Policies
Welfare Statement
The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) believes that the welfare of Thoroughbred horses should be the primary consideration at all stages of the breeding life cycle and beyond that to eventual end of life. We aim to highlight the importance of best practice with regard to the proper care and welfare of Thoroughbreds and compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and other relevant legislation, and to prevent cruelty and mistreatment of horses.
The TBA provides its members with education, guidance, policies and codes of practice to support them in meeting their responsibilities to ensure the highest standards of welfare for the horses in their care. The TBA also funds equine veterinary research for the purposes of improving practices associated with the producing and rearing of the Thoroughbred, and the health and therefore soundness of the breed. The TBA collaborates with the wider equine sector to ensure that the knowledge and skills essential to the health and welfare of the Thoroughbred horse are shared with others in the sport and the wider equine sector.
Diversity and Inclusion
The TBA believes in an inclusive workplace which is safe and respectful, where diversity is celebrated and which acknowledges that every person is unique. The TBA should be an organisation where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
In May 2021, the TBA was proud to be one of the first organisations to sign up to racing’s Diversity & Inclusion Industry Commitment. Since then, the TBA has created and commenced delivery of a diversity and inclusion strategy to improve standards on both an organisational and industry level.
This strategy includes:
- Increased access to careers and training through the flagship Entry To Stud Employment Programme
- D&I training for all TBA employees and trustees
- Changes to the TBA’s recruitment and employment processes to ensure they are as inclusive and reach as wide an audience as possible
- Improved marketing activities to raise awareness of opportunities amongst minority communities
- A commitment to conducting equality monitoring of our staff, Board and wider organisation in order to understand more about our diversity
- The introduction of a more affordable subscription level with discounts for TBA services
- The delivery of educational bursaries to assist career development.
TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard said: “We are proud to be a signatory of the industry’s Diversity & Inclusion Commitment. I am pleased to say that at the TBA, the importance of diversity and inclusion is reflected in our work, and we are delivering more opportunities for people to get involved in the breeding industry. There is still more work to do, but we are committed to progressing this vitally important area both within the TBA and our wider community.”
TBA Trustee and Diversity & Inclusion Champion Kate Sigsworth: “Our industry is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds. At the TBA we are committed to ensuring everyone can fulfil their potential and showcase their talents in a culture which celebrates diversity and within which they feel welcome and valued.”