THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association [ITBA] has expressed its thanks to all who contributed to the Association’s many workshops and seminars throughout the year.

ITBA hosted over 14 events in its 2023 educational programme and they were offered online, in-person, and via a hybrid format.

In collaboration with the Irish Equine Centre and industry professionals, the Association delivered numerous expert-driven online seminars, with topics including grassland management, equine nutrition, equine first aid, developmental issues in foals and yearlings, and parasite control.

ITBA has also brought emerging information on the Department of Agriculture’s Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes [TAMS] directly to Irish breeders through multiple online seminars and the production of takeaway documents.

The Summer Series workshops were held in-person and dealt with business-related topics, namely administration, introducing industry businesses, statutory health and safety modules, and promoting business growth.

ITBA has also collaborated with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) on the Regional Industry First Aid courses that have been developed by HRI, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and Order of Malta, directly for the industry.

Speed and stamina

The National Flat Seminar was held on the eve of Irish Derby weekend at the Curragh and drew an international panel that discussed and debated the influence of speed and stamina on race distance.

The latter half of the year saw the yearling preparation workshop at which breeders listened to an expert panel including a consignor, vet, farrier and nutritionist.

This was followed by a practical visit to Baroda Stud, where attendees had the opportunity to look at stock heading to the sale and ask important questions on the topic. The final event of the year, the autumn/winter veterinary seminar, looked at preparing for the breeding season and included contributions from experts on the importance of light for breeding stock and how to get tricky mares in foal.

This hybrid event had over 100 in attendance and offered two Continuing Veterinary Education credits to veterinary attendees.

The Department of Agriculture supported this event under its 2023 Equine Technical Support Scheme.

Fantastic line-up

Hannah Marks, ITBA’s education coordinator, commented: “I would like to thank our fantastic line-up of speakers who helped make the Education Programme 2023 such a success.

“We held seminars on a wide range of topics and the uptake and feedback was very positive throughout the year. Many thanks also to ITBA chairman Cathy Grassick, CEO Una Tormey and our council, who helped put the 2023 programme together.

“Without industry stakeholders’ support, ITBA would not be in a position to create and deliver its annual educational programme.

“We encourage breeders to develop a culture of continuous learning for the betterment of themselves and members of their stud farm team or breeding operations. The 2023 Education Programme was designed to support and advocate quality thoroughbred horse production, whilst educating both established and emerging breeders.

“As always, we welcome suggestions for relevant topics for the year coming.”

Email: hmarks@itba.ie