Jonathan Pycock, BVetMed, PhD, DESM, MRCVS, an equine claims consultant for the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) and equine reproduction expert, has been appointed as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) for 2017/18.

He took over the role from Vicki Nicholls, BSc(hons), BVetMed, Cert AVP, MRCVS, BAEDT, at the end of BEVA Congress 13-16 Sept. 13-16. Renate Weller, DrMedVet, PhD, MRCVS, MScVetEd, FHEA, became the president-elect.

Pycock qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, after which he completed a PhD in mare gynecology. He went on to work the U.K. breeding season for private equine practices both in the UK and the southern hemisphere before taking a position at the University of Utrecht Veterinary School, in the Netherlands, as an assistant professor in the reproduction department. He set up his own successful practice Equine Reproductive Services in 1996, and sold the business to colleagues when he was appointed as an equine claims consultant for the VDS. He also lectures worldwide on all aspects of equine reproduction and how to avoid litigation in equine practice.

Pycock joined the BEVA Council for the second time in 2014 and has been heavily involved in the clinical practice and ethics and welfare committees