Introduction & Aims: Investigation of equine lameness constitutes a significant proportion of caseload for equine veterinary surgeons with perineural analgesia routinely used to localise the source of the pain. The performance of regional anaesthesia is considered a day one competency by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and therefore it is essential that new graduate veterinary surgeons receive adequate training to develop competency.

Cadaver-based teaching is commonly employed to teach perineural analgesia due to the complexity of the equine distal limb anatomy and the absence of any commercial models. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel teaching model for training veterinary students in equine perineural analgesia.

Materials & Methods: The model was developed at the University of Surrey and following development, was assessed for content and construct validity.

Construct validity was evaluated by comparing second‑year veterinary students and equine clinicians as they performed an abaxial sesamoid nerve block on the model. Performance was blindly and independently evaluated by two experienced equine clinicians using a structured rubric. Total scores (out of 26), global ratings, and time taken were compared between groups.

Content validity was evaluated through the collection of expert feedback on the model’s realism, anatomical accuracy and perceived usefulness for teaching. Paired “pre” and “post model use” student confidence ratings for performing the skill on a live horse were also compared.

Results: Experienced clinicians were faster at completing the abaxial sesamoid nerve block skill when compared to veterinary students (p<0.0001, clinicians mean=60.5s, student mean=102.3s) and on average clinicians performed the skill to a higher level than students (p=0.2, Student mean score 23.9 vs clinician mean score=24.7).

Expert feedback on the model was wholly positive with strong agreement with the model’s suitability to teach the skill accurately. Student confidence levels at performing the skill were significantly increased after using the model (p=0.001).

Discussion: This novel equine distal limb nerve block model enabled students to develop confidence and competence at performing perineural analgesia without the use of animals.