July 2019
Volume 43, No 7 Monthly
In reflective mood Carl Hester unveils his new fashion collection
KISS AND TELL
ETN is the official media partner of BETA International
Staff issues in the #MeToo era
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• Bench Saddler of the Month • Retailer profile • AMTRA accredited SQP CPD feature
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Editor’s Comment
In this issue... NEWS Latest happenings
PRODUCT NEWS What’s new?
When they buy a bag of horse feed, your customers know how many days it will last - because they know its weight and how much they’ll use per day. Can you measure the value of advertising you buy in magazines with the same certainty? Do you really know how many copies are printed and circulated? And who is reading them? Independent auditing by Audit Bureau Circulations (ABC) remains the industry standard proof of circulation for consumer titles (and indeed exhibitions including BETA International). But what about specialist equestrian trade magazines? How much exposure are you truly getting for your advertising spend? Well, ETN is coming clean… From this issue, we’re publishing a printer’s certificate confirming the exact number of copies that were printed and distributed the previous month. You can find the first one on the cover sheet with this issue. Everyone is also welcome to ask us (please call Beth Crow on 01937 582111) about any aspect of ETN’s print circulation - how many copies are sent out, when and to whom. We’re not talking here about some fuzzy figure including digital platforms and social media. We mean actual printed paper pages, with your advertisement on them, getting under readers’ noses. Please do ask us… And we hope you will ask the same of other magazines too.
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BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH Meet the first winner
RETAILER PROFILE Durham based Pet n Pony The benefits of staff uniforms Latest launches
That remark put it in a nutshell for me. It also shook me out of apathy sufficiently to change supplier.
Who’s new, who’s moved?
In a throw-away era, it’s lovely to be reminded that there are still talented people out there who can make and mend things in leather. These craftsmen and women tend to be understated and modest about their considerable skills. So it’s great to be told by one nominator: “Many thanks, ETN, for bringing bench saddlers some much needed appreciation.” Leather is a bit like the wheel, paper and nailed-on steel horseshoes; hard to improve upon when it comes to doing a job. So let’s salute those who uphold leathercraft skills - and encourage more young people to join their ranks in years to come.
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CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
to a human to ask for assistance, only to be told: “We promote self-service, you can do this in your own time…”
We’ve already had an amazing number for nominations for ETN’s new Bench Saddler of the Month award, run in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS). Meet the first winner in this issue.
12
16 18
PEOPLE 22
TURNING BACK THE PAGES What ETN was reporting five, ten, 20 and 30 years ago
24
SQP CPD FEATURE AMTRA accredited nutrition module
26
FEEDING VETERAN HORSES Good grub for their twilight years
30
STABLE, PADDOCK & YARD Electric fencing: vet’s advice on safety Equipment to stock
36 40
LEGAL DIGEST Kiss and tell: staff issues in the #MeToo era
44
BETA MEMBERS’ PAGE Tradestand winners from Bramham 45
COUNTY COURT JUDGMENTS ETN’s exclusive listing
46
Liz Benwell
Time is money, making people who steal our time no better than common thieves. Yet so many businesses are doing it, and getting away with it. From high street (a misnomer if ever there was one) banks to BT, they’re still charging the same but expecting us to help ourselves. I called a corporate’s telephone helpline recently, and eventually got through
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FRONT COVER: Carl Hester wears the new Carl Hester Collection. The range has been developed by the dressage star in conjunction with technical sportswear designer Nicky Fletcher. See page 18. WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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Resource Reg. No. 2110
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ETN|NEWS
IN BRIEF • Horse&Rider and PONY magazines are now posted to subscribers in bags made from starch based biopolymers that can be disposed of in any compost heap, household garden bin or food waste bin. • HorseHage and Mollichaff are sponsoring British Riding Clubs’ Intermediate Winter Championships in April, 2020 at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Bucks. • BETA has launched its annual competition to find 12 horseythemed photographs to star in next year’s BETA Equestrian Calendar. An image is needed to represent each month, with the one judged Best in Show winning the photographer a luxury gift hamper. All entries must be supplied in a digital format minimum size 150 x 115mm (1,722 x 1,358 px) at 300dpi and emailed to Tina Hustler, tina@beta-uk.org. The photographer’s name, address and a description of the image should be included. All images must have been taken by the person submitting them and not be subject to copyright.
The deadline for entries is 18 September 2019. The 2019 winner was Ciara Walsh for her shot (shown here) of riders enjoying a winter’s evening on Ballyhoughane Beach, Galway. • Equestrianism’s global reach continues to grow. China, Thailand and Poland have recently qualified eventing teams for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Want more news? Sign up to receive ETN’s weekly e-newsletter directly to your in-box. Visit www.equestriantradenews.com for details or email nickil@beta-int.com
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News
Do you know a retail star? Leading feed brand Spillers has joined up with ETN to launch a new seasonal award for retailers in recognition of their nutrition know-how, product displays and customer service. The winner will be presented with a certificate and shopping vouchers worth £75. A fresh award will be up for grabs every season for a year with applications for the Star of the Summer Season Award 2019 kicking off now. Retailers are invited to nominate themselves or put forward a member of their team. Members of the Spillers Retail Sales Team will also be putting forward the names of outstanding individuals who they believe deserve extra recognition and appreciation. Spillers brand manager Kirstie Scott said: “This award gives us the chance to recognise and reward some of the exceptional retailers out there who go the extra mile for their customers. As proud partners in care, we are all very excited about being able to celebrate the importance of good nutrition with all our excellent equestrian retailers.”
Equestrian Trade News East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AW Tel: 01937 582111 Email: info@equestriantradenews.com Website: www.equestriantradenews.com Subscriptions Distributed on a controlled-circulation basis to the retail trade. Paid-for annual subscriptions are £39.95 (UK), £73.00 (Europe), £86.00 (rest of the world). Design & Print Elliot Cierpiol Resource, 78 Armley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2EJ Tel: 0113 200 5000 Email: ec@weareresource.co.uk Web: www.weareresource.co.uk ISSN 1462-9526 Publisher Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd
Nominations for the Star of the Summer Season Award 2019 are open until Friday, 23 August. Criteria for nominations comprise: • An individual who has gone ‘over and above’ in carrying out their day-to-day job • Product range and display • Customer service • Product and nutrition knowledge • Involvement with Spillers campaigns Entries will be judged by a Spillers panel of experts and the winner announced in a special Star of the Season column in the October 2019 issue of ETN. The winner will be presented with a framed certificate for display in-store and shopping vouchers worth £75. To enter, simply email teamspillers@ effem.com including ETN Star of the Season in the subject line. Remember to make sure you have included information covering all the nomination criteria listed, together with the name, store and location of the nominee and the name and contact details for the nominator.
