Legislative

            The California Thoroughbred Breeder’s Association has had an active legislative program in Sacramento for many years. The association has played a major role, lobbying for legislation that is beneficial, not only to California’s thoroughbred breeders, but also to racing  in general.

            This includes the recently enacted legislation that provided for license fee relief and to enhance the breeder and stallion awards. The CTBA worked closely with the author of the bills, the racetracks, Thoroughbred Owners of California,  California Thoroughbred Trainers, The Fairs, and the State, to help develop a consensus on the  legislation. There is little question that the CTBA played a major role in the passage of this important legislation.

            Several years ago, CTBA recognized the strength of the their membership when dealing with the legislature, and  established a grass roots program. In this way the program features a network of members which cover the entire state and is designed to provide a broad spectrum of information on the Thoroughbred breeding component of the racing industry.

            Legislators are invited to visit farms in their district and are given information on the importance of the breeding industry to the success of racing, and to the overall economy of the State.

            Those legislators that have participated have enjoyed being able to visit a farm, see the foals, and to learn about the tremendous amount of work it takes to be a successful breeder. It has also been helpful for the CTBA members hosting the visits, to learn more about the legislative process and to get to know their representatives.

            The grass roots program has been coordinated by the CTBA staff in conjunction with its lobbyist. Tours have been organized throughout the state, and more tours are in the planning stages and will be held during the legislative recess.

            Each year, the association monitors numerous bills of interest or concern to its members. When a specific bill is identified that needs to be lobbied, the CTBA’s lobbyist works closely with the Legislative Committee and the staff to insure that CTBA’s interests are considered as the legislation is debated.

            Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Grass Roots program, should contact the CTBA.

Foundation
and Library

The California Thoroughbred Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds education, research and development in equine-related projects. Since its 1958 inception, the Foundation has made contributions in many areas of California’s thoroughbred industry.

The Foundation veterinary scholarships are coveted and prestigious awards given annually to exceptional equine veterinary students at UC Davis. Two  scholarships are awarded to senior undergraduates, and the Louis R. Rowan Fellowship in Equine Studies goes to a graduate student pursuing a doctorate. The scholarship and fellowship recipients must show interest in pursuing equine-related careers.

Educational programs in areas of veterinary care are offered to breeders, owners and trainers in cooperation with other industry organizations.

The Foundation equips and maintains the Carleton F. Burke Memorial Library at the CTBA headquarters in Arcadia. This resource library of more than 10,000 volumes is open free to the public for research and pleasure and is used extensively by individuals engaged in different sectors of the thoroughbred industry. The library is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also housed at the CTBA is the Foundation’s fine arts collection of racing paintings, prints, bronzes, trophies and memorabilia. The Foundation has loaned items for display at the National Museum of Racing, and the Spreckels Cup is loaned to the San Diego Polo Club each year.

Foundation artwork is on display in the Ken Maddy Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at UC Davis.

The Foundation is operated on a volunteer basis and has no paid employees. All aspects of its work are performed by Board Members pro bono, from the assessment of scholarship candidates to fund-raising to cleaning books.

Donations to the California Thoroughbred Breeders Foundation are fully tax-deductible and may be sent to CTF, P. O. Box 60018, Arcadia, CA 91066-1803.

Membership

         Membership in the CTBA brings you many important benefits, whether you are a hands-on breeder, an owner, or simply an interested observer wishing to learn more about Cal-breds. Your dues entitle you to the award-winning California Thoroughbred magazine, reduced advertising rates, special member rates for educational seminars, and voting rights for deciding year-end championship honors, as well as Broodmare of the Year and Valkyr Trophy awards which are handed out yearly.

            Just as importantly, your support helps maintain a host of activities that promote Cal-breds and the vitality of California’s Thoroughbred industry. CTBA maintains an active presence in Sacramento to advance the interests of the state’s breeders through legislation. CTBA’s library and databases are available to members for research, and our farm and racing seminars give you one-on-one access to breeding, farm and racing experts.

            Applicants for membership in the CTBA must own or be a part-owner of one or more Thoroughbreds maintained for racing or breeding in the state of California. A joint membership for husband and wife is available, as is an associate membership offered to those people who are planning to participate in the Thoroughbred industry either as an owner or breeder.

        Annual dues are $125 per year. Not a member click here!