all veterinarians in Ireland.
What is the Equine Division of Veterinary Ireland?
It is the dedicated body for Irish veterinarians who specialise in equine practice.
When was Veterinary Ireland formed?
Veterinary Ireland was created in 2001 through the merger of several veterinary organisations.
Does the Equine Division hold annual meetings?
Yes, the Equine Division organises annual scientific meetings and CPD events for horse vets.Is Veterinary Ireland internationally connected?
Yes, it is a member of FEEVA and linked to BEVA Affiliate Membership.
