TBA sells stake in Owner Breeder Magazine

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA), the joint owners of the above company that publishes the Owner Breeder magazine announce a change in ownership. The ROA has acquired the TBA’s interest in the company and will forthwith have complete control of the magazine.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has confirmed in the above statement the sale of its stake in the Owner Breeder magazine to the ROA effective on 1 July 2021.

The change in control of the magazine will affect the benefits received by TBA members from July 2022 onwards and, until this time, TBA members will continue to receive free monthly copies of the magazine as part of their TBA membership.

The decision was made by the Trustees of the TBA as part of their continual review of the charity’s expenditure, and the aim of ensuring the best value for money in achieving the charity’s strategic objectives and the long-term sustainability and health of the British breeding industry.

As with many magazine companies in the UK and beyond, the costs of producing and supplying printed magazines have increased significantly in the last few years. Coupled with declining revenue for print-only advertising, and the increasingly attractive and competitive digital advertising options available, the annual cost to the TBA of providing a free monthly magazine had increased to the point that the long-term affordability of the magazine as a benefit for members of the TBA had become unsustainable.

The Trustees concluded that the monies being spent on TOB could be invested in future projects with positive direct impact on the health and welfare of the breed, and in support of British breeders. The TBA is looking to the future at this time, and always seeking opportunities to improve its services and benefits to members. A recent example is the launch of the TB-Ed digital platform to share best practice and exclusive free content including webinars, video talks and presentations, along with discounted access to educational training courses. There are exciting announcements planned for later this year, which will bring further offers to members.

The TBA is also developing its other communication channels with members, and the feedback on the changes we have made in the last 12 months have been received positively with many appreciating the timelier news and events updates through considered emails and bulletins, social media and webinars. We promise that we will ensure members are kept engaged, entertained and informed.

The Owner Breeder magazine will continue to be available to TBA members from July 2022 on a paid subscription basis.