Kate Blakeman was appointed President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) for 2026/27 at the BEVA Congress in Birmingham last month.The Assistant Clinical Professor in Equine Practice at the University of Nottingham takes over the role from Imogen Burrows. James Crabtree becomes President Elect and Nicky Housby-Skeggs become Junior Vice President.Hugh Somerville, Alexandre Trighuino and Beth Bryant have been elected to theBEVACouncil this year. Angela Jones has been re-elected and Phillippa Pritchard, Laura Wilkie and Lizzie Atkins have joined BEVAs Nurse CommitteeAbout Kate BlakemanAfter graduating from the University of Liverpool, Kate spent 16 years in ambulatory equine practice. She has a particular interest in stud medicine and has spent multiple breeding seasons in Australia.She joined the University of Nottingham in 2023 and is currently Assistant Clinical Professor in Equine Practice. Her experience in both equine practice and academia gives her a perspective that spans clinical practice, veterinary education and professional development.Kate has been a member of BEVA Council for the past six years and 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 BEVAs career support programmes Leg Up and Back in the Saddle, and chaired BEVAs Clinical Practice Committee.Working togetherEquine practice remains one of the most rewarding, challenging, and vital branches of veterinary medicine but the way it looks in the future depends on how we look after the people who do the work, said Kate.During my presidential year, I want to focus on the people who make equine practice what it is. We dont always see the pressures faced by colleagues working in different roles, practices or sectors, but were 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 others challenges and work together on shared solutions. Whether were in ambulatory practice, referral practice, academia or industry, we all have something to contribute and something to learn.Learn from each otherWe have a profession full of intelligent, committed people. The challenge isnt a lack of expertise or passion. Its 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 its the people who make the profession what it is. Main image of Imogen Burrows and Kate Blakeman Louis James-Parker.Related contentHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)7 ways to enrich your horses environmentHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post New BEVA president appointed appeared first on Your Horse.