EFTBA 2025 AGM Press Release - 7th & 8th July 2025
The EFTBA 2025 AGM took place on Monday 7th & Tuesday 8th July in Newmarket. This coincided with the Tattersalls July Sale. Representatives from Europe’s breeding nations gathered together to discuss all the key challenges and potential threats facing the European Bloodstock Industry. On Monday 7th a series of meetings took place; namely the EFTBA Veterinary Advisors Committee, followed by EFTBA 2025 AGM.
On Tuesday 8th a guided tour of the Newmarket Gallops, taking in the three special gallops of the Golden Mile, Round Gallop and the Watered Gallops took place. This was followed by visits to both of EFTBA Hon. President, Kirsten Rausing’s two English based stud farms; namely St Simon Stud and Lanwades. The tour included a wonderful lunch hosted by Kirsten Rausing, in what was the Selkirk’s Stable. A very special day for sure! The series of challenges and potential threats discussed during this year’s EFTBA AGM included;
EU’s Proposed Animal Transport Regulations: Since the federation last met, much of the federation’s efforts have been dedicated to identifying and championing a workable solution at EU level to mitigate the devasting implications on all our livelihoods should the proposed regulations be approved as they currently are. The EFTBA Executive, guided by its veterinary consultant Des Leadon has been working relentlessly on a solution. May I take the opportunity to acknowledge the “never give up” attitude taken by Des Leadon in this regard. In terms of reaching a workable solution, we are expecting an update on matters during September, as this is when a trio log of the EU Commission, EU Council of Members and the EU MEP are due to make a final ruling on the regulations.
Mandatory Vaccination: Following a discussion on this item, it was agreed there is merit in making a fresh approach to all the major Auction Houses to advocate for mandatory EHV vaccinations to be made a condition of sale. As the International Codes of Practice recommends vaccination of this kind, it was suggested all European breeders should get a note to highlight this fact.
The European Food Safety Authority is conducting a Horse Breeding Data Survey and the EFTBA, as a recognised industry stakeholder and representative body at EU level has been asked to participate is this survey, which has a submission deadline of the 15th July 2025.
EU / UK Summit: Both the ITBA and the TBA are monitoring very closely any developments following this recent summit, which could potentially impact the EU Bloodstock Industry.
EU / US Trade Negotiations: This is something EFTBA is also closely watching. The deadline for reaching a trading deal is now planned for the start of August. The negative implications to trading and racing thoroughbreds between Europe and the USA is a serious threat.
EFTBA recently established a series of sub-committees to look at a number of important “housekeeping matters” for the federation. This is to ensure the federation continues to be a key and respected industry representative body at both European and International Level. These include a review of the EFTBA statutes to ensure the federation is in line with best practice as well as the upgrading of the website, to again keep it current and in line with fellow industry stakeholder’ sites. In tandem with the website revamp, the EFTBA has revamped its logo. The impetus being to make EFTBA more identifiable at both EU and International level. The new logo carries the federation’s full name, with the tag line of “guardians of the thoroughbred” incorporated.
Commenting on the AGM, EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon said “the federation will continue to combat against the serious threats facing Europe’s thoroughbred breeding industry, our fellow breeders and their livelihoods, while ensuring equine wellness is at the centre of all our actions and decisions. Despite such challenges, we can rightly take pride in our industry, which for us all is a wonderful and rewarding way of life. It is in this vein we will continue to be the guardians of the thoroughbred and strive to make it current and respected in an ever- changing world.