AFTER two years of ‘virtual’ workshops and lectures, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association is looking forward to reintroducing ‘live’ elements to this year’s educational programme.

Some parts of the programme will remain online or in a hybrid format, and parts will take place in person at the ITBA headquarters in Kill, Co Kildare. Consideration may also be given to rolling out a number of workshops regionally.

Following recent confirmation of the Department of Agriculture’s pledge of support and co-funding of the programme, and after consultation with breeders, work is underway to finalise the ITBA’s latest programme, which will run from May to December.

Under the four pillars of our educational programme - namely Ask The Experts, Summer Series, Preparation Series and Autumn /Winter Series - the ITBA will work with industry experts as well as industry stakeholders to deliver a wide and diverse programme of topics.

The Association is partnering with the Irish Equine Centre, HRI’s Equuip, Weatherbys and others.

Topics and workshops will include:

  • Benefits of the Weatherbys ePassport (New equine digital lifetime document)
  • Educational supports and pathways
  • Equine anatomy & physiology
  • Equine biosecurity
  • Equine colic and gut health
  • Equine first aid
  • Health and safety
  • Parasite control
  • Stud farm biosecurity
  • Use of probiotics in equines
  • Foal sales preparation
  • Yearling sales preparation
  • Breeding season preparation
  • Relevant veterinary workshops.

    • When and where possible, workshops will be either QQI or Veterinary Council of Ireland-accredited.

    The ITBA’s Kerry Ryan commented: “The first modules in the 2022 programme will take place in early May, details of which will be announced in the coming days. We are looking forward to teaming up with Weatherbys to highlight and promote the new digital passport system.”

    Weatherbys’ Sharon O’Regan added: “We are delighted to be working with the ITBA throughout 2022 on a range of industry topics including highlighting the benefits of the Weatherbys ePassport, which is the new equine digital lifetime document for vaccinations, movement and ownership.”

    Elaine Burke of Horse Racing Ireland said: “Equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training department, are really looking forward to working with the ITBA through their series of educational workshops in 2022. These workshops will cover industry topics such as health, safety and wellbeing along with discussions on training, careers and pathways.”

    Web: itba.ie

    Tel: 045 877543

    Email: office@itba.ie