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  1. Resources
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  3. Career support
  4. Get involved
  5. About us
Vote in the 2025 BEVA elections

Voting for the 2025 BEVA Council elections open on Friday 18 July. Eligible members will receive an email from Civica Electoral Services (CES) with a link for voting.

Get to know our candidates and decide who will represent you on Council this year.

The candidates
Kate Allen
Kate Allen


Statement

I’m committed to supporting BEVA in championing both equine welfare and the veterinary professions. Much of my career has centred on the performance horse, and my focus is now on balancing equine performance and welfare, in line with evolving societal and ethical expectations. Social licence, ethical challenges in equine sport, and increasing public scrutiny are critical issues. I welcome the opportunity to actively contribute to BEVA’s Equestrian Sport Committee and Social Licence Working Group, building on research identifying ethical concerns faced by UK vets in performance horse veterinary practice.

At Bristol Veterinary School, I am one of the leads on the PEP Talks (Preparing for Equine Practice) project, defining the skills and knowledge graduates need for a successful career in equine practice. I am keen to help align this with BEVA’s excellent support for new graduates and contribute to shaping a positive, sustainable future for our profession.

Harriet Fairhurst
Harriet Fairhurst


Statement

I like to think I represent a very large section of the veterinary profession - that being in the lower middle third of my career, an absolute “jack of all trades” and slightly wondering what happens next! I am really passionate about being a clinical vet, and as such am desperate to try and retain all the fantastic BEVA members who may get to a similar stage in their career and suddenly feel very lost, and debate whether to leave clinical practice. Having worked in both independent and corporate owned practices, I feel I am in a position to take a balanced view of the pros and cons of both, to be able to empathise with other BEVA members, and ascertain what can be done to keep the job satisfaction, alongside career progression and ultimately, retention of clinical vets in practice.

      Caroline George
      Caroline George


      Statement

      As the owner of an independent equine practice focused on sports medicine and poor performance, I bring a practical, forward-thinking perspective to the challenges facing our profession. I’m passionate about mentoring younger vets and supporting their development in a demanding but rewarding field. I believe BEVA has a key role in helping members embrace the future of equine practice, particularly through the thoughtful adoption of new technologies and innovation. From diagnostics to data-driven care, we must ensure our profession evolves with confidence and clarity. I also want to ensure that independent practices have a strong voice within BEVA. We face unique challenges in recruitment, resources, and visibility, and I’m committed to advocating for support and recognition across all practice types. If elected, I will champion innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability to help BEVA support every equine vet, now and in the future.

      Richard Hepburn
      Richard Hepburn


      Statement

      I am passionate about equine clinical work, with my career before and after residency entirely in private practice. I believe that specialist and general practice should integrate by recognising individual skillsets and creating structured case pathways. We need mutual evolution to ensure ongoing provision of high quality, best value care to our patients and their owners. In the rapidly changing equine veterinary landscape BEVA is a crucial to this: internally helping to guide careers, foster innovation and support welfare; and externally promoting our profession and advocating against increasing pressure from monopoly employers and regulators. For over 15 years I have volunteered with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and been a trustee of the British College of Veterinary Specialists, I would now love the opportunity to contribute to BEVA. I am an honest non-judgemental communicator, used to being part of multidisciplinary team, wanting to work for every BEVA member.


          Rosina Lillywhite
          Rosina Lillywhite


          Statement

          I am passionate about advancing equine veterinary care through a human factors focus, improving systems to reduce mistakes, and championing education that is truly fit for purpose. With a background in clinical practice and education, I understand the real-world challenges equine veterinary professionals face and the importance of supporting teams through practical solutions that work. I believe that BEVA has a vital role to play in shaping a culture that prioritises safety, learning, and meaningful professional development. If elected, I will advocate for initiatives that support clinical teams, foster open communication, and ensure that educational opportunities reflect the realities of practice, helping every team member to thrive. I am committed to making a positive and lasting contribution by drawing on evidence-based approaches and encouraging collaboration across the profession. I would be honoured to represent our community and work together to build a safer, smarter future for equine veterinary practice.

          Ali Mead
          Ali Mead


          Statement

          I’ve had a wonderful life as an equine vet in first opinion practice and feel it’s time to give something back to the profession. I’m now in a position to do so and have been encouraged by colleagues in veterinary education and ambulatory practice to stand for BEVA Council.

          Since graduating, I’ve witnessed many changes in practice, most positive and progressive, but some that raise concerns. In particular, I’m worried about the retention of veterinary graduates and nurses. I’m passionate about supporting younger colleagues build confidence and find their place in practice.

          I am strongly invested in promoting positive equine welfare. I’m very aware of the changes needed to meet public expectations to ensure there is a future for competition horses. My growing interest in equine behaviour has inspired me to help educate both the equine public and fellow professionals, keeping horse welfare at the heart of what we do.

