A prestigious Awards Ceremony was held at BEVA Congress on Sept. 12, 2025, to celebrate excellence within the equine veterinary profession. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, a patron of BEVA, presented a total of six awards.
The BEVA Equine Welfare Award
The BEVA Equine Welfare Award, sponsored by Blue Cross was presented to Julian Samuelson by Iain Heaton, Deputy Chief Executive at Blue Cross, and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in recognition of his outstanding leadership and lifelong commitment to equine welfare. He received the distinctive Irish bog oak trophy and a cash prize.
A highly respected equine veterinary surgeon, Samuelson is the founding director of Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, where he helped advance clinical standards and promote best practice within the profession.
In 2013, Samuelson led a strategic review of the BEVA Trust’s activities. The following year he became Chair of the BEVA Trust, BEVA’s charitable arm, and began the job of implementing the new strategy, which focused on equine welfare through education, outreach, and volunteer support. Under his guidance, the Trust has significantly expanded its impact, forging strong partnerships with organizations such as the British Horse Society, World Horse Welfare, SPANA, and The Brooke.
Thanks to these collaborations, the Trust now operates in 13 countries with more than 600 volunteers. In the U.K., Julian was instrumental in launching the BHS/BEVA Healthcare and Education Clinics, reaching more than 2,400 vulnerable horses and castrating over 1,100 stallions. Internationally, his work has supported training and capacity building with groups like the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust.
The Nurse Empowerment Award
The Nurse Empowerment Award was introduced in 2023 to commend any member of the practice team or wider profession who has empowered equine nurses and championed their role within the profession.
Laura Wilkie, head nurse at Liphook Equine Hospital, won this year’s award. Wilkie is an experienced and highly respected nurse who has dedicated her career to improving patient care and raising professional standards. Her colleagues describe her as playing a vital role in both clinical work and staff development at Liphook, with her calm, supportive leadership and depth of knowledge making her an outstanding mentor to nurses at all career stages.
She is a strong advocate for evidence-based nursing. Her work also extends beyond her practice through her involvement in training, education, and discussions around the evolving role of veterinary nurses under Schedule 3.
The One to Watch Award
The BEVA One to Watch Award was introduced in 2025 to celebrate an early-career equine vet who shows exceptional clinical promise, strong professional values, and a clear commitment to the future of the profession. Archie Moffat was chosen from four finalists as the inaugural winner for his outstanding qualities.
A graduate of the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Moffat now works at Stable Close Equine Practice, where he has quickly become a valued member of the team. Known for his calm professionalism, sharp clinical thinking, and dedication to evidence-based practice, Moffat consistently goes the extra mile for patients, clients, and colleagues.
The judging panel noted: “A highly self-aware and articulate individual, Archie combines clinical sharpness with humility and a deep respect for teamwork. His clear development goals and risk-based approach showcase both pragmatism and aspiration. With a particular interest in emerging health issues and effective communication, Archie demonstrated an inspiring commitment to mentorship and future leadership.”
As the first recipient of this award, Moffat receives a free year of BEVA membership, a Friday ticket to BEVA Congress, a seat at the Annual Dinner & Dance with accommodation, and a career-boosting opportunity to support his continued growth.
The BEVA Richard Hartley Clinical Award
The BEVA Richard Hartley Clinical Award was presented to Nadine Ogden for the paper ‘Computed tomography of the equine caudal spine and pelvis. Pathological findings in 56 clinical cases (2018–2023)’ by Nadine Ogden, Katja Winderickx, and John David Stack, published in the October 2024 edition of Equine Veterinary Journal.
The award is given in memory of Richard Hartley, a founder member of BEVA and President from 1974-1975. It is awarded to the first author of the best paper published in Equine Veterinary Journal or Equine Veterinary Education with direct clinical application. The £1,000 prize is intended to support the first author’s and/or co-author’s travel.
Research Awards
The Peter Rossdale Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) Open Award was given to Nicolas Galinelli for the paper ‘Effect of pergolide treatment on insulin dysregulation in horses and ponies with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction’ by Nicolas C. Galinelli, Nicholas J. Bamford, Madison L. Erdody, A. Mackenzie, Tobias Warnken, Patricia A. Harris, Martin N. Sillence, and Simon R. Bailey, published in the February 2025 issue of Equine Veterinary Journal.
This award and £1,000 prize is given for the paper that best achieves EVJ’s mission to publish articles that influence and improve clinical practice and/or add significantly to the scientific knowledge that underpins and supports veterinary medicine in relation to the horse.
The Peter Rossdale EVE Literary Award was presented to Andrew Wood for the paper ‘Medication of the cervical spinal nerves for the treatment of equine cervical radiculopathy’ by Andrew D. Wood, Matthew Sinovich, and Russel A. Parker, published in the October 2024 issue of Equine Veterinary Education.
The award was introduced in 2022 in memory of Peter Rossdale and is sponsored by Rossdales Ltd, which provided the £1,000 prize. The award is presented to the best clinical research paper published in Equine Veterinary Education (EVE). Peter Rossdale, a true pioneer in the profession, established EVE in 1989, recognizing the need to encourage education of clinicians and to encourage clinicians to publish clinical papers.
All clinical research presentations from general equine practice are eligible for the Sam Hignett Award. A continuous process of assessment will take place throughout the Clinical Research Sessions, and the winner of the award will be announced after Congress through the BEVA website and newsletter.
For further information on the BEVA Awards, visit https://www.beva.org.uk/About-Us/BEVA-Awards.
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