THE European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Associations [EFTBA] has produced a three-minute video which aims to promote how well breeders look after their animals.

Introduced by chairman Joe Hernon, the video features footage from stud farms of thoroughbred foals taking their first steps and being cared for by professionally-trained staff this year.

Hernon also takes the opportunity to inform viewers about the EFTBA and its goals and achievements. “One of its priorities is to maintain the recognition of the thoroughbred breeding industry as an agricultural activity by the European authorities,” he concludes.

Entitled ‘The Amazing Story of the Thoroughbred’, the video highlights that the wellness and health of the thoroughbred continues to be to the forefront of the minds of European breeders. The footage from right across Europe’s stud farms beautifully captures the wonderful relationship between mares and foals, as well as the breathtaking stud farms, grasslands and pastures.

The relationship between humans and horses dates back 8,000 years. As a result, breeders have developed a close and inseparable connection with the thoroughbred.

Purest of environments

European thoroughbred breeders work tirelessly to provide the purest of environments to ensure mares, foals and young stock flourish. Sustainability and biodiversity are to the fore when it comes to creating this environment. The video celebrates high standards of care given to breeding stock and young thoroughbreds across Europe and illustrates how management practices may vary to meet the requirements of the horses in each location, relative to the climate and pasture.

The production of this video would not have been possible without the support of EFTBA country members and the working committee of the French, British and Irish TBAs.

At a recent EFTBA meeting in Newmarket it was agreed that a link to the video should be sent to as many elected parliamentary representatives in as many countries as possible.

The annual general meeting of EFTBA was attended by representatives from over 10 countries and others joined online. A welcome was exteneded to new EFTBA representatives Magdalene Donimirska-Wodzicka (Poland), Frank Dorff (Germany), Jose Hormaeche (Spain), Philip Lybeck (Finland), Henrik Villadsen (Denmark) and Pierric Rouxel (France).

Observers included Sarah Carmichael of the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation and Victoria Murrell of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

Thoroughbred movements

It was reported that progress has been made in relation to the facilitation of freedom of movement of equines between EU member states.

This facilitation is based on the High Health Breeding concept which requires certification of compliance with international codes of practice and evidence of a high standard of disease surveillance. This is very important for the benefit of all industry stakeholders.

Progress was achieved following a protracted period of intensive lobbying and negotiations led by the EFTBA Veterinary Committee and the Ministries of Agriculture of Ireland and France. They successfully convinced the Irish and French governments and, through them, the EU Commission to both acknowledge and endorse the High Health Breeding status concept (HHB) which will facilitate easier thoroughbred movement across Europe.

Vaccinations

Following the successful outcome of the yet-to-be-published study into mandatory Equine Herpes Virus vaccinations in France, it was agreed EFTBA members should continue advocating and lobbying all relevant international industry stakeholders for mandatory vaccinations across the global bloodstock industry.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of consistency in the supply of vaccines. It was suggested EFTBA beef up its engagement with the big pharma companies to address these concerns. A major incident at an international gathering of equidae would have a major impact on the industry for a long period of time, resulting in catastrophic economic and animal losses.

Veterinary matters

Papers on the recording of wind surgeries and the levels of inbreeding in thoroughbreds were tabled by Dr Bernard Stoffel and were discussed by the EFTBA Veterinary Committee. The scientific study on inbreeding, which is based on more than 280,000 anonymised pedigrees and is due for publication later this year, was brought to the attention of the EFTBA board.

Industry co-operation

It was acknowledged that the racing and breeding industry must sell itself and way of life to the wider public as to how horse owners care for their stock. Calls were made for enhanced engagement and co-operation between all industry stakeholders at both European and international level.

The reduction in the number of foals born globally in recent years was discussed. The reduction has happened in an environment when prices and demand seem to be soaring. World Pool betting continues to grow and there is evidence that racecourse revenue is also growing.

Welfare issues were discussed at length, including the use of the whip, medication and farm gate practices.

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