Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

BEVA Congress offers social licence stream
This year's congress runs from 11-14 September.
The stream will include a talk by Olympian Sally Gunnell.

The issue of society’s acceptance of the use of horses in sport and competitions will be a major topic at this year’s BEVA Congress.

Activities that have public approval or acceptance are said to have a social licence to operate. This licence has been questioned by some groups in recent years when it comes to the involvement of horses in certain activities, especially horse racing.

The opening day of BEVA Congress will devote an entire stream to the subject of how to strengthen equine sport’s social licence, looking at some of the similarities between equine and human sporting injures and how the number of such injuries could be reduced.

The stream will include Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell sharing her experiences of injury, a talk from a surgeon who works with young human athletes with stress fractures, and a talk on the steps being taken in Australia to prevent injuries to horses in high profile races.

Bruce Bladon, BEVA president elect, said: “A huge part of equine practice stems from the involvement of horses in competition. Whether the animals under our care take part in the local pony club’s mounted games, are on display in the showing classes at the county show, or are competing at the Olympics, equine veterinary practice would be unlikely to survive without horse sport.

“However, the future of equine sport, including horse racing, is under debate; competition often increases the risk of injury, and, at one end of the spectrum, it inevitably also increases the risk of fatal injury.

“This is an area where veterinary science and research can help; demonstrably reducing the risk and/or severity of injury during competition is likely to be an important factor in retaining the social licence of equestrianism into the future.”

This year’s BEVA Congress runs from 11-14 September at the ACC in Liverpool. More information about the event can be found here.

Image © BEVA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.