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!

I can’t remember what I was reading recently that referenced the Farriers Registration Council, but I thought it was worth looking up!  It looks like this is a government initiative in the United Kingdom.  It states on the website that it’s a corporate body established under the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975.  The vision of this council is the:

“Prevention and avoidance of suffering by equines through ensuring that equine owners are able to access the equine hoof-care that best meets their needs in a timely and assured manner; this care will be delivered only by those capable and qualified to do so.”

There can be nothing worse in life than to receive advice from someone who isn’t qualified to give it.  This is even harder to determine if we ourselves are ignorant in the area where we’re seeking advice!

I have had some great farriers for my horse and some less so.  If you cannot recognise signs of poor trimming or shoeing or a horse being lame because it’s been cut back too short, then it’s hard to know if your farrier is doing a good job!

Having a governing body that works to educate and qualify people for a particular trade – like farriery – is a wonderful thing.  On the Farriers Registration Council website there’s an area specifically for registered farriers.  They can:

• login to manage their registration,
• update details and complete an annual return
• they can even submit and update details that are proof of continuing professional development

As an equine educator, I can relate to needing to regularly take part in professional development.  It’s important to consistently work to improve our knowledge and skills.  And let’s face it, the equine industry is constantly evolving!

The Farriers Registration Council

On this UK based site, you can find out about farriery: what is it, how is it regulated and what qualifications are on offer for this horse related career?  You can also read about details for horse owners including:

• how to recognise a registered farrier
• clients responsibilities
• making a complaint

And of course, you can find out about becoming a farrier!  This is achieved in Great Britain by completing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Farriery.  This covers work based farriery tasks, English and Math skills, business related subjects as well as personal learning and thinking skills.  It also covers employee rights and responsibilities.  Sounds comprehensive!

If you’re based in the United Kingdom and have a desire to become a farrier, then I encourage you to check out this online resource 🙂