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Education Programme 2024
Ask The Expert Series
Maximising Foal Health and Minimising Vet Bills
Parasite Control in Foals
Mycotoxins in Grass, Forage and Feed
Emerging Viral Diseases
Preparation Series
Breeding Preparation Seminar
ITBA and ITBA Next Generation held a highly successful Breeding Seminar on the eve of the Goffs February Sale on Tuesday 6th February. The panel, hosted by Kevin Blake, entertained and informed over 200 in attendance as they talked about all things breeding.
The panel opened with a scenario of purchasing a mare, and it was Dermot Cantillon who was first called on to talk about his vast experience of what he looks for when buying breeding mares. Helena Burns followed with advice for breeding from older mares and Matt Coleman shared his experiences of purchasing on a budget. Barry Mahon and Cathal Beale rounded up the opening segment by looking at breeding your mares and different stallion options.
Overall the evening included tips and tricks, with plenty of laughs from the audience. The panel spoke about the realities involved with breeding, including costs involved with getting your mare in foal and keeping a mare and foal, what it takes to get an agent to look at your stock at a sale, the health of the industry and where we can see ourselves in the years to come.
A recording of the event is available below.
Yearling Sales Preparation Seminar
ITBA was delighted to host the Yearling Sales Preparation Workshop both in-person and online, where we welcomed over 70 people for the morning seminars. The Yearling Sales Preparation Workshop is a key fixture in the ITBA’s Education Programme, and this year included an afternoon farm visit to Baroda Stud where attendees got a first look at yearling conformation, overall analysis and showing tips.
A panel of industry experts addressed a number of topics around sales preparation for the morning session. Edie Murray-Hayden opened the workshop discussing preparation programmes and how to prepare yearlings for the sales. Mark MacRedmond of Anglesey Lodge spoke about veterinary matters to take into consideration when selling and included pre-sales inspection, wind tests, endoscopes and x-rays. Senior Equine Nutritionist with Connolly's RED MILLS, Lorraine Fradl spoke about feeding yearlings during sales preparation to maintain condition, topline and soundness. Andrew Mahon of Farriery Ireland talked about corrective farriery and shoeing for the sales.
Summer Series
ITBA launched the ITBA Summer Tour Series which featured a number of behind-the-scenes tours of industry businesses. This was a great opportunity for breeders to understand more about what each of the enterprises do and how to boost their own businesses.
‘Feedback’
ITBA welcome suggestions for their Education Programmes. You can email suggestions to hmarks@itba.ie or through the contact form below.