Celebrating Emerging Equine Veterinarians: BEVA's One To Watch Award Highlights Future Leaders
Championing the Future: BEVA's Inaugural One to Watch Award
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is turning the spotlight on promising young veterinarians with its pioneering One to Watch Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates the talents and hard work of emerging equine vets who demonstrate exceptional skills, leadership, and passion for improving equine healthcare.
The Fresh Faces of Equine Veterinary Medicine
For those of us who aren't horseback-riding our way through life, it might be surprising to hear about the vital role of vets within the equine industry. They are not just practitioners but advocates for horse welfare, educating clients on best practices and innovative treatments. In a field where experience counts, highlighting talented newcomers ensures a continual influx of excellence.
Judging Brilliance: How the Process Unfolds
The evaluation of our future veterinary stars is anything but perfunctory. A panel comprising a senior equine vet, a BEVA Careers Committee rep, a non-equine vet, and an external industry pro examines a diverse pool of nominees - friends, peers, and mentors all contribute to the candidate list. From ten nominees, selected for their veterinary prowess and societal contributions, four finalists rose to the top. It’s like the Olympics for horse doctors!
Meet the Finalists
- **Hannah Olivia Foster** from Galedin Veterinary stands out for her boisterous energy and commitment to British Horse Society's Healthcare and Education Clinics. Her superpower? Inspiring clients towards better horse management.
- **Archie Moffat** of Stable Close Equine Practice earned his nomination with a quietly revolutionary approach, merging compassion with an enduring commitment to advancing veterinary standards.
- **Sarah Thornton** at Hook Norton Vets combines profound clinical skills with business acumen—a testament that science and savvy can indeed coexist.
- **Harriett Bartram-Baird**, representing Ballinger Equine, wins admiration for her selfless service and exceptional clinical work.
The Big Reveal: BEVA Congress 2025
These standout professionals will discover who clinches the esteemed title at the upcoming BEVA Congress from September 10-13, 2025, at ICC Birmingham. Alongside bragging rights and a trophy, the winner will receive a year-long BEVA membership, an immersive BEVA Congress experience, and unique career opportunities.
Every finalist benefits as they all earn a one-day Congress ticket, delving into a smorgasbord of learning and networking opportunities. Those eager to partake or spectate at BEVA Congress should secure their tickets via the official BEVA website at [www.bevacongress.org](http://www.bevacongress.org).
What This Means for Equine Veterinary Medicine
According to BEVA Council Member Gemma Dransfield, the One to Watch Award is a vehicle for promoting high standards in equine care. Recognizing early-career vets ensures the future leaders of veterinary practice are both inspired and equipped to tackle the evolving challenges in equine medicine.
For the world of horse doctors, this initiative not only jazzes up the game but also sets a benchmark for excellence. Outstanding professionals like our finalists are clearing hurdles and breaking new ground on how equine care is thought of and enacted, preparing the veterinary industry for whatever the road—or should we say, racetrack—throws their way.
Sources referenced include [Horse & Rider](https://www.horseandrideruk.com) and [BEVA News](https://www.beva.org.uk/News/Latest-News/Details/New-award-to-recognise-exceptional-equine-vets).