British Equestrian is the National Governing Body for horse sports in the UK, affiliated to the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports. 

British Equestrian fulfils a unique and vital role in supporting the inspirational and ongoing international success of equestrian sports on the Olympic, Paralympic, World and European stages, and also in raising participation in horse sports nationally.  It serves these key activities through undertaking several core functions, including: liaising and coordinating with the FEI on international events, governance and training, and protecting the welfare of the horse;  representing the common interests of its member bodies to Government and other bodies; connecting people to riding centres, schools, clubs and equestrian sporting organisations, and working with its Member Bodies in helping people to discover horses, get fit and improve their wellbeing.

Purpose

 The National Head Veterinarian (NHV) will

1. Act as the primary liaison on veterinary matters between the BEF and the FEI, ensuring appropriate representation for Great Britain and/or compliance with FEI regulations.

2. Be responsible for having an understanding of government policies associated with equine welfare, and specifically international Horse movements, particularly with reference to equine infectious diseases.

3. Be responsible for liaising with BEVA CEO on national veterinary issues affecting the BEF and its Member Bodies.

4. Work with the BEF to maintain  the list of FEI Veterinarians to ensure adequate coverage for FEI events in UK.

5. Work with and be a member of the BEF’s Equine Infectious Diseases Advisory Group, the Equine Welfare Steering Group and Equine Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group.

6. Maintain a positive working relationship with the British Horseracing Authority, Horse Welfare Board and other key equine bodies.

Role

Veterinary Leadership and Advice

• Provide strategic veterinary advice to British Equestrian on matters affecting equine health, welfare, biosecurity, and international competition liaising with BEVA, BHC and the FEI where necessary.

• Monitor and assess equine infectious disease risks that may affect the national herd or the international movement of competition horses.

• Advise on disease outbreaks and provide appropriate information to the FEI and relevant stakeholders where required and be a member of the Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group, Equine Welfare Steering Group, and the Equine Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group.

International Horse Movement and Biosecurity

• Maintain a detailed understanding of government policies, WOAH, import and export requirements, and other regulations relating to international horse movement, maintaining communication with regional and international horse transporters.

• Support British Equestrian in preventing disease transmission associated with international horse travel.

• Liaise with government authorities and veterinary officials regarding equine health requirements for international competition and horse movement.

• Support any special measures or restrictions relating to equine disease control and horse movement.

• Maintain effective relationships with regional and international horse transporters.

Veterinary Representation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the principal point of contact between British Equestrian and the FEI on veterinary matters.

• Liaise closely with the Director of the World Class Performance, and  the Equine Sports Science and Medicine group (ESSM).

• Liaise with national veterinary authorities, veterinary associations, welfare organisations and industry stakeholders on issues affecting equestrian sport.

• Represent British Equestrian at relevant meetings, forums, working groups, conferences and stakeholder events as required.

• Contribute expert guidance to national equine welfare, ethics, anti-doping and controlled medication programmes.

• Support consultation processes on veterinary regulations, the annual prohibited substances list, welfare standards and related matters.

FEI Veterinarian Development and Oversight

• Work with British Equestrian to identify and nominate suitably qualified FEI veterinarians to support the FEI.

• Work with BEF to ensure that the national FEI veterinary appointments are reviewed regularly and remain compliant with FEI requirements.

• Support veterinarians in maintaining their FEI status and progression pathways.

• Provide mentorship, guidance and professional development opportunities to veterinarians seeking FEI accreditation.

• Promote high veterinary standards at international equestrian events within Great Britain.

Testing Technicians and Permitted Equine Therapists

• Support BEF in the  nomination of suitably qualified FEI Testing Technicians.

• Assist BEF were required to maintain national lists of FEI Testing Technicians

• Support the BEF in  maintenance of British Equestrian's list of Permitted Equine Therapists.

Communications and Education

• With the help of the Head of Secretariat, distribute veterinary information, guidance, updates and educational materials received from the FEI, government authorities and other official bodies.

• Promote awareness of emerging veterinary issues affecting equestrian sport.

• Encourage best practice and continuous improvement in veterinary standards throughout the sport.

FEI Post-Mortems and Welfare Reporting

• Support the management of national equine fatality reporting processes.

• Support the welfare reporting structure and its continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified veterinary surgeon registered and eligible to practise in the United Kingdom.

• Significant experience in equine veterinary practice.

• FEI Official Veterinary (OV)status of high level (3* or 4*level) or previous involvement in FEI veterinary programmes.

• Extensive knowledge of equine infectious diseases, biosecurity and horse welfare.

• Strong understanding of international horse movement requirements and associated veterinary regulations.

• Experience working within elite equestrian sport, equestrian competition environments or performance horse management.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to interpret and communicate complex veterinary and regulatory information.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to provide expert advice at organisational level.

Desirable Experience

• Experience as an OV at high level national or international competitions.

• Previous involvement with international veterinary, governmental or regulatory committees.

• Knowledge  of anti-doping and controlled medication programmes.

• Understanding of the structure and governance of equestrian sport in Great Britain.

Time Commitment

The role is expected to require attendance at regular meetings, stakeholder forums, advisory groups and occasional national and international events (TBD and at the request of the CEO). The exact time commitment will be agreed with the successful candidate and may vary throughout the year depending on disease outbreaks, regulatory consultations and major equestrian events. However, it is anticipated  that the role will take approximately 6 days a month.

Reporting and Working Relationships

The National Head Veterinarian will work closely with:

• British Equestrian staff and leadership.

• Member Bodies.

• FEI Veterinary Department.

• National veterinary authorities (DEFRA).

• British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

• Equine welfare and infectious disease advisory groups.

• FEI Veterinarians, Testing Technicians and Permitted Equine Therapists.

This role plays a critical part in safeguarding horse welfare, supporting international competition, and ensuring Great Britain's compliance with national and international veterinary standards.

If you think you have the skills and experience to take on this role please submit your covering letter and CV through the BeApplied platform.

Closing date for applications will be 16 October at 17:00. Interviews to be held w/c 2 November 2026.

British Equestrian is committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation to bring new and different perspectives to our work. So that we can more closely reflect UK society, we particularly encourage applications from individuals within groups which are currently underrepresented within our organisation and include candidates from ethnically diverse communities, candidates with a disability, candidates from the LBTQ community or from under served communities.  

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact melissa.kinrade@bef.co.uk