WORK is underway on ITBA’s full education programme for 2023, which will host the successful Ask The Experts Series, Summer Series, Preparation Workshops and Autumn/Winter Series, as well as some exciting new additions. The programme will include a wide selection of topics to assist breeders in running their operation and their bloodstock business inside and out; from administration to online activities, stud farm and business management, equine health, first aid, health and safety to name a few.

Hybrid format

On the back of a very successful Autumn/Winter Seminar in December 2022, ITBA was delighted to hold the first event, a Breeding Season Preparation Workshop, earlier this week where there was over 150 in attendance. The Breeding Season Preparation Workshop is a key fixture in the ITBA’s education programme and this year the event was held in a hybrid format where we welcomed guests back at ITBA HQ and also streamed live. A panel of industry experts addressed all the key and relevant issues in this important topic with the aim to assist breeders in making their breeding season as successful as possible.

Presentations on the day included discussion on postnatal care by Andrea Ryan, veterinary surgeon with Kilcash Equine Clinic. Andrea discussed what happens post-birth and the different problems to look out for. Olive O’Connor, consignor and breeder, followed and talked about assisting during foaling. This included how to prepare in the weeks before foaling and how to assist the mare and foal.

Feeding plans

After the break the attendees heard a fascinating presentation from Lorraine Fradl of Connolly’s Red Mills on the topic of nutrition for mares and foals. Lorraine delved into the best feeding plans in the run up to foaling and for the months after.

The last speaker of the day was Micheál Orlandi of Starfield Stud and Compas Equine who discussed mating plans and stallion selection. Micheál went into detail about vetting, stallion selection, and the important decision of whether or not to cover your mare. A follow-on guide with all the details from the presentations will be produced in the coming days.

Hybrid and online

The ITBA look forward to welcoming back members in person at ITBA HQ, Kill, for future education events and will also look to provide hybrid and online formats throughout the year. A number of workshops will be rolled out regionally. ITBA will secure funding from DAFM, under its 2023 Equine Technical Support Scheme, and when and where possible, workshops will be either QQI or Veterinary Council of Ireland accredited.

Any breeders’ suggestions for relevant topics to be fed into ITBA Educational Programme 2023 would be most welcome. Email them to Hannah Marks via hmarks@itba.ie or call ITBA HQ on 045-877543.

January

Breeding Preparation Workshop – Seminar by industry experts

February

Business Growth for Breeders – Small workshop and consultation

First Aid Course with Welfare and Mental Health – Seminar by industry experts

March

Foal Health and Management – seminar by industry experts

Foaling Outside – Anecdotes from Kentucky breeders

April / May

Ask The Expert Series – Weekly seminars by industry experts and vets

June / July

Summer Series Workshops inc health and safety and mental health – Weekly seminars by industry experts

August

Yearling and Foal Sales Preparation Workshop – Seminar and practical workshop by industry experts

September

Equine Herd Health – Seminar by industry experts

October / November

Autumn / Winter Vet Series – Seminars by industry experts

*Subject to change