New BEVA President Appointed
2 days ago 
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Kate Blakeman, Assistant Clinical Professor in Equine Practice at the University of Nottingham, has been appointed as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) for 2026/27. She takes over the role from Imogen Burrows at the end of BEVA Congress 9-12 September 2026. James Crabtree becomes President Elect and Nicky Housby-Skeggs becomes Junior Vice President.
A graduate of the University of Liverpool, Kate spent 16 years in ambulatory equine practice, developing a particular interest in stud medicine. During that time, she worked in practices across the UK and completed multiple breeding seasons in Australia. She joined the University of Nottingham in 2023 and is currently Assistant Clinical Professor in Equine Practice, teaching the next generation of equine vets. Her experience in both equine practice and academia gives her a perspective that spans clinical practice, veterinary education and professional development.
A member of BEVA Council for the past six years, Kate has contributed to a wide range of projects and initiatives that support both equine veterinary practice and the people working within it. Most recently, she has led work to update pregnancy guidance for equine practices and practitioners, helped develop BEVA's career support programmes Leg Up and Back in the Saddle, and chaired BEVA's Clinical Practice Committee.
“Equine practice remains one of the most rewarding, challenging, and vital branches of veterinary medicine,” said Kate. “But the way it looks in the future depends on how we look after the people who do the work.
"During my presidential year, I want to focus on the people who make equine practice what it is. We don't always see the pressures faced by colleagues working in different roles, practices or sectors, but we're all part of one profession and we have far more in common than not.
"My goal is to create more opportunities for people from different parts of the profession to learn from one another, understand each other's challenges and work together on shared solutions. Whether we're in ambulatory practice, referral practice, academia or industry, we all have something to contribute and something to learn.
"We have a profession full of intelligent, committed people. The challenge isn't a lack of expertise or passion. It's making sure we listen to each other, learn from each other and pull in the same direction.
"Having benefited enormously from the support, friendship and opportunities BEVA has provided throughout my career, it is a privilege to serve as President and help shape the future of the profession. Horses will always be our focus. But it’s the people who make the profession what it is.”
Hugh Somerville, Alexandre Triguinho and Beth Bryant have been elected to BEVA Council this year, Angela Jones has been re-elected and Phillippa Pritchard, Laura Wilkie and Lizzie Atkins have joined BEVA’s Nurse Committee.
For further information visit www.beva.org.uk.
Left to right: Imogen Burrows and Kate Blakeman
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