          Giorgio Ricardi
          Giorgio Ricardi


          Statement

          I vividly remember asking my mentors at the Animal Health Trust to second my BEVA membership application. My career has taken me from the UK to Italy, the Middle East, and back again. 2025 marks my 33rd BEVA anniversary.

          I’ve witnessed major changes in our profession and thanks to my engagement with other professional associations I was lucky to build a global network of colleagues and dear friends. I would be honoured to give back to BEVA. 

          Key challenges I'd wish to tackle if I joined Council include:

          • The profession's relationship with corporate ownership while protecting intellectual independence
          • Supporting young colleagues in their transition from happy university days, improving their wellbeing, career progression and retention
          • Advocating professional mobility in a world closing its borders
          • Promoting equine welfare, from top class horses to weekend hacks, as our role as guardians of the horse is the cornerstone of the equine veterinary profession.
            Marie Rippingale
            Marie Rippingale


            Statement

            I am a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse and the Chair of the BEVA Nurse Committee with over 20 years’ experience in clinical practice and the industry. Since 2022, I have worked successfully with BEVA on several projects to empower equine nurses and progress the profession. I’m currently Programme Lead for Equine Veterinary Nursing at Bottle Green Training which allows me to inspire and empower the next generation of equine nurses. Election to BEVA Council will allow me to continue my involvement with council projects, CPD courses and most importantly, to encourage and support more equine nurses to get involved. I am dedicated to improving interprofessional relationships between vets and nurses. I believe that by enhancing communication and having a better understanding of each other’s different roles, we can work synergistically to improve the welfare of patients, job satisfaction, and the retention of equine veterinary professions within the industry.

            Barney Sampson
            Barney Sampson


            Statement

            This year is my thirtieth as a vet which undeniably makes me a member of the "old guard", although I haven't yet been presented with an honorary pair of yellow cord trousers. However, rather than letting my relative antiquity count against me, I would use the breadth of my experience to represent your interests if you choose me as a member of BEVA council.

            These are the things I care about:

            • Looking after ourselves: physical and mental fitness in practice.
            • Veterinary practice as a team sport, with vets, nurses and receptionists properly empowered and valued.
            • Fostering relationships with paraprofessionals, acknowledging our interdependence.
            • Improving the welfare of feral/native pony populations.
            • EBVM - communicating best practice to busy vets and educating clients.
            • The business of veterinary practice, entrepreneurship, balancing affordable care vs. a decent living for the veterinary team
            • Maintaining the trust and respect of our clients with changing business models.

            Your vote counts!


                Tahiyya Shaik
                Tahiyya Shaikh


                Statement

                As a dedicated equine veterinary surgeon, I am passionate about supporting our profession and improving the health and welfare of the horses we serve. I believe in BEVA’s mission to champion excellence in equine healthcare and to equip our community with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving profession. If elected, I will bring energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and a collaborative spirit to the council. I want to give back to a community that has supported me so much and be able to provide that same support to both current and future members. I am particularly passionate about mental health, international collaboration and fostering a culture of inclusivity and sustainability within our industry. I would be privileged to work alongside fellow council members to represent your views, uphold high clinical standards, and ensure BEVA continues to be a dynamic and progressive voice for equine veterinary professionals globally.

                Junior Vice President
                James Crabtree
                James Crabtree


                Statement

                During my 6 years on BEVA Council I have tried to contribute in a valuable and sustained way. Collaborative efforts on council have meant together we have achieved a lot and there have been a number of wins for the membership and industry. However, I have aspirations to do more, do better and always contribute to ensure everyone continues to have the opportunities that I have had. I have become very proud of being part of BEVA and after discussing this with my practice, I have decided to try and continue this journey, and hopefully with your support I can do this as Junior Vice President. I hope to professionally and passionately represent the association and its members, continuing to give my efforts, when and where they are needed most to benefit you. I want to be a considered and respected voice for you, as I continue working in practice.

                  About the elections
                  Who can vote

                  Only registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are members of BEVA can vote in the BEVA elections. Unfortunately, this means student members are not eligible to place a vote. 

                  Eligible member categories:

                  • Ordinary
                  • Concessionary
                  • New graduate
                  • Nurse
                  • Affiliate
                  • Honorary
                  How to vote

                  All eligible members will receive an email from BEVA@cesvotes.com inviting them to vote. The email will direct you to a voting website where you will be invited to confirm your order of preference for the candidates, please note there are three vacancies plus our Junior Vice President position on BEVA Council this year.

                  Election timeline

                  Council elections are open from Friday 18 July to Monday 18 August 2025. Elected council members will be announced at the BEVA AGM at BEVA Congress 2025 on Thursday 11 September.