FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Tammy A. Gantt Associate Vice President, Director of Membership Services & Events, FEC Contributing Editor and FTC Industry & Community Affairs

JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

Florida Sire Stakes 2-year-old payment deadline

Jan. 15 is the deadline for FSS 2-year-olds for $250. If missed, the next deadline is Feb. 28 for $500. The yearling payment must have been paid. If the yearling payment was missed, a $5,000 payment can be made by Jan. 15.

Membership Renewals

Membership renewals for 2022 will begin in late December. The dues will increase by $25. The last time dues were increased was 2012. Regular members who are renewing will have an online payment option available at www.ftboa.com. All categories of members will receive a mailed renewal form and also a renewal form via e-mail.

Foal Registration deadline

Foal registration fees for foals of 2022 have changed. The fees have increased. The last increase was in 1996. Please note the payment schedule and fees as follows: ■ Foal registration by Aug. 31 is $125 members, $300 non-members. ■ Foal registration Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 is $200 members, $500 non-members. ■ Yearling registration is $400 for members, $800 for non-members. ■ Two-year-old fees range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on if the original breeder still owns the horse.

Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo

Held Dec. 10 through 12, the 5th annual event at the Florida Horse Park, the expo features competition in eight disciplines including dressage, working ranch, show jumper, show hunter, cross-country, polo, freestyle and OTTB showmanship. Each discipline is composed of off-track and unraced thoroughbreds. Expo events include a parade of all thoroughbreds on the grounds and a group photo. The entry fee to the parade Laurine Fuller-Vargas ■ File Photo will be donated to charity. Food trucks, a vendor fair and educational seminars will also take place.

The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition is presented by the charitable organization Run For The Ribbons Inc., founded by Laurine Fuller-Vargas, a breeder and FTBOA board member, who dedicates time to providing off- track thoroughbreds (OTTB) the foundation needed to ensure a smooth transition into their next career and home. Equine Career Academy

The Marion County Public School systems launched an equine career academy at North Marion High School on Nov. 16. The new program will give students from across the county an opportunity to specialize in the equine field and learn the skills necessary for the pursuit of a job, or future equine academic studies, via trade schools or institutions of higher learning. Middle school students sign-up through January and begin the courses in the fall. FTBOA board member Bobby Jones serves as an industry liaison to the program. ■