Editor Liz Benwell Email: editor@equestriantradenews.com Tel: 0345 6185007 Senior Advertising Executive Beth Crow Email: bethc@beta-int.com Tel: 01937 582111 Fax: 01937 582778 Digital Manager Nicki Lewis Email: nickil@beta-int.com Tel: 01937 582111 The magazine is independent of all groups. Editorial views expressed in ETN are not necessarily the official view of any organisation or group. Copyright All material is copyright Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd.
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£12m investment by feed manufacturer Animal feed manufacturer I’Anson Brothers, home of British Horse Feeds, has unveiled plans to build a new 23,000 sq ft factory at Dalton New Bridge in Yorkshire. The ultramodern, energy efficient facility will have an initial 150,000 tonne capacity per year - with two production lines
producing over 30 tonnes per hour. Ten new jobs will be created. The business’s headquarters will remain in Masham, where I’Anson Bros was founded in 1900, and where it will continue to manufacture micronized feeds, specialty rations and horse feeds.
IN BRIEF • Badminton horse trials has a new organising team following director Hugh Thomas’s retirement. Assistant director Jane Tuckwell steps up to event director. While Andrew Tucker, son of the late commentator Mike Tucker, takes on the new role of commercial director. • Traders at last month’s Bolesworth International Horse Show were offered full refunds after the Cheshire venue was hit by heavy rain. Although competitions went ahead on all-weather surfaces, organisers closed the entire four-day show to spectators and shoppers. “All trade stand holders have been offered the option to leave the site if they wish, or stay,” Clare Walkeden of Bolesworth International told ETN. “Regardless of their decision, we are offering a full refund to recognise the support and effort that has gone into their attendance at the show.”
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ETN|NEWS/PRODUCT NEWS
BRIDLE HAS TIMELESS STYLE This classically styled leather hunter bridle from Gallop Equestria an is perfect for the show ring, hunting or daily riding.
grip and smart leather outer - are included.
In timeless fashion, there’s a de-badged, flat brow band and broad, plain cavesson noseband. The latter can help to slim down the appearance of horses’ long, straight noses. Half rubber show reins – with an inside
PLANET-FRIENDLY PACKAGING Dengie has introduced carbon neutral packaging which is also fully recyclable. Dengie Hi-Fi Original is the first product to appear in the new
packaging which is derived from sugar cane and certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust. Katie Williams of Dengie explained that developing the new packaging was not straightforward. “We have to be careful not to make our packaging too biodegradable as we have a long shelf life on products, so the packaging has to be robust for many months,” she said. Carbon Neutral logos are now appearing on the back of Dengie Hi-Fi Original packs.
Earn and learn at BETA International 2020 Visitors can learn about safety standards, HR issues, worming, saddle fitting, social media and equine nutrition and earn CPD points - at BETA International 2020. Returning to the trade fair, at the NEC, Birmingham on 19 - 21 January, are ITV newscaster Alastair Stewart who will host BETA International’s live debate Talking Business; HR expert Amanda Chadwick from Croner; Master Saddler Kay Hastilow; and Michelle Goodall on social media. CPD points are available to SQPs attending seminars by NAF senior nutritionist Kate Hore (nutrition) and Jim Wishart (worming). While Claire Williams, BETA’s executive director, will updates retailers on safety standards. These BETA International favourites will be joined by other speakers throughout the three days in the show’s Demonstration Arena, Seminar Theatre and The Spotlight. “When visitors told us that these people and what they have to say made a huge difference to them and their businesses, we listened and were delighted when the speakers accepted our invitation to return in 2020,” said show organiser Claire Thomas. • Companies wishing to exhibit at BETA International can benefit from significant savings of around 3% per square metre thanks to the show’s new early booking rate. To qualify for the reduced rate, stand application forms must be submitted, along with a 10%, non-refundable deposit, by 30 September 2019. Terms and conditions apply. For details, contact Darren Mottershead, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email sales@beta-int.com.
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success
TRADE
TITLE|ETN
Following the successful trial and launch of the new & improved Magic formulation the success stories have been repeated ...
again and again*
Get ready for continued success and stock up as customers return...
again and again
NAF recommends Magic • Calm, concentrated and confident • Trainability • No sedative effect • Supporting stress responses
success new
FOR &IMPROVED
with proven,
trainability*
Competing | Loading | New situations | Farrier visit | Clipping | Travelling | Dentist visit | Hacking | Riding
New & IMPROVED
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again and again*
NAF recommends Magi c ; 81=2# @:L@GLK71KGH 1LH @:L5IH GLK ; 671IL1AI=IK< ; ,: 4GH1KI/G G55G@K ; 3C--:7KILE 4K7G44 7G4-:L4G4
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* FOR INDEPENDENT TRIAL
RESULTS & RIDER SUCCESS
www.naf-equine.eu/uk/b 8:LK1@K ,9F C4ILE :C7 FRE E Nutritional 3'%% #/## ,-, 2#4 $! 6)'* % *(+$1('+."705$)
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elieveinmagic
Advice Line
Supported by National advertising campaign
believe in
* FOR INDEPENDENT TRIAL RESULTS & RIDER SUCCESS STORIES
www.naf-equine.eu/uk/believeinmagic For more details please contact your NAF Area Sales Manager, or the NAF Sales Office on 01600 710726 or email info@naf-uk.com WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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naf-equine.eu/uk
EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019 | 7
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ETN|PRODUCT NEWS
UK Distributor
EQUICOOLDOWNRANGE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK EQUI COOL DOWN LEG WRAPS
Mash helps horses bounce back New Re-Covery Mash from Saracen Horse Feeds supports re-hydration and recovery following exertion, travel, convalescing and during warm weather.
Lizzie Drury works with competition horses across the world
Rich in super-fibres, good quality proteins and electrolytes, the quick soak mash can be fed as and when needed, without disturbing the horse’s normal feed routine.
EQUI COOL DOWN DELUXE EQUINE BODY WRAP
Here at Highland Wear our aim is to ensure that you and your horse are kept at the up-most comfort and style throughout the year.
