The Virginia Thoroughbred Association was organized in 1941 to cultivate the development of the Commonwealth’s heritage as a producer of quality Thoroughbred horses. Today, more than 80 years later, the VTA presently boasts a membership base of about 700 members.
We are a service organization whose main goal is to assist members and to promote the Virginia Thoroughbred industry. With the passage in Virginia of pari-mutuel racing legislation in 1988 and the opening of Colonial Downs in 1997, we have vastly expanded the scope of our operations.
The VTA has emerged as the industry leader assisting the Virginia Racing Commission in developing and fine-tuning the rules under which the Commission regulates the Virginia Breeders Fund. The VTA administers and promotes the Virginia Breeders Fund. The VTA also works closely with the Virginia HBPA, the Virginia Equine Alliance, the Virginia Steeplechase Association and Colonial Downs to pursue the expansion of live horse racing in the Commonwealth. The organization and its staff constantly research and develop opportunities in an effort to strengthen and enhance Virginia’s standing as one of the world’s most important centers for Thoroughbred bloodstock.
Our member-elected Board of Directors is comprised of owners, breeders, bloodstock agents, trainers and veterinarians who volunteer many hours of service developing programs and policies that represent and support every segment of the industry. Our office is located very centrally in Charlottesville and is open to our customers 5 days a week.
We are a member of:
- Virginia Horse Industry Board
- American Horse Council
- Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA)
- Virginia Horse Council
- Virginia Agribusiness Council
Services offered include:
EDUCATION
Seminars offer instruction on subjects ranging from broodmare care to taxes. Members are also welcome to use the VTA’s extensive library and pedigree research facilities in the Warrenton office (please call ahead to schedule a time).
EVENTS
Officers of the Association are elected at the Annual Meeting each year. The VTA also hosts an annual state breeders awards presentation to recognize the achievements of VTA members and their horses during the past year. Our annual yearling futurity has proven to be incredibly popular with breeders and spectators. Several special social events are held throughout the year, including hosting members in the VTA sky-box at Colonial Downs.
PUBLICATIONS
The VTA publishes daily news items to keep the membership abreast of Virginia industry news. You can also keep up with our new and events very easily on our home page: Home Page
STALLION AUCTION
The Stallion Season Auction is the major annual fund raising effort for the VTA. Over 200 no-guarantee stallion seasons are sold to the general public during a telephone auction. Final bids are confidential.