Updated 02 October 2026
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British Equestrian JOB APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE
British equestrian vacancies
National Head Vet
British Equestrian are seeking a National Head Vet, a role which plays a critical part in safeguarding horse welfare, supporting international competition, and ensuring Great Britain's compliance with national and international veterinary standards.
The National Head Veterinarian (NHV) will:
- 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.
- 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.
- Be responsible for liaising with BEVA CEO on national veterinary issues affecting the BEF and its Member Bodies.
- Work with the BEF to maintain the list of FEI Veterinarians to ensure adequate coverage for FEI events in UK.
- 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.
- Maintain a positive working relationship with the British Horseracing Authority, Horse Welfare Board and other key equine bodies.
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.
Time commitment
This is a self-employed consultant role.
The role is expected to require attendance at regular meetings, stakeholder forums, advisory groups and occasional national and international events. 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 six days a month.
More details about the role
National Head Vet
How to apply
If you think you have the skills and experience to take on this role please submit your covering letter and CV through Be Applied.
Closing date for applications: 16 October at 17:00.
Interviews to be held: w/c 2 November 2026.
If you would like to discuss the role informally please contact Jim.eyre@bef.co.uk
Member body vacancies
There are currently no member body vacancies.