The Sales Integrity Program for Bloodstock Agents

Recent research on the position of a bloodstock agent made reference to a Sales Integrity Program.  At the time I thought, hmmm, what’s that?  Now I’ve had the opportunity to research it and find that it focuses on carrying out an ethical operation as a bloodstock agent or agency.  How wonderful!  You can find out about the Sales Integrity Program online.

As it states on their website, their mission is to:

“maintain the highest levels of integrity in horse sales for both buyers and sellers, while ensuring a competitive, fair and vibrant marketplace for the benefit of the entire industry. The Program is designed to educate and inform and has instituted several recommendations in the form of an overall code of ethics that all auction participants are encouraged to abide by.”

Now it’s not a nice thing to consider, but you are able to find out on the site about bloodstock agents that have violated the Sales Integrity Code of Conduct.  When it comes to buying horses, there is a caveat buyer beware!  It is in your best interests to make sure you research all you possibly can before you agree to buy a horse; not everyone is honest!

The site provides information for horse owners and sellers alike.  You’re encouraged to educate yourself in this field and know what the bloodstock agent code of conduct is.

The Sales Integrity Program

This initiative came into being back in 2004 by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).  Although the code was set up with new buyers in mind, it also addresses consignors, breeders, agents, veterinarians, sales companies and horses.  The view is to protect all of these people – and horses! – against negative associations with dishonest sellers.

Even though I am based in Australia, I am familiar with many of these participating sales companies around the world:

• Fasig-Tipton
• Keeneland
• Barretts
• Ocala Breeders’ Sales
• Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association Sales

Wherever you’re based in the world, if you are a bloodstock agent – or desire to become one! – find out about initiatives such as the one above.  It helps to keep you educated, establish further contacts in your field of choice and of course sets you up to have a better career.

*note: the above links aren’t currently working but were 24 hours ago; hopefully the issue will be resolved shortly!