Back in 2014, when the strategy Reaching New Heights was being written, the idea of having knowledge transfer (KT) groups for the equine sector was only a hope – “It is suggested that promotion of the discussion group model amongst sport horse breeders would provide a platform for knowledge transfer and improved profitability.”

Already, that method of producers working together has indeed proved valuable within the beef, dairy and other sectors of our agricultural community.

So, why not for the equestrian end of things?

The hope evolved into a proposal and over the past three years has become a reality. Knowledge Transfer Equine (KTE) groups are now up and running.

To get a feel for how they work, we spoke with Declan McArdle, who is the facilitator for an active group in the North East.

“So far we have held four meetings, plus some members have been attending knowledge transfer approved national events and it has been a really positive experience,” McArdle told The Irish Horse with conviction.

In his opinion the key element is how members can learn by sharing: “It is not a matter of sitting and listening to a lecture but rather, within a structured situation, learning from one another on the subject of the night.”

As with all groups, each of the 15 members of this northeast KTE must attend at least five meetings during every year of the programme, which is to run for three years.

Maximising effectiveness

There is a list of some 30 suggested subjects for these meetings that range from national breeding goals to preparation of a mare for inspection to marketing and foal assessment. However, groups are not confined to that list of suggestions and can come up with one for a particular meeting, if it is of special current interest.

To maximise effectiveness, there is also an effort to hold meetings at member’s farms and to make visits to equestrian premises. McArdle likes to have his group divide up into small tables that thrash out a subject among themselves and then return to contribute to the full meeting.

“I am convinced that these groups have massive potential for the betterment of our equine industry,” said McArdle before going on to note the manner in which members have grown in confidence, even in the short time the group has been in operation.

From my own point of view I can see these groups produce not only new ideas, but also more confident leaders within the Irish Horse Board co-operative society.

In an earlier group that operated in Waterford prior to this initiative, the results are evident in terms of marketing, shared buying and partnerships.

Although this EU-funded Department of Agriculture programme is set for just a three year run, it is very possible that, just as with similar efforts in other sectors like beef and dairy, members will want to continue meeting and sharing ideas even after the official group has run its course.

McArdle’s confidence in the group he has facilitated will be replicated in others around the country and for some it will have a long life span and will produce, as yet unforeseen, positive results. We wish them all well in the years ahead.