Lizzie Drury, Saracen senior nutritionist, has for many years fed performance horses as they travel, train and compete around the world.
EQUI COOL DOWN HOCK WRAPS
See our range at:
www.highlandwearuk.co.uk
“Often, after a competition, horses have an equally demanding journey home, when potentially they could be showing signs of dehydration, muscle fatigue and digestive disturbance,” she explained. “Re-Covery Mash has been formulated to kick start recovery. The banana flavour should tempt even the fussiest of feeders.”
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Tel 01952 290055 • Fax: 01952 290056 • sales@dragondisplay.co.uk
8 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019
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Product News
The formula includes vitamin E to support normal muscle function and recovery, live yeast to stabilise the pH level in the gut, and linseed for omega 3 fatty acids to help manage inflammation and muscle response. Horses reluctant to drink ‘strange’ water away from home can also benefit from a soaked mash. Saracen Re-Covery Mash comes in 20kg recyclable bags with an RRP of £19.95.
ETN ASKS LIZZIE DRURY… How long does Re-Covery take to soak ready for feeding? Five minutes in warm water, and ten to 15 minutes in cold water.
How does it work without disturbing the horse’s normal feed routine? Re-Covery Mash is based on highly digestible fibre sources so it’s low in starch but high in fibre. Digestible fibres such as oatfeed, alfalfa and soya hulls are ‘soft’ and help maintain a healthy digestive system. The fibre sources used in the mash are common raw materials found in many different brands of horse feed, thus helping reduce the likelihood of digestive upset by suddenly introducing new feed ingredients. The mash doesn’t contain a vitamin and mineral premix, so isn’t formulated to form the sole concentrate feed source. So it can be fed alongside other feed brands without upsetting the vitamin and mineral balance. Intakes are small, too, so the mash can be fed daily or strategically as required. As it’s aimed at competition horses, does Re-Covery Mash meet the BETA NOPS code? The mash is suitable for any type of horse or pony including competition horses, sick or convalescing
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PRODUCT NEWS|ETN horses, mares post foaling and poor drinkers. It can help maintain water intake in cold weather, or assist with the administration of additional electrolytes or medications. The product does meet the BETA NOPS Code. Can you tell us a bit more about the R&D behind it? Re-Covery Mash is the result of over two years’ research, followed by manufacturing and feeding trials. While working with horses through Europe and the Middle East, I noticed that mashes were becoming more popular. Yet many mashes being fed were particularly high in cereals, and therefore high in starch. In addition, mashes are often fed as a reward after work, because of which some horses would have loose droppings or develop excitability issues. I also deal with competition horses that are either poor drinkers when they are away at competition or with horses that are exposed to hotter climates and endurance-based exercise where sweat losses are significant. Maintaining hydration in these horses is critical and often involved some innovation with existing feeds within the Saracen range. Feeding and managing horses after colic episodes or surgeries can also be challenging, and mashes and low starch feeds are often most suitable. On the basis of this, I set about formulating a mash that would be suitable to be fed to any type of horse or pony in any situation while reducing the risk of digestive upset. I also wanted it to provide a source of nutrients that would not only support digestive health and recovery post illness and exercise, but most importantly would provide a palatable way of increasing water intake to support hydration.
nutritional benefits of digestible fibre sources, vitamin E to support muscle recovery and immune response, and yeast for hindgut health. Horses are particularly sensitive to the effects of dehydration and people very quickly get caught out. The consequences can be expensive, not only from a performance aspect, but also a veterinary one. A formulation like this isn’t rocket science; it’s purely about finding a way to help increase water intake in horses in a way that’s easy, versatile, palatable and safe. It’s sometimes said that horses should not be given electrolytes if they’re not drinking… How does Re-Covery get around this? One of its main advantages is that it helps to increase water intake in horses that are poor drinkers or refusing to drink. It can be fed as a slop, or even a soup, thus adding valuable fluid and fibres to the digestive tract. It only contains a low level of salt, which helps to stimulate the thirst response and helps prepare the horse for electrolyte administration as his fluid intake increases. Re-Covery Mash alone will not provide the horse with a full dose of electrolytes. Instead it forms part of an electrolyte replacement programme, hence making it more versatile for many different feeding scenarios. It can be fed up to 0.5kg to 3.0kg per day in small ‘wet’ meals.
Re-Covery Mash uses the research known about the superior digestive and WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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ETN|PRODUCT NEWS
Waving the magic wand It’s been an incredible year for NAF’s new and improved Five Star Magic. There’s been a BETA International Innovation Award, acclaimed scientific trial, the thumbs up from riders and retailers… and it’s still only July… Meanwhile, behind the headlines, NAF is supporting stockists week in, week out.
“I can honestly say Magic helped her no end. Although obviously still upset, she was able to deal with the change in her circumstance much more easily and now has returned to the relaxed horse that she had become since living with us.”
In store highlights include high impact PoS such as A3 Magic posters and shelf barkers.
• “A complete game changer for us,” is how Emma Parkinson from Oldfields of Ombersley in Worcestershire sums up Magic.
Digitally, there’s video of the trial work and even the new horse on the packaging; while social media is packed with inspirational quotes, testimonials, lively video content, and the chance to win a ‘Magic’ £100 towards training. Print coverage has featured the Magic trial and how to make your horse more trainable. Watch this space for a NAF academic scholarship. Magic has also lent its name to a new arena at the David Broome Event Centre. It’s adjacent to the long standing Superflex Arena. There’s more support for equestrian sport via a Magic Prix St Georges class at NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships, Magic 4* at NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials and Magic 80cm at the NAF Five Star BRC Horse Trials National Championships.
• Amy Haines, who works at Gloucestershire based John Toomer and events her 12 year old allrounder Prince, can also advise her customers from first-hand experience. “It’s magical,” says Amy, “my horse has a much calmer attitude since coming back into full work. I highly recommend Magic in store; it’s our best-selling calmer.”
Real field trials by real riders and real retailers equal real recommendations…
• Merlin, owned by Jordan Burcher off Total Equestrian in Berkshire, is a six x year old American paint horse with a nervous outlook on life. Jordan sayss she used Magic as “a little helping hand to get back into work” and reports excellent results.
One of the first to try new and improved Magic in its trial stage was top eventer and NAF supported rider Laura Collett. She happily gave it her endorsement and has thereafter featured in Magic advertising.
Not only has it helped Merlin’s concentration in ridden work, but the partnership scored an impressive 68% in an intro A test - something, in Jordan’s words, “we didn’t think would ever be possible.”
