The International Stud Book Committee
Welcome to the website of the International Stud Book Committee, the body which establishes the standards by which all Thoroughbred Stud Books agree to operate. The ISBC came into being in 1976 (originally as the “International Stud Book Conference”) and has continued to meet each year since then to discuss matters of global Thoroughbred Stud Book operation.
ISBC Mission
“The mission of the ISBC is to develop and promote the highest standards of Stud Book operation to safeguard the integrity of the Thoroughbred breed.”
What We Do

Standards
of Operation
Continually monitor, review and improve standards for operating and maintaining a Thoroughbred Stud Book through the Requirements and Guidelines for Gaining and Maintaining Approval as a Thoroughbred Stud Book and the relevant Articles of the IABRW

International
Trade
Monitor, review and improve standards for breeding, identification and international movement of Thoroughbred horses to facilitate the international trade of Thoroughbreds for breeding and competition

Future
Technologies
Ensure awareness of the use of future technologies (e.g. gene-doping, gene-therapy) and their potential effects on the integrity of the Thoroughbred, and to determine guidelines for their application

Emerging
Stud Books
Work closely with emerging Stud Book Authorities to ensure that they meet the required standards of Stud Book procedures for ISBC Approval as a Thoroughbred Stud Book

Building
Relationships
Build stronger relationships between Stud Book communities and between all Approved Stud Books worldwide

Publication of
Foal Crop Data
Encourage the timely and accurate publication of annual Thoroughbred foal crop records and to ensure circulation to all Approved Stud Books worldwide

Sharing of
Statistical Information
Collate and disseminate statistical information on worldwide Thoroughbred breeding

Stud Book
Compliance Visits
Endeavour to complete a Compliance Liaison visit for each Approved Stud Book worldwide