ETN|NEWS
Obituaries
Roy Burek
Roy Burek, equestrian safety pioneer and chairman of Charles Owen and Airowear, passed away peacefully in his sleep on 27 April following a heart attack. He was 61 and had been working in America. The grandson of Charles Owen, Roy dedicated a lifetime’s work to making riding safer. He always gave generously and kindly of his time and knowledge when anyone - from international academics to Pony Club parents - needed his help. Under Roy’s direction, Charles Owen has become
an important global brand in equestrian safety; its British made products exemplifying his innovation in design and research. Roy was also instrumental in the development of international safety standards. And he was involved in research into the science of head injury, work that saw him honoured as a Professor at Cardiff University in 2017. He supported equestrianism in many, varied ways too. Roy was an early advocate for Pony Racing, for example, the spring board for many of today’s top jockeys. To the trade, he gave his time, energy and expertise unstintingly. Through Charles Owen’s sponsorship, Roy was a long-standing supporter of BETA International. At the trade
Philip White Philip White, a founding member of Shires Equestrian’s manufacturing business, has died. He passed away peacefully aged 95. Known as Phil, he was Shires’ founder Malcolm Ainge’s father-in-law. Phil developed Shires’ manufacturing operation first in Pershore, Worcs and then in Bromyard, Herefordshire. He designed the original patterns for the rugs Shires still manufactures. And, thanks to his vision, they
have received many accolades for their good fit over the years. A family man and a keen lawn bowler, Phil retired 35 years ago but retained a lively interest in the business. Today, three of his grandchildren work with Shires. “Phil will be sadly missed by his many friends and family,” said Malcolm Ainge. Shires Equestrian celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
fair, and while collaborating with the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) to train retailers and riding organisations on rider safety gear, he believed education was the key to better protection. Roy’s son Owen Burek the fourth generation of the family at Charles Owen had increasingly been supporting his father with strategic decisions in recent years. Owen is committed to building on the company’s 108-year heritage whilst maintaining ‘business as usual’ for employees, retailers and customers. He is already working closely with senior management in both the UK and USA, including operations director Ricky Hone. Cynthia Burek, Roy’s sister and a Professor at the University of Chester, and Owen have set up a trust fund in Roy’s name to enable his work to continue into more research into head injuries and safety equipment.
“Enthusiasm for education” Paying tribute to Roy, Claire Williams, executive director of BETA, said: “Roy played a key role in the development and improvement of safety standards and his death leaves an enormous gap. He was a person who always had time for others and was incredibly patient and generous with his knowledge and expertise. “Roy was a loyal supporter of BETA and its work to promote rider safety. His enthusiasm for education was second to none and he would always do his best to assist with our training courses and awareness-raising initiatives whenever asked. “Roy was held in high regard by everyone in the equestrian industry and will be sorely missed.”
6 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JUNE 2019
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Product News Clever stirrups come to the UK First Thought Equine Limited, best known for WOW Saddles, has been appointed sole UK distributor for the Rid-Up stirrup. The French product has a patented, hinged junction with the stirrup leather. The mechanism, based on ski-binding technology, is secure in normal use, but releases instantly in a fall. The hinge also allows the stirrups to be unclipped, rather than run up, after riding to avoid the saddle being chafed by dirty irons. The Rid-Up’s body and platform are made from a lightweight composite; while a wide, bevelled footplate has stainless steel spikes for grip. Under the rigid floor is a shock-absorbing sole for concussion relief. The stirrup’s eyelet is angled at 90 degrees, making it easy for the rider to access and allowing the leather to lie flat. In all black, or black combined with brown, grey, red or blue, and in adult and child sizes, the RRP is £239.
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21/05/2019 14:59