“Valentino [her horse] is well known for being a little over enthusiastic about his jumping, and generally just a stressy little man,” she adds. “Since he’s been on Magic, he seems to have a whole new outlook on life. It’s almost as though Magic is a ‘horsey anti-depressant’ for him - he seems to be so much happier in himself and finally seems to be able to enjoy life. “It’s such a lovely feeling to see him happy. And he’s so much more rideable - bring on the eventing season!”
• Kerry Allen, who runs The Tack Room at Eastwick Lodge near Harlow, Essex has always kept Magic in her tack room as a horse owner and on her shelves as a retailer. Recently, she had cause to wave the Magic wand for real… “My rescue mare JB unfortunately lost her field mate quite suddenly,” Kerry explained. “When she came to me, she couldn’t be more than a couple of feet from him without going into a state of mad panic. So there wass a definite need for some calming in herr new situation. 10 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019
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ETN|BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH
Celebrating the best bench saddlers… This new ETN award, presented in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), recognises those who uphold the highest standards of leather craft skills.
Jennifer’s Clydesdale cart saddle.
come by post, following a good chat with the customer if they can’t get to the shop. “My passion is for bridlework and harnesses that actually fit the horse,” says Jennifer. “A correctly fitting bridle is as important as a correctly fitting saddle, so I understand the difficulty many horse owners face in trying to find off-the-peg products that fit their horses.”
AND THE WINNER IS… JENNIFER ROY Nominated by: Kay Hastilow, a former SMS president, who says: “Jennifer’s work ranges from basic repairs to fantastic bespoke harnesses, bridles and leathergoods with the highest standard of decoration and furnishings. “The quality of her work is well known. Jennifer has won many awards at the SMS National Competitions and is a bench saddler of the highest calibre.” About Jennifer Roy Fife based Jennifer runs The Springfield Saddler offering bespoke bridlework and harness, dog collars and leads, leathergoods and belts. She is a Master Bridle Maker and Master Saddler & Harness Maker who prefers to hand-stitch in high quality leather for increased strength and an excellent finish. Jennifer also repairs and alters saddlery and leathergoods, and replaces zips in boots. Repairs often
Jennifer trained with a Master Saddler before running her own repairs business for three years. She then moved to London to finish her training with Cordwainers at Capel Manor College, receiving an HND in Saddlery Technology. She went on to achieve City & Guilds qualifications and level 3s in bridle making, saddle making and harness making.
As well as saddlery, Jennifer’s diverse past orders cover weekender bags, cartridge bags, briefcases, gun slips, belts, dog collars and leads, and boxes. She’s also created parts for carriage and vintage car restoration such as shaft socks, starting handle holders and horn cases. Now she has a new passion. “Lately I’ve become something of an expert in Clydesdale harness, mainly due to there being no-one else who produces it,” Jennifer revealed. “This has been a steep learning curve with a lot of help from the heavy horse owners. Finding the metalwork to produce the harness can be a challenge as it’s no longer made, so we have to improvise at times.” Jennifer has also started giving short courses in leatherwork, with a couple of students staying on to learn the trade from her. “We’re very short of saddlers in Scotland so it’s vital that we start training up the next generation to keep these skills alive.” And there’s no better person than Jennifer to inspire newcomers to join the saddlery industry. “I absolutely love my work,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to work in an industry I enjoy, that allows me to work with horses and showcase my skills and creativity.”
Employment followed the Bill Amberg workshops in London where Jennifer worked in leathergoods and architectural leatherwork. She later set up her current business.
RIDING TO UNDERSTAND Riding and working with horses for more than 40 years has helped Jennifer understand what riders want from their saddlery, she says. This experience, plus her empathy with riders, is invaluable when she visits yards to measure horses for bridles and, once made, to check their fit. She’s adamant that bridles are handstitched and use the best English leather and fittings.
HOW TO NOMINATE Everyone is invited to nominate candidates for the ETN/SMS Bench Saddler of the Month award. Nominees can be working in a factory or workshop setting, for an employer or self-employed. They can be based anywhere in the world. To nominate a bench saddler (or more than one) email editor@ equestriantradenews.com and tell us why this person deserves to be recognised. Please include the saddler’s name and where they work too.
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Jennifer at the National Competition.
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ETN|RETAILER PROFILE
Brothers Gavin (left) and Chris Hughes are joined by mum Karen and staff (left to right) Anita Leadbeater, Lucy Lumsden and Jayne Sexton at Pet n Pony.
Building the
in-store experience
Deborah Hayward travels to Durham to meet Chris Hughes and find out how his family’s Pet n Pony store is preparing for the future. Pet n Pony first hit my radar in 2018, when it won the Neue Schule Social Media Award at BETA International. I recall being particularly impressed by the ability of the company’s digital expert, Gavin Hughes, to collect the prize while filming the proceedings at the same time! When I arranged to visit the Pet n Pony store, on a small retail park just outside Durham city centre, I was, of course, keen to find out more about its social media ability. Ironically, even though it clearly thrives in this field and uses it to the very best effect - with two full-time staff dedicated to the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Google it was this family business’s passion for bricks-and-mortar and its commitment to creating an exceptional customer experience that really bowled me over.
WORKING TOGETHER Pet n Pony celebrates its tenth birthday in October and the Hughes 14 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019
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family - brothers Chris and Gavin, and their parents, Colin and Karen - will join staff and customers to celebrate. This determined family have come a long way since the day they opened with not even a sign over the door. Now, they have 12,500 sq ft of equestrian and pet showrooms, offices and warehousing. When they started the business, Chris was only 24 and leaving his job as a management accountant at Audi to oversee the running of the store and the finances. A couple of years later, Gavin - two years his junior returned from his travels in Australia to mastermind the digital side.
HITTING TWO MARKETS The store is divided 50-50 between equestrian and pet. “There are plenty of livery yards around here, so we get a lot of leisure riders and some showjumpers, and make sure we carry plenty of stock for them,” says Chris. “The pet side is getting harder, as we’ve gone from no competition to
five other stores within half a mile. We have Tesco next door, which sells pet products - and has a Pets at Home concession in the same store! Then, discounter B&M sells pet, as do Home Bargains and The Range.”
