WHO WE ARE?

We are the representative body of the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry at Government level both at home and internationally.  The ITBA is an inclusive all – Ireland body with a regional structure and a dedicated office staff based at Kill in Co. Kildare

WHAT WE DO?

The ITBA represents Ireland on both veterinary and general issues at the International Breeders’ Meeting, attended bi - annually by 19 countries and the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

The ITBA represents breeders on the boards of all the major industry bodies and liaise with other associations on common issues of importance.

In conjunction with the Manager and office staff, regional committees organise educational courses, seminars and tours, trade fairs, open days and social events which act as forums for breeders to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest.  The latest in breeding and veterinary best practice is also disseminated to breeders through the circulation of the Codes of Practice, the ITBA Diary & Handbook and newsletters and circulars at regular intervals. 

The ITBA has a full time veterinary consultant who monitors both national and international veterinary information on behalf of members and represents the ITBA at the annual International Collating Centre meetings.

One of the most significant recent achievements of the ITBA was to have thoroughbred breeding accepted as a bona fide farming enterprise by both the Irish Government and the European Commission. This allowed the Association to achieve the inclusion of thoroughbred breeding, for the first time, in the overall Irish National Development Plan for Agriculture 2000/2006.  A range of measures were included in the Plan, primarily intended to assist the smaller farmer/breeder to improve the quality of horses they are producing for the market place. Also included was vital funding for veterinary research into equine reproduction, infectious diseases and vaccine production. The Association will shortly be considering it’s submission for the NDP 2007/12 funding period.

The ITBA showcases annually the achievements of the Irish breeding industry through its National Breeding & Racing Awards Dinner and regional awards ceremonies. 

The ITBA has a comprehensive national educational and training programme to ensure breeders can continue to acquire and update the skills necessary to adapt to a changing work and business environment. 

The ITBA has an exclusive Membership Benefits Scheme including breeding and racing publications free or at very attractive discounts, substantial discounts on travel, accommodation, food and a wide range of goods and services.