The North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) gathered veterinary professionals, farriers, equestrian leaders, and government representatives for its 2025 Equine Welfare Symposium, Leading the Way for Horses, held at the Dunadry Hotel in Antrim.

The event attracted a full house, uniting voices from across the UK and Ireland to address key welfare priorities and research developments since the first All-Ireland Equine Welfare Symposium in 2024.

Opening the session, NIVA President Dr Kirsten Dunbar highlighted the importance of collaboration and data-driven action in shaping welfare practices. Expert speakers including Dr Helen Spence, Dr Tamzin Furtado, Roly Owers MRCVS, and Nicola Connery from DAERA explored topics such as equine behaviour, traceability, disease control, and sustainable parasite management.

Dr Dunbar noted that “science, welfare, and public expectations are evolving fast,” adding that the symposium helps Northern Ireland’s equine community remain proactive in responding to change.

The event was supported by organisations including Summit Veterinary Pharmaceuticals Limited, The Horse Trust, The Donkey Sanctuary, CAFRE, and the National Equine Welfare Council.

Through shared knowledge and sector-wide cooperation, NIVA continues to promote high standards of animal welfare and support a forward-looking approach to equine care across the region.

Catch the full highlights and expert insights from NIVA’s 2025 Equine Welfare Symposium in the full story.