FUTURE-PROOFING Chris believes that great customer service and different product ranges keep competitors at bay, and enhancing the entire shopping experience is key to staying ahead. So evolving the business is crucial. “We have just invested £35,000 in a reptile, fish and bird display so that customers will bring their kids in to have a look at the animals as a treat,” explains Chris. “I want kids to fall in love with pets and aquatics. If you get that into their brains early enough, they become that kind of person and potential new customers. “It’s about future-proofing, looking at how the market is, how the market’s trending. Lack of time is a big thing with customers, so we’re looking into WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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TITLE|ETN click-and-collect, as more people walk into the store knowing exactly what they want to buy rather than browsing for an hour or so. They’re far less impulsive. “Online sales have grown massively and we now sell on three different marketplaces - our own website, Amazon and eBay, which, unfortunately, is a necessary evil.”
PRICING TO SUIT Maintaining profit margins is increasingly a challenge. “The South seems to be able to get away with high prices, but you can’t do that in the North, as everyone wants value,” says Chris. “They want quality as well, which is achievable, but it is getting harder. “People have less money in their pockets. Minimum wages have gone up, but so have pension contributions, and take-home pay is less than it was 12 months ago. We really can’t put a product up to the price we need to maintain the same margin [as 12 months ago], otherwise our customers wouldn’t buy.”
BUILDING COMMUNITY Pet n Pony reaches out and engages with customers through social media and initiatives such as a popular monthly dog walk set up by Gavin. “He’s really outdoorsy and organises a walk in a different area each time, finishing with coffee and cake in a café,” says Chris. “His last walk had around 40 people and more than 50 dogs. “We also have in-store events. Last Christmas, we got BETA RoboCob, a selection of company reps, put on Prosecco and nibbles, and invited people for some after-hours shopping.”
Three happy customers
(The saddle fitter is the third, of course.)
S-Series Jump
Pet n Pony carries a wide range of equestrian products for leisure riders and showjumpers.
RRP £975
ETN ASKS CHRIS… Are you involved in any sponsorships? This year, we are the principal partner for the Durham County Show an agricultural show that is running for the first time in five years. How many of you work at Pet n Pony? There are 12 of us and we keep the store open seven days a week. We have five SQPs.
Do you have any own brands? Yes, we have a range of premium, grain-free dog food called Lovely. Do you ride? I used to own and ride two horses but no longer have the time. I love eventing, though, and always go to Badminton. Do you have any hobbies? I like to go to the gym.
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S-Series Universal GP RRP £945
Made in England
7 changeable gullet bar widths
kentandmasters.co.uk
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ETN|CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
They wear
it well
Staff decked out in branded gear have great customer appeal. But there are other benefits too, as ETN reports. Reasons why employers want to give staff a uniform include creating greater brand awareness, protecting personnel and making them visible to customers. But no matter the reason, the provision of a uniform carries cost which, if HMRC’s rules are followed, can be offset against the business’s tax bill.
top and ordinary trousers as part of what they want staff to wear, while it might be what the employer considers the overall ‘uniform’, HMRC’s perspective is that only the branded top will qualify as a uniform for tax purposes. Indeed, the provision of the trousers would create a benefit in kind on which tax is payable by the employee.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
WHAT’S A UNIFORM? According to Helen Thornley, from the Association of Taxation Technicians, HMRC’s view is that “for a garment to qualify as a uniform either the individual wearing it should be recognisable as belonging to a particular occupation (say the police or a nurse) or the garments should carry a conspicuous badge or logo.” Importantly, she adds, the badge or logo should be permanently attached to the garment. If it’s removable, she reckons there’s a risk HMRC will argue that the garment is not really a uniform. It’s interesting to note that clothing is considered individually by HMRC. So, if an employer supplies a branded
Other items that employers might commonly supply to employees could include protective clothing such as gloves, helmets, goggles, protective boots, overalls etc. Here, Thornley says, “an employer can claim full tax relief for the cost where genuine protective clothing is needed and there will be no taxable benefit to the employee.” She warns that if the employer provides clothing to be worn under the protective clothing, it will not usually be allowed as a tax-free benefit - “but if the item has been accepted as a uniform or protective clothing, then it follows that the employer can claim tax relief for the costs of maintaining and/or cleaning these items without a benefit in kind charge for the employee.”
SEVEN REASONS TO GIVE OUT STAFF UNIFORMS
1
2
A uniform helps all staff to look their best. Whether they are in administration, management or on the front line of a business, a unified look - a uniform gives everyone the opportunity to be smart and feel their best and so maintain their confidence. Employees spend less time deciding what to wear to work. Just as some schools are now banning high-end branded clothing, so employees also worry about what to wear to work, asking themselves what is appropriate. By implementing a uniform policy, a business removes this stress from staff.
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3
4
Employees look more professional. It’s a fact that we’re judged on appearances, and quickly too. By creating a uniform look for the team, a business can ensure that its front-line staff always represent the brand to best effect. A uniform will immediately establish the image of a professional business that attracts and retains customers. This is especially important for customer-facing staff. A well put together uniform speaks to the customer in a way that gives them confidence in the business and its offerings.
5
6
7
Uniforms work as a form of advertising and enhance the brand. From logos, to colours and documentation, the brand should be everywhere. It’s a huge mistake to forget about adding the brand to the clothing that staff wear. Uniforms promote team spirit and a sense of belonging, in turn improving productivity. Sports teams wear a standard strip for a reason - it helps to build cohesiveness. Investing in a good quality uniform upfront will save money for staff and the business in the long run.
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CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR|ETN
Members of the BETA International organising team are dressed by Toggi, ensuring they look smart and are easy for visitors and exhibitors to spot in the busy exhibition halls.
THE TAX POSITION If an employee is required to supply their own uniform, or they have to buy branded items of clothing from the employer to wear, they will be entitled to claim tax relief for the cost of the uniform. “Again,” says Thornley, “this relief applies strictly to qualifying uniform items only. For example, if a member of staff is required to wear black trousers and a buy a branded top, then relief only applies to the cost of the branded top. There is no tax relief where clothing can be worn both for work and casually.” It’s worth pointing out that if the employee incurs costs cleaning or maintaining their uniform or protective clothing, they can claim tax relief for the reasonable cost of doing so. There are various flat rate expenses that can be claimed, details of which can be found on HMRC’s website www.gov.uk/guidance/job-expenses-for-uniforms-workclothing-and-tools. The amounts vary by job or profession and it is important to look at the definitions to find the most appropriate.
