The emancipation of the equine veterinary practitioner in the Netherlands.

The development of a profession is a dynamic process. According to sociological theories a profession is only established if three processes have taken place: 1) differentiation, 2) legitimation, 3) institutionalisation. With respect to the veterinary profession these processes have taken place and have given the veterinarian hiss present status (Koolmees 1992, Offringa 1983). Differentiation and specialisation within the veterinary profession are ongoing processes and in modern western society the equine veterinary practitioner is trying to define his own position within the total scope of veterinary medicine. In this paper the development from the ancient trade of “paardenmeester” (horse master) in the seventeenth century to the profession of equine veterinary practitioner today is described. In addition, the changing role of the horse and the related development of the market for equine veterinary services in the Netherlands are evaluated.