National HBPA Sets Convention Agenda

NHBPA release, The Blood-Horse
Posted: 2/1/2016

Medication, legislation, aftercare, and the importance of media awareness are among the topics to be discussed during the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association winter convention Feb. 3-7 in Clearwater, Fla.

Stella Thayer, president and treasurer of Tampa Bay Downs, is the keynote speaker for the convention. The event is being hosted by the Tampa Bay HBPA.

The agenda will include a full slate of meetings and panels Feb. 4-6 covering a wide range of topics, including establishing public relations and the importance of media awareness; panel discussions on Thoroughbred aftercare and racetrack benevolence, and how horsemen can work with professional gamblers to grow pari-mutuel handle and revenue; and presentations by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance and NTRA Advantage, Association of Racing Commissioners International, and the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians.

Horsemen will also meet to discuss important topics facing the industry, including medication, which will be the focus of a two-hour forum; model rules; and legislation.

The National HBPA has 30 affiliate organizations and more than 30,000 members. Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply’s, equineline.com, Finish Line Horse Products Inc., Horseman Labor Solutions, and Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc. are corporate partners of the organization.