Progress and Plans: CANTER Steering Group Advances Equine Best Practices

The CANTER Core Steering Group met via Zoom at the end of February for a comprehensive session led by Chair Alison Pyatt. The meeting’s agenda covered a range of topics crucial to the advancement of the organisation’s goals, particularly focusing on the development and dissemination of Best Practice Guidelines (BPG), the establishment of a sustainable funding framework, and the ongoing activities of various subgroups.

Alison provided an update on the progress of the Best Practice Guidelines, which are nearing completion. The guidelines have been a focal point of the group’s efforts, seeking to establish a comprehensive framework for practice within the community. The meeting utilised a consensus panel to address areas of disagreement, achieving a unanimous decision which facilitated progress. The guidelines are considered a live document, which will allow for periodic updates as new evidence emerges. The group agreed on an initial six-month review cycle to ensure the guidelines remain current and effective.

Claire Shand presented the publication and dissemination strategy for the Best Practice Guidelines. The strategy emphasises making the guidelines readily available on the CANTER website, ensuring they are accessible to a broad audience. Key messages and positioning statements are being refined to align with CANTER’s broader aims and objectives. The communication plan includes a phased approach, initially targeting prescribers with subsequent outreach to horse owners. The group highlighted the importance of utilising continuing professional development (CPD) channels and stakeholder networks to promote the guidelines effectively.

A significant portion of the discussion centred on the need for a robust funding model to ensure CANTER’s sustainability. Alison then highlighted the necessity of establishing a funding framework that adheres to principles of transparency and independence. Drawing on models used by similar organisations like SCOPS and COWS, the group acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the equine sector and discussed adapting these models to better suit their specific needs.

Updates from the subgroups also featured prominently in the meeting. The Research Subgroup, led by Laura Peachey, discussed their recent activities, focusing on identifying research priorities and securing funding, particularly in areas impacted by environmental changes affecting parasite control. The Diagnostics/Monitoring Subgroup reported the completion of the FEC guidance, which is now ready to be incorporated into the Best Practice Guidelines and shared on the website.

The meeting concluded with plans for the next meeting in June 2024, where the group anticipates further advancing their strategic initiatives. The ongoing efforts of the CANTER Core Steering Group highlight their commitment to enhancing equine health and management practices through collaborative and evidence-based approaches.