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The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Association is determined to ensure that laws surrounding the movement of horses in Europe remain unchanged post-Brexit.

The Irish Field reported that delegates from 13 countries attended an EFTBA meeting in Newmarket last week with Brexit high on the agenda.

The meeting was presented with a report prepared by the Brexit teams from the thoroughbred associations in Ireland, Britain and France explaining the industry’s health procedures in breeding and racing that guarantees the high health status of horses.

A key to the free movement of horses in Europe post-Brexit is adherence to the various codes of practice. The meeting formally adopted the codes as being truly international.

The chairman of the European Horse Network Mark Wentein briefed delegates and that more than 800,000 people are employed and are contributing in excess of €100 billion per annum in economic activity.

EFTBA will send a delegation to Brussels in the New Year to brief EU officials on the importance of the thoroughbred industry and ensure that no restrictions are placed on the availability of crucial veterinary medicines, movement of horses and the many other issues which have the potential to impact on the industry.

The importance of using Regumate on breeding stock was also discussed and members agreed to challenge any efforts made to remove this product from the market.

Other issues discussed included the importance of maintaining high standards of horse welfare, the future of the whip in racing and the polarisation of the bloodstock market which has seen an enormous gulf in demand between the top 15% of young stock and the rest of the foal crop.