WAGE WARNING Lastly, employers who require their employees to purchase specific items of clothing do need to take care that this doesn’t result in the employee being paid less than the National Minimum/Living Wage. Providing uniforms to employees can be of great benefit to both employer and employee alike. While an employer can do whatever it wants in terms of providing uniforms, it must follow the rules carefully if it wants a tax write-off against those items it provides. WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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ETN|CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
On the go 24/7 With no time to change between riding and yard duties, walking the dog and a pub supper, today’s clothing and footwear must work hard. ETN brings you the latest launches. FOR EQUESTRIAN ATHLETES
New collection by Carl Hester The Carl Hester Collection features elegant silhouettes to suit men and women. Jackets, gilets and a long winter coat are packed with practical features such as zipped pockets, two-way zips and reflective piping. High tech fabrics and fast-drying insulation feature strongly.
The W Axis jacket from Stierna - the label that treats riders like athletes - is featherlight, windproof and showerproof. With Stierna branding on the arm, colour choices are black or dark navy. The RRP is £109.
ALL PUFFED UP
Carl had definite demands for his clothing range: “I wanted quality, practicality and reflective properties combined in a collection that every horse rider and dog walker would want to wear,” he says.
This sporty, puffer-style, soft shell vest from Weatherbeeta offers a flattering fit.
“I’m very proud of the results. Top marks to Nicky who has worked tirelessly and patiently to fulfil my demands.”
The Dion has a nylon zip and pockets, mock inner collar and back riding vents with snap closures; it’s wind and water resistant, so perfect for riding. In navy, the RRP is £74.
ALL ABOARD! Classic leather deck shoes from Gallop Equestrian are perfect to pop on after riding or as go-anywhere footwear. Built for comfort, they have full grain leather uppers, stitched seams, rubber soles and waxed laces. They come in navy or brown.
COVER STORY Dressage legend Carl Hester has developed a fashion clothing range in collaboration with technical sportswear designer Nicky Fletcher.
Nicky said she’s “thrilled by Carl’s attention to detail and total involvement in the development of the collection.” Carl is pictured wearing the Vincenzo quilted jacket (RRP £169.95) which comes in black/white or black/green. His companion wears the Azar quilted gilet (RRP £139.95). A waterproof jacket, the Giorgione, has an RRP of £199.95.
Supporting suppleness Back on Track’s new Sport collection n delivers therapeutic benefits. The mineral infused Iontex fabric, which reflects infrared rays emitted by the body, supports suppleness and circulation. From softshell jackets to smart, casual base layers, wearers can enjoy gold colourred hardware, darted seams and fast-dry ying, ventilated stretch fabric. Ideal for riding, walking, running or cycling, the Sport collection comes in n black, navy or ivory. RRPs are from £ £34.
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CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR|ETN
Back to black The Dublin Black Alegra long sleeve competition top is from the new Dublin Black collection by Weatherbeeta. The range includes four competition tops, three casual tops, five jackets, two competition jackets, three pairs of tights, a pair of breeches plus accessories to match. Alegra uses a wicking fabric with antibacterial properties, and features a half zip and raglan sleeve design. The RRP is £69.99.
The long game
DO I NEED A COAT? The Kit Packable jacket from Mountain Horse solves the rider’s dilemma about what to wear on a changeable day. Whip it out as an extra layer, or roll it up and pack it away in its own small bag. With taped seams, the jacket is in a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric. In black, the RRP is £99.
THEY DON’T GROW ON TREES! Your customers can make a statement in the saddle witth these Deco full silicone seat riding tights by Gallop Equestrian.
The Equetech Rushmere is a long, waterproof country coat with a subtle herringbone finish. Lightweight and super warm with reflective trim, it has a two-layer storm flap, polka dot lining, concealed hood in the collar and horse bit trim zip pullers.
Also known as ‘tree leggingss’, they’re high waisted and sup per stretchy. There’s a pocket in the waistband; while the silicone e pattern features mini snaffles and Fleur-de-Lis.
In silver mink, the RRP is £166.95.
LIFESTYLE
440 RICHMOND WAXED CHELSEA BOOT Built upon a hand-made wooden and rubber sole and stitched with a contrast beige stitch, the Richmond is a country-esque take on the classic country boot.
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COLOURS
FOOT SIZES
RRP
Brown Only
36 - 43
£59.00
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ETN|CLOTHING G AND FOOTWEAR OO
WINTE ER WARM MERS New oute erwear from Wesstgate EFI includes the t Mark Todd Quilted Jacket. This flatte ering, warm, three-qua arter length coat has plenty p of pockets, zip z fastening with storm flap p, removablle hood and zippe ed back ventts.
GET A GRIP New Cavallo Lis RL Grip riding leggings feature a silicone half seat and ergonomic waist. With two slit pockets and flat seams, comfort is at the heart of their design. Available in schwarz, dark blue or fossil, the RRP is around £93.
“E Easy come, easy go” Sadly,, my sister and I are the same shoe size, w writes Liz Benwell. So when she saw th he new Grub’s Discover shoe I’d been lent to try and test, they were on her fe eet and she was off… Ah, well, w they are rather a good looking creation and were bound to catch the eye. And, A to be fair my sister does some quite serious stuff on her feet - like cross counttry running - so she’s better qualifi fied to trial them than me.
In charcoal/black or black/burst in sizes 4 to13 and fuschia/mint in sizes 4-8, the RRP is around £119.95. And the verdict? “A fantastically comfortable shoe for park runs, big dog walks or going to the pub. Copes with the roughest of ground with good grip. Kept my feet dry - yet they scrub up well to wear casually with jeans too. A great all-rounder.”
Indeed the Discover Shoe is built to tackle e tough terrain. It has a robust, snag-resistant, rip-stop nylon outer, plus a waterproof, breathable, moisturewicking bootie lining. Lightweight fused overlays protect the toes and reinforce stress points, while laces allow for adjustment for maximum support.
Summer lovin’ New for summer 2019, Rhinegold riding tights come in extremely comfortable Spandex/Lycra material. With a self-seat and silicone rubber grip knee dots for added grip, they also feature an extra wide elasticated soft waistband. And how’s this for a brilliant idea? A discreet phone pocket is positioned in the back of the waistband rather than on the leg; so if a rider gets caught in the rain, their phone and valuables won’t get wet.
CHOICE OF TASSELS Moretta Florenza long suede boots from Shires Equestrian come with interchangeable navy and pale pink tassels. Elegance is ensured with covered stretch panels at the rear calf and dressage cut tops with soft piqued leather inners. Wicking linings, weatherproof soles and YKK zips complete the picture.
