Veterinary Ireland – Equine Division: Role, Education & Annual Equine Meeting
Veterinary Ireland is the national professional organisation representing veterinarians across Ireland. Within its structure, the Equine Division provides dedicated representation for veterinarians working in equine practice.
The Equine Division supports Irish horse vets through continuing professional development (CPD), policy representation, and collaboration with European and international veterinary organisations, reflecting the central role of equine practice in Ireland’s veterinary profession.
A Brief History
Veterinary Ireland was established in 2001 following the merger of several veterinary organisations, creating a single unified professional body for veterinarians in Ireland.
The Equine Division was formed to ensure that horse practitioners had dedicated representation within this national structure.
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.
What Does the Veterinary Ireland Equine Division Do?
The Equine Division of Veterinary Ireland:
- Represents equine veterinarians within Ireland’s national veterinary body
- Delivers continuing professional development (CPD) for horse practitioners
- Contributes to equine welfare and policy discussions
- Facilitates collaboration between practice, academia, and industry
- Connects Irish equine vets to Europe through FEEVA
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 unique in having two complementary organisations that support equine veterinarians, each with a distinct role.
- Veterinary Ireland (Equine Division) – The official equine division within Ireland’s national veterinary body, responsible for professional representation, policy engagement, and integration with the wider veterinary profession.
- Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) – A stand-alone organisation formed by equine veterinarians, focusing on wellbeing, peer support, CPD, and community. IEVA was 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 represents Irish equine veterinarians internationally through active membership of FEEVA, ensuring Ireland has a voice in European discussions on welfare, medicines regulation, and professional standards.
Connection to British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA): Members of Veterinary Ireland may be eligible for BEVA Affiliate Membership, providing access to journals, CPD resources, webinars, and Congress rates.
Many Irish equine veterinarians are members of both organisations, benefiting from national representation through Veterinary Ireland and equine-specific community and education through IEVA.
Learn about BEVA Affiliate Membership →
Be the First in Line: Worldwide Equine Event Dates & Early Bird Pricing
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.
This overview has been prepared by The Equine Practice Company, an education-focused organisation supporting equine veterinarians worldwide through clinical CPD, professional resources, and international collaboration.
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 (Equine Division) – FAQs
What is Veterinary Ireland?
Veterinary Ireland is the national professional organisation representing all veterinarians in Ireland.
What is the Equine Division of Veterinary Ireland?
The Equine Division is the dedicated body within Veterinary Ireland that represents veterinarians working in equine practice.
When was Veterinary Ireland formed?
Veterinary Ireland was established in 2001 through the merger of several veterinary organisations.
Does the Equine Division organise meetings?
Yes. The Equine Division organises annual equine meetings, CPD events, and professional workshops.
Is Veterinary Ireland internationally connected?
Yes. Veterinary Ireland is a member of FEEVA and maintains links with European and global veterinary organisations.
