Business Briefs: Becoming an FEI Veterinarian

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of EquiManagement. Sign up here for a FREE subscription to EquiManagement’s quarterly digital or print magazine and any special issues.

The path to becoming an FEI veterinarian is a gradual one. It begins with a common core education pertaining to the treatment of competition horses and the provision of veterinary services. Then, you progressively specialize in various official functions and associated levels of responsibility.

What Is an FEI Veterinarian?

FEI veterinarians are managed by their National Federations, which work closely with the FEI Veterinary Department. Together, they determine the number of veterinarians each country needs, recommend applicants for promotion, and review their status during the year. A designated FEI National Head Veterinarian assists most National FEI Federations with these tasks. This individual is the most senior veterinary official for a specific country’s equestrian federation, responsible for overseeing equine health, welfare, and veterinary regulations consistent with FEI rules. These head veterinarians, appointed nationally, act as key liaisons between national federations and the FEI, ensuring welfare standards are upheld at international events and within national competitions.

The FEI Veterinarian’s Responsibilities

FEI veterinarians have a responsibility to maintain the health and welfare status of the horses in their charge and must comply with the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse at all times. They play an essential role in protecting the welfare of all competing horses, implementing the FEI Veterinary Regulations, and ensuring fair play. As such, FEI veterinarians must be familiar with the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations and the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List, located on the FEI Clean Sport website.

FEI veterinarians’ competence and performance get reviewed regularly, and the FEI Veterinary Department evaluates their status annually. Doctors stay current on their responsibilities through continuing education on the latest regulatory and equine welfare matters. FEI veterinarians begin their role as Permitted Treating Veterinarians (PTV), allowing treatment of competition horses. Over time, they might rise through four levels as an Official Veterinarian (OV). The progress through the levels is based on experience and education. Official Veterinarian roles might include managing team care, organizing veterinary commissions, or specializing in Endurance (EOV/EVT) or Testing, with the higher levels overseeing more complex responsibilities at major events. The system involves progressive education, practical experience, and endorsements, with Level 4 being the highest for general OV roles, requiring extensive experience as a Veterinary Delegate or commission member.

How to Become an FEI Veterinarian

To begin the journey as an FEI veterinarian, apply to your National Federation—which in the United States is the USEF—to be a Permitted Treating Veterinarian. You must be a licensed veterinarian and be able to speak English fluently. After completing a series of courses on the FEI platform, you must pass the PTV examination. Significant experience in equine practice is required. Once you are approved and have passed muster, you’ll be listed as a PTV in the FEI Database and can receive accreditation for events.

Final Thoughts

Being a part of the system to protect the welfare of competition horses is an honor for veterinarians and is at the forefront of protecting horse sport’s social license to operate.

Disclaimer from sponsor: This content is subject to change without notice and is offered for informational use only. All statements are the sole opinions of the author. Synchrony and its affiliates, including CareCredit, make no representations or warranties regarding the content. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

Related Reading

• The Business of Practice: Role of the USEF Team Veterinarian
• Disease Du Jour: Role of the FEI Endurance Veterinarian
• Disease Du Jour: Role of the Permitted Treating Veterinarian

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