In sizes 8 to 18 and black only, Rhinegold riding tights have an RRP of £28.50. They’re pictured worn with the Rhinegold Mustang riding trainer - the perfect cool combination for the summer months. Rhinegold is available exclusively from Snowhill Ltd.
FOR SPORTY LADIES
TECHNICAL TWISTS
The Aubrion Sierra Sports Bra from Shires Equestrian is sleek and stretchy.
The Tania jacket j from Weatherbe eeta is waterproo of, windproof and breath hable. It has seale ed seams and lined inner quilting, plus an integral qu uilted hood.
A medium support bra, it has mesh panels, a racer back, a deep elasticated band, reflective detailing and the Aubrion emblem. In black or blue, the RRP is £19.99.
The centre e front, chest and hand zips are all waterproo of, while other technical twists inclu ude underarm vents with mesh and zip. In black, th he RRP is £119.
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CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR|ETN
The new men’s Covalliero’s polo shirt comes in easy-moving elastic cotton fabric.
AW19
ANYONE FOR POLO? E S T. 1 9 9 2
Featuring the brand’s crest, a zip placket and contrasting cuffs and collar, the shirt comes in dark blue and dark grey. The RRP is £35.
Get fruity The Athena Cowl, new from Noble Outfitters in charcoal or dragon fruit (pictured), is a simple yet stylish throw-on mid-layer top. Its funnel neck and cuffs with thumbholes are welcome on chilly mornings. While the semi fitted style with flat seam construction and dropped back hem add up to a great fit with little bulk. The RRP is £44.95.
Making a good impression Do you want your staff to look professional while promoting your brand? Is it important that customers can easily identify members of your team? Bequestrian supplies leading equestrian brands and small single-traders, such as saddle fitters and physiotherapists, with good quality, embroidered personalised clothing. But there’s e s more… more Bequestrian’s remit goes beyond clothing brand the and embroidery… It gives your b wow factor too. “Offering a personal service and da wealth of expertise in the equestrian industry, we make sure that the look of your logo is maximised ffor your benefit,” says a spokesman n. “First impressions last, so we believe that having a professional look is of paramount importance to any business.” • Find out more about the advantages of staff uniforms e 16 including tax breaks - on page
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SKU: APC / RRP: £159.95
Leading the way in British equestrian fashion and design, we specialise in innovative apparel for riders and country life. We provide quality, affordable products, as well as having an unparalleled level of customer service. Friendly family-run business • NEW Online trade portal Free point of sale • No order minimums • Next day delivery • Live stock levels Web stock feeds • Dedicated sales representatives
REQUEST TO BECOME A STOCKIST ONLINE TODAY!
www.equetech.com EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019 | 21
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ETN|PEOPLE
People JAMES PALMER James Palmer has been appointed business development manager by flax seed supplement specialist PureFlax. James, who’s been involved with the equestrian and pet product sectors for almost 12 years, is working with PureFlax on an agency basis. He was previously sales manager for BETA International.
DAVID HOPKINS AND ANNABEL TWIDDY David Hopkins and Annabel Twiddy have joined Global Herbs’ sales team. Originally from Ireland, David - the new eastern area sales manager, has worked in the equestrian industry for the past five years and in sales since he was 17. While working for Horseware Ireland, he was a Sales Rep of the Year finalist at the 2017 BETA Business Awards. A lifelong rider, David has worked in the Thoroughbred breeding industry in Ireland, America and Australia. Nowadays he plays polo. Annabel Twiddy has become Global Herbs’ area sales manager in the west. Her previous career includes working in banking and running a distribution company. She’s also managed a competition yard. Annabel show jumps with her horse Maggie.
JOE STOCKDALE Joe Stockdale has joined Red Gorilla as a brand ambassador. Like his late father, Tim Stockdale, Joe is an international show jumper.
TOM MACGUINNESS The 67-yearold founder of Horseware has won his first international 160km (100mile) endurance ride. Tom MacGuinness rode his 11-year-old chestnut gelding Horseware Sasha D’Aillais at just over 18km per hour to take victory at the King’s Forest in Suffolk last month. “This horse is amazing,” said Tom of his winning ride. “We’ll aim to do an 80km ride and then, if we feel he’s fit and ready to go, we’ll be at the European Championships [at Euston Park, Suffolk next month].”
ANDREA SEXTON Andrea Sexton has taken on the UK marketing and PR brief for HV Equestrian’s euro-star, HV Polo and Imperial Riding brands. As well as supporting the UK sales team, Andrea is working with retailers to promote the ranges in-store, online and at events.
RICKY HONE Ricky Hone has been appointed managing director of Charles Owen. He takes up the role with the equestrian safety equipment manufacturer following the untimely death of its chairman Roy Burek in April.
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Ricky joined Charles Owen in 1982, quickly progressing to operations director. He worked alongside Roy throughout his career. As managing director, Ricky is concentrating on Charles Owen’s global activities alongside Roy’s son and new company chairman, Owen Burek.
DAN COOK Following a £1.5 million investment in its equine facilities, Writtle University College (WUC) has taken on Dan Cook as equine resource manager. The Australian has worked for 20 years in the international bloodstock industry. WUC is home to a fully operational stud as well as its equestrian facilities.
SUE DYSON Leading vet Dr Sue Dyson has left her post as head of clinical orthopaedics at the
Animal Health Trust where she has been employed since 1982. Best known for her work on equine lameness and poor performance, Dr Dyson has latterly been at the forefront of studies into horse, rider and saddle interaction. She’s now acting as an independent clinical consultant.
HRH THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER SATRA - the test house that works with riding hat and body protector manufacturers - marked its centenary with a visit from HRH the Duke of Gloucester. The Duke unveiled an outdoor sculpture at the body’s Northamptonshire base. The artwork by Martyn Steele represents 100 years of research and testing.
ETN’s Beth Crow has chosen the winner of our latest ‘Nice to deal with’ award. A prize of a luxury hamper is on its way - enjoy!
SHE’S SO NICE TO DEAL WITH…
ETN|SPECIAL REPORT
Teaming up with the trade NAF is marking 30 years’ trading with a pledge to support retailers - and not to compete on-line.
MELISSA NEWMAN OF NAF
Beth says: “Mel is best described as a whirlwind of activity! Yes, she demands the highest standards, but she’s also constantly coming up with ideas for strong advertising and innovative editorial themes ways in which ETN and NAF can work together. Her positive, can-do attitude always brightens a busy day.”
