The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for the 2026 Back in the Saddle programme, a free coaching initiative for established professionals that is significantly improving retention in the equine profession.
Following two highly successful cohorts, Back in the Saddle has now reopened to BEVA members who have been qualified for more than five years.
The six-month group coaching scheme offers experienced equine vets and vet nurses a structured opportunity to reset, rebuild confidence and regain professional momentum. More than 100 members have already benefited from Back in the Saddle and its complementary Leg Up scheme which is for newly qualified veterinary professionals.
Launched in 2024, Back in the Saddle was created specifically to support established professionals experiencing major life or career shifts such as returning to work after time away or seeking renewed direction within equine practice. Through structured coaching and peer support, participants are given the time and space to reflect on their careers, recalibrate professionally and move forward with clarity.
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Leg Up
The programme complements BEVA’s Leg Up initiative, launched in 2019, which provides coaching support for vets and vet nurses in the first five years of their careers, pairing newly qualified vets and nurses with trained equine coaches.
Building Professional Resilience
Clinical equine vet and BEVA Vice President Kate Blakeman, one of the programme’s founders and a Back in the Saddle coach, says coaching is a vital tool for maintaining a healthy and sustainable veterinary workforce.
“Coaching is becoming increasingly recognised as a key factor in building professional resilience, restoring confidence and supporting career transitions,” she said.
The six-month programme is delivered through monthly online group coaching sessions,allowing participants to share experiences, learn practical strategies and benefit from peer discussion in a confidential workshop-style environment.
The coaching team includes veterinary professionals with extensive coaching training, including vet nurse Rosina Lillywhite. Rosina has recently joined coaches Lucy Grieve, Claire Goodban, Kate Blakeman and Gemma Dransfield, to provide dedicated support for veterinary nurses.
Rosina emphasises that the programme is designed to help professionals re-engage with their careers, not step away from them. She said: “Back in the Saddle is about creating the time and space for both vets and veterinary nurses to step back, reflect and move forward with renewed confidence.
“Whether someone is navigating a period of change or simply reassessing their direction, the programme offers structured support, practical strategies and the reassurance that they’re not alone in the challenges they’re facing. It’s a really valuable opportunity to reconnect with your career and regain a sense of purpose within the profession.”
Positive Feedback
Feedback from the first two cohorts has been very positive, with participants reporting significant improvements in confidence, clarity and job satisfaction. The group format has also proved particularly effective.
“Back in the Saddle isn’t about helping people leave equine practice. It’s about recalibration — giving vets and nurses structured time and space to rebuild confidence, re-establish momentum and feel ready to take considered risks again,” said Kate.
“Our coaches are professionally trained, friendly and empathetic. Group coaching also brings the added benefit of peer support, helping to reduce isolation and self-doubt while restoring purpose and confidence.”
100% of the 2025 cohort rated the programme as excellent or very good, said the course met or exceeded expectations, rated the coaches as excellent, agreed the sessions provided practical strategies to approach practice with confidence, felt more positive about their work and said they would recommend the scheme to others.
Free Support
Both Back in the Saddle and Leg Up are free programmes. They form part of BEVA’s ongoing work to support recruitment, retention and wellbeing within the equine veterinary profession, directly addressing priorities identified by members in the association’s 2022 workforce survey.
Applications are open for the 2026 Back in the Saddle cohort until Wednesday 27 May 2026.
The programme is free and 25 places are available. To be eligible BEVA member vets and nurses must be more than five years qualified.
Find out more and to apply for the Back in the Saddle programme.
Find out more and to apply for the Leg Up programme,