Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Hosts Sold-Out 2026 Breeding Clinic in Central Kentucky

Contact: Lauren Biddle, Director of Marketing and Education
lauren@toba.org

Lexington, Ky. — The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) successfully hosted its sold-out 2026 Breeding Clinic in the heart of Central Kentucky, welcoming 40 attendees from across the country for an immersive, hands-on educational experience.

Participants traveled to Central Kentucky from Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, underscoring the national demand for TOBA’s in-depth educational programming.

“This year’s breeding clinic continues to demonstrate the value of TOBA’s educational programs,” said Lauren Biddle, Director of Marketing and Education for TOBA. “This marks our fifth consecutive sold-out clinic, and the demand within the industry continues to grow. There is no other organization that provides the level of close-up, in-depth education that TOBA offers.”

Over two days, attendees traveled throughout Central Kentucky, visiting premier Thoroughbred operations and gaining first-hand exposure to the breeding industry at every stage. The clinic highlighted the depth of expertise and horsemanship that define the region, widely recognized as the epicenter of the Thoroughbred industry.

Day one of the clinic featured visits to several renowned farms in Paris, Kentucky. Participants began at Hinkle Farms, where discussions focused on foaling philosophies, early foal care, and stallion selection. The group then traveled to Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm at Xalapa, where attendees explored mare and stallion selection strategies and observed a live Thoroughbred breeding session. The day concluded at Hartfield and Company (Paris, Ky.), with a reception sponsored by Hallway Feeds, offering additional opportunities for networking and industry engagement.

“Hallway Feeds was proud to support TOBA at the breeding clinic held in part in Bourbon County. The education of those interested in the Thoroughbred industry should be important to all those who participate in the industry. Well-educated and informed members can only improve our collective future. And what better places to receive that

 

education than at Hill ‘n’ Dale and Hinkle Farms. Both of these operations are proven leaders, believe in caring for the horse and the land, and are growth-minded enough to share with those interested in improving their knowledge base,” said Anthony Koch, Director of Marketing, Hallway Feed, “Hallway Feeds looks forward to supporting future TOBA clinics and especially those who seek to improve their horses, farms and themselves.”

On day two, the clinic shifted to Lexington, Kentucky, and surrounding areas for deeper exploration of veterinary care and breeding management. Participants toured Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital (Lexington, Ky.), where experts presented topics including reproductive surgery in broodmares, neonatal foal care, and evaluating the health of newborn foals. The clinic concluded with a visit to Hurstland Farm, where attendees learned about breeding theories, broodmare management, and foal and yearling care in a farm setting.

Throughout the clinic, expert speakers and hosts addressed a range of critical breeding topics, including stallion and mare selection, foaling and neonatal care, reproductive health, and best practices in raising young Thoroughbreds. The combination of classroom-style discussion and on-farm experience provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the breeding process from conception through early development.

“For someone who didn’t grow up in the industry  I feel very lucky to have had people surrounding me willing to educate and further my knowledge in the equine industry. TOBA has been an amazing teaching resource,” said Deana Cahoon, Broodmare Manager, Stoneriggs Farm (Paris, Ky.), “Gathering research online is just not the same as being able to visit in person and gather a behind-the-scenes look at how different horse farms, veterinary clinics, farriers and trainers all work towards the same goal of making great racehorses.  This was my second breeding clinic, and I have also attended a conformation clinic which was also just as informative.  I thoroughly hope to be able to continue attending in the future.”

TOBA extends its sincere appreciation to its industry partners whose support made the 2026 Breeding Clinic possible, including the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and Hallway Feeds. Their collaboration and commitment to education continue to strengthen the future of the Thoroughbred industry.

“The long-term vitality of our industry relies on strong partnerships and continuous education,” said Kiersten Wall, Associate Director, Virginia Thoroughbred Association, “Clinics like this are invaluable because they do more than just share technical knowledge; they create a unique space for the members to connect directly with owners and breeders, share perspectives, and build relationships that further strengthen the overall Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.”

The TOBA Breeding Clinic remains a cornerstone program for owners, breeders, and industry professionals seeking practical knowledge and meaningful connections within the Thoroughbred community.

For more information about TOBA educational programs, visit www.toba.org.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred owners and breeders. TOBA’s mission is to improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Claiming Crown, Ownership Seminars, Breeding, Conformation & Pedigree Clinics, US-Bred, OwnerView and the Sales Integrity Program. TOBA provides international representation for U.S. owners and breeders on the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee, International Cataloguing Standards Committee and International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA Media Properties, a subsidiary of TOBA, is the co-owner of BloodHorse LLC. TOBA is represented on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium as founding members.