“They’ve always been supportive as a supplier. We sell a good range of and quantity of NAF products already, but this will encourage us to do more - if they support us, we’ll support them.” Tom Price, managing director, Pioneer Feed & Country Store, Ledbury, Herefordshire, says: “For us, the new addition is the bespoke promotions. We want to be more focussed on certain products at certain times of year, and NAF are offering extra support to help us set up end-shelf promotions. “Overall I think the new package is a good idea. NAF are always very supportive, and this is a continuation of their service.”
NAF’s new initiative is all about supporting the trade and its people.
“There are a few minor things in the new package that we weren’t using before - for example, the shop girls are proudly walking round in their new gilets today!
Support for the retail trade is at the heart of a new initiative from NAF. The Premier Partnership Programme, introduced last month, comprises a performance boosting package for stockists.
“I think NAF themselves have realised they deserve to make more of a song and dance about all the work they do behind the scenes, and it will help us make as many people as possible aware of the brand.”
In a new booklet explaining the scheme, NAF describes its ongoing determination to sustain the retail market. “Our pledge is not to seek out business direct… but to grow our business with you [the trade],” says the supplements and care products supplier.
Steph Doolittle, managing director, Oldfields of Ombersley, Worcs, says: “We’re a NAF flagship store. We were one of NAF founder Richard Cleeve’s first customers.
Highlights include bespoke promotions tailored to each retailer’s requirements, extra merchandising support, staff training, product advice, quarterly category management reviews and monthly visits focussing on stock rotation and management.
“They offer really good support; we’ve got a smart display of NAF products that’s almost a ‘shop within a shop’ and dominates our supplements area. The majority of our staff are NAF trained and qualified, including our latest recruit who’s just passed with flying colours.
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New branded clothing and a loyalty promotion also feature within NAF’s Premier Partnership Programme.
Jo Bostock, partner, Chobham Rider, Woking, Surrey, says: “The Premier Partnership Programme is just formalising what NAF have already been doing for us for years. They’re definitely one of our better suppliers, and they’re really supportive in terms of supplying imagery for social media, training and offering the nutritional helpline, all of which we find useful. “We have a fantastic NAF rep, who already tailors our promotional offers to us - a standard ‘buy one get one free’ offer nationwide doesn’t work for everyone. For example, our rep tells us that we start selling fly spray earlier than pretty much anyone else! “I think perhaps not everyone was aware of all the services NAF offer retailers, so this formal programme is a good idea to spread the word.” • To get involved with NAF’s Premier Partnership Programme, contact your area sales manager.
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“For us, this new package is more about maintaining what we’re already doing, but it would be useful for other retailers who perhaps aren’t aware of what’s on offer.
RETAILERS WHO’VE JOINED THE PROGRAMME WHAT IT MEANS FOR THEM…
“NAF are certainly one of our most innovative suppliers. No-one else seems to be currently offering this level of support across such a range of products.”
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PEOPLE|ETN
Meet an award-winning SQP ETN catches up with Kathryn Jaquet, managing director of Milton Keynes based, family owned retailer R B Equestrian and AMTRA E-SQP* Student of the Year. What inspired you to train to become an AMTRA SQP? We had three AMTRA SQPs on our staff, but when one left to work elsewhere, it seemed sensible for me to try and qualify as an SQP to make up the numbers. Although at the time the inspiration was purely commercial, but now I’ve done it, I’m really pleased I have. From a personal point of view, I’ve found it really interesting. Not having done any exams for almost 20 years, getting back into revision was tough. I’d forgotten how challenging exam conditions can be. But I enjoyed the process; it was very satisfying learning about something new. Before I joined the family firm, I was working as a solicitor in London so that was my first professional qualification. The one I tell most people about, though, is that I’m a qualified fork lift truck driver!
your recommendations. You need to be diplomatic… It would be great if consumers understood that as SQPs we’re prescribing, not just selling. Very few realise that it’s not as simple as coming to the counter, asking for a specific product, and us handing it over. What does being a qualified AMTRA SQP deliver? I hope it’s beneficial for the business overall. Being recognised as a trusted brand for support and advice is increasingly important in a very price-conscious world. *AMTRA E-SQPs are qualified to give advice on specified equine and companion animal health issues.
What is the most important aspect of your role as an AMTRA SQP? Educating people without belittling them or disregarding the realities of their situation. An example might be when a yard owner has told a livery that they ‘must’ worm with a particular product, and they’re effectively scared to do otherwise despite
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SHOW YOU MEAN BUSINESS 19-21 JANUARY 2020 NEC, Birmingham, UK sales@beta-int.com +44 (0)1937 582111 www.beta-int.com
Main Sponsor TRADE SHOW SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019 | 23
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ETN REPORTING|ETN
Turning back the pages… For four decades, ETN has reported on the equestrian trade. So let’s look back at the news, people and products that were making headlines this month five, ten, 20 and 30 years ago. FIVE YEARS AGO…
In July 2014, ETN reported: ● Popular saddlery trainer Mark Romain was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Mark, who owns and runs the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury with his wife Dawn, had coached more than 1,500 saddlers from around the world to date.
● Jabez Cliff, home of the Barnsby saddle brand, was placed into administration. The 221 year old, Walsall based business closed with 26 staff made redundant. ● Weatherbeeta said it was to close its Horsatack store in Droitwich. A second Horsatack store in Milton Keynes continued to trade but was understood to be on the market. “Weatherbeeta is committed to focusing 100% on their wholesale business,” said a company statement. ● Kate Negus Saddlery launched a clip-on browband for head-shy horses.
TEN YEARS AGO…
In July 2009, ETN reported: ● Woof Wear broke away from its parent company Gul International following a management buyout by managing director John Felton and brand manager Ali Reynolds. John said the opportunity to buy the brand was “too good to miss.” ● James Lewin joined online retailer EquestrianClearance. com as general manager. ● Ahead of the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky, some supplement companies discovered they were banned from taking trade stands at the event. A WEG spokesman told ETN that health and nutrition was an “exclusive category” reserved for title sponsor Alltech. ● Stable equipment of a hue other than black was appearing across leading brands’ ranges.
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20 YEARS AGO…
In July 1999, ETN reported: ● Michael Howard MP officially opened Westgate’s new showroom and conference centre on the Romney