Back in the Saddle

Our Back in the Saddle coaching scheme offers group coaching sessions for members wishing to evaluate their career paths. This scheme aims to assist those wishing to evaluate their career development and might need impartial guidance to facilitate this. Change can necessitate a re-evaluation and change can take many forms. Commonly changes occur when starting a family, or when an injury has been acquired, or simply when someone finds themselves uncertain of their future path for whatever reason.

Whilst coaching can help in a fire-fighting situation to help get 'back in the saddle' professionally, we also hope to encourage members to utilise it in a pre-emptive way, enabling challenges to be navigated smoothly and changes to be seen as opportunities.

How it works

Back in the Saddle is a six-month programme led by a team of individuals who have experienced working in equine practice and the challenges it presents, and have undergone coach training. Coachees will attend monthly online sessions where they carry out development exercises, share their experiences, learn from others and explore the options available to them, in a workshop-style setting.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open until 23 May 2025 with the first session taking place on Wednesday 4 June 2025.

To apply please complete the application form via this link

Our coaches

Kate Blakeman

Gemma Dransfield

Sophie Eaden

Claire Goodban

Lucy Grieve

Your questions answered

Back in the Saddle coaching is available to all BEVA members (including nurses and allied professionals) over 5 years qualified and is a free member benefit.

Our 2025 cohort sessions will take place on the following dates and will last for 90 minutes. To get the most out of the coaching, we advise attending all of these sessions.

Wednesday 4 June 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 6 August 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 3 September 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 5 November 2025 at 19.30

We will also be offering new 'drop in' sessions for our 2025 cohort to help to assist with any questions or discussions you may want to have between sessions. These are completely optional. The drop in sessions will be 45 minutes long and will be held on the following dates.

Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 17 September 2025 at 19.30
Wednesday 15th October 2025 at 19.30

Whether you are in need of a change, facing a particular challenge or simply not sure where your career is going, coaching can provide the support needed for individuals to grow and develop a sustainable future in the profession.

From the Back in the Saddle programme you will gain:

Clarity on what you want from your career going forward and what is important to you
Tools and exercises to help you take meaningful steps towards your goals
The confidence to navigate any challenges that might arise along the way
Connections with like-minded veterinary professionals to support you through the process

Here is what previous participants have said:

"I got a lot out of the peer support and networking in addition to the content"

"It has taught me how supportive, compassionate and wise a group of fellow professionals can be"

"The course has helped me in all aspects of my life"

Useful information

BitS Vet Times article

BEVApod Life: Career coaching with Back in the Saddle