Intermediate

Brought to you by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) the Getting the Mare in Foal Programme is a comprehensive online educational series designed specifically for the thoroughbred breeding industry. 

Exclusive to TB-Ed, this industry-leading programme provides learners with a fundamental understanding of equine reproduction, from the basic anatomy through to understanding fertility optimisation strategies. 

Procedures to Optimise Fertility after Covering focuses on the critical days following service when intervention can make the difference between conception success and failure. 

This fourth course in the programme explores post-covering examinations to detect infection, confirm ovulation and assess vulval competence.  

You'll understand the narrow treatment window - from five hours post-covering to three-four days after ovulation - when uterine flushes and oxytocin can help mares clear infection before the conceptus arrives.  

Learn why cross-covers can reduce fertility, when Caslick's operations improve conception rates and why secondary follicles risk multiple pregnancies.

Explore the progression of early pregnancy scans from 14 to 63 days, understand twin detection and reduction techniques and discover how hormone treatments can return mares to cycling after early pregnancy loss for re-covering. 

Intermediate

Brought to you by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) the Getting the Mare in Foal Programme is a comprehensive online educational series designed specifically for the thoroughbred breeding industry. 

Exclusive to TB-Ed, this industry-leading programme provides learners with a fundamental understanding of equine reproduction, from the basic anatomy through to understanding fertility optimisation strategies. 

Procedures to Optimise Fertility Before Covering is the third course in the programme and will equip you with the knowledge to maximise conception rates through preparation and timing.  

This course explores how extended daylight, nutrition and targeted examinations can support setting mares up for breeding success. You'll understand the critical pre-season screening protocols in the HBLB Codes of Practice, including swabs for venereal diseases and blood tests.  

Learn how teasing can improve mare readiness and the importance of pre-service procedures including endometrial swabs, ultrasound scanning, with real-life footage of a video endoscopy of a uterus. Also discover how vets advise on when to cover by monitoring follicle development. Understand when hormone treatments like progesterone, GnRH and prostaglandin are appropriate and learn about conditions like fluid, cysts and poor uterine tone that require intervention before covering. 

Written by and featuring subject matter experts with downloadable resources, you'll optimise your breeding decisions for maximum fertility success. 

Foundation

Brought to you by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) the Getting the Mare in Foal Programme is a comprehensive online educational series designed specifically for the thoroughbred breeding industry. 

Exclusive to TB-Ed, this industry-leading programme provides learners with a fundamental understanding of equine reproduction, from the basic anatomy through to understanding fertility optimisation strategies. 

This second course, The Oestrous Cycle, reveals nature's remarkable system for achieving efficient equine reproduction. The course explores the oestrous cycle and how hormones orchestrate it to synchronising foaling with optimal spring conditions.  

You'll understand the three main phases - anoestrus, dioestrus and oestrus - and discover how daylight triggers the complex hormonal cascade involving melatonin, GnRH, FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone.  

Learn how conception occurs, track follicle development to ovulation and understand the unique mechanisms that maintain pregnancy. Grasp why foal heat timing matters for breeding programmes and when hormone supplementation might be appropriate.  

With expert veterinary insights and downloadable resources, you'll optimise your breeding decisions for maximum fertility success. 

Foundation

Brought to you by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) the Getting the Mare in Foal Programme is a comprehensive online educational series designed specifically for the thoroughbred breeding industry.

Exclusive to TB-Ed, this industry-leading programme provides learners with a fundamental understanding of equine reproduction, from the basic anatomy through to understanding fertility optimisation strategies.

The Reproductive Tract is your essential first step in understanding thoroughbred fertility. This foundational short course explores the key organs involved in equine conception and pregnancy, from the ovaries that store a mare's lifetime supply of eggs, through to the natural protective barriers within the mare's reproductive tract.

You'll discover how external factors like daylight trigger the reproductive cycle, understand where conception occurs and learn why the uterus's condition is critical to fertility outcomes.

Written by subject matter experts and using video animation, you'll gain the anatomical knowledge needed to understand the main organs in the reproductive tract and work effectively with your veterinary team.

Intermediate

Weaning is one of the most critical transitions in a young thoroughbred’s life and how it's managed can have lasting effects on both physical development and mental well-being.

Weaning the Thoroughbred Foal: Key to Successful Rearing is an online course presented by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), offering a comprehensive guide to this essential stage of rearing.

Through interactive modules, expert video insights and practical tools, this course explores the when, how and why of weaning. Learners will understand the latest approaches in maintaining growth, fostering resilience in foals, minimising stress and - ultimately - shaping healthy racehorses and future breeding stock.

Whether you're an employee, breeder, manager or equine student, this in-depth course provides the knowledge and confidence to implement best practices and evaluate the effectiveness of your weaning strategy.

This course is BHA CPD accredited.

Foundation

In this online and accessible course, you'll gain a sound understanding of the core themes of environmental sustainability through the shared experience of Peter and Emma Hockenhull, who have been at the helm of Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire for three decades.

The course will guide you through five interactive, video-based modules, with interviews at Shade Oak showcasing what sustainability looks like in real time at a stud farm.

You'll understand what steps they make in building a resilient, self sufficient and financially sustainable stud, while casting a careful eye on sound stewardship of the land as part of their day-to-day operations.

Plus, there's also a podcast at the end of the course featuring Phillip Norden (Associate Partner at Ceres Rural) and Paul Overton (independent equine agronomist) in conversation with TB-Ed discussing land management subsidies for stud farms.

Intermediate

Post Birth is the final course in the Foaling the Mare Programme, exploring the first 24 hours immediately after birth. This in-depth online course is designed to support individuals with the knowledge to assist the safe and healthy foaling of thoroughbred mares.  

Written by industry experts, Post Birth explores what you should be observing and checking post birth, how to spot areas of concern in the first 24 hours and how to safely and sympathetically handle a mare and newborn foal. You’ll gain guidance on observing key indicators of the mare and foal’s health, understanding signs that could require veterinary intervention and how to ensure the well-being of both mare and foal. 

There's also bonus content, including a "Foaling the Thoroughbred Mare" podcast. Listen to an experience Stud Groom provide a fascinating insight from an established stud farm in the UK. This course is worth four BHA CPD points.

Intermediate

Three Stages of Foaling is the second course in the Foaling the Mare Programme and provides a comprehensive understanding of the thoroughbred foaling process. 

The course focuses on safe handling practices, the three stages of labour, and post-foaling care for mares and foals for the first 24 hours.  

You’ll learn about the natural behaviours and sensitivities of mares, recognise labour stages and understand when to perform routine care and seek veterinary intervention.  

Emphasis is placed on ensuring the safety and welfare of both mare and foal, understanding signs of potential complications and applying measures to support the healthy delivery and early care of the newborn foal. This course is worth four BHA CPD points.