A new awards scheme has been launched to support veterinary students and new equine vets.The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) initiative has been funded by Professor Padraic (Paddy) Dixon MVB PhD FRCVS, a long-standing BEVA supporter celebrated for his pioneering work in equine dentistry and upper airway surgery. The Paddy Dixon Award Programme will provide financial support for BEVA members to attend recognised veterinary conferences in the UK and internationally, helping them to bring new knowledge and ideas back to the equine veterinary community. It is a privilege to have helped establish this prestigious award, said Professor Dixon. Investing in the new generation of equine vets is fundamental to advancing our profession. By supporting them as undergraduates and in the early stages of their careers, we can foster a lasting commitment to clinical excellence, continuous professional development and the highest standards of veterinary practice. Id hope that this award programme might, in some small way, help to shape confident, capable and accomplished vets who will make a meaningful contribution to the future of this wonderful profession.The awards categoriesProfessor Paddy Dixon is celebrated for his pioneering work in equine dentistry and upper airway surgeryThe programme comprises of The Student Travel Award, for BEVA members enrolled on an accredited veterinary degree programme, and The Early Career Travel Award, for qualified equine vets that are BEVA members, within their first four years after graduation.The programme has an annual budget of 10,000, shared between the two awards. There will be four application review points each year, with multiple awards available annually. Priority will be given to applicants presenting an abstract or poster, particularly in areas reflecting Professor Dixons clinical interests: equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery and maxillofacial surgery. The funding year will run annually from 1 November to 31 October, with the first year beginning in November 2026. Successful applicants will receive up to 1,500 towards conference attendance and travel.Paddy Dixon Session BEVA Congress Louis James-ParkerAlongside the travel awards, BEVA is introducing a Paddy Dixon Session at BEVA Congress 2027, which will focus on equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery and maxillofacial surgery.Thanks to Paddys outstanding generosity, our new Awards Programme opens up considerable opportunities for our members to build their knowledge and skills, said BEVA President Kate Blakeman. This, together with our new session at Congress next year, reflect a commitment to developing future generations of equine vets, supporting early-career research and strengthening the profession through continuing education and collaboration.To find out more visit The Paddy Dixon Travel Awards BEVA.Lead image by ShutterstockRelated content5 things your horses vet really wishes you wouldnt doThis is how to check a horses vital signs *VIDEO*Why are horses more prone to colic in the autumn? Vet answersBeware sycamore seeds this autumn: important vet advice about atypical myopathyThe post New scheme launched to support next generation of equine vets appeared first on Your Horse.