Kate Blakeman, Assistant Clinical Professor in Equine Practice at the University of Nottingham, has been appointed as president of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) for 2026/27.
She succeeds Imogen Burrows, while James Crabtree becomes president elect and Nicky Housby-Skeggs becomes junior vicepPresident.
A graduate of the University of Liverpool, Ms Blakeman spent 16 years in ambulatory equine practice, developing a particular interest in stud medicine. During that time, she worked in practices across the UK and completed multiple breeding seasons in Australia.
She joined the University of Nottingham in 2023 and is currently Assistant Clinical Professor in Equine Practice, teaching the next generation of equine vets.
A member of BEVA Council for the past six years, she 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 BEVA’s career support programmes Leg Up and Back in the Saddle, and chaired BEVA’s Clinical Practice Committee.
“Equine practice remains one of the most rewarding, challenging, and vital branches of veterinary medicine,” said Ms Blakeman. “But the way it looks in the future depends on how we look after the people who do the work.
“During my presidential year, I want to focus on the people who make equine practice what it is. We don’t always see the pressures faced by colleagues working in different roles, practices or sectors, but we’re all part of one profession and we have far more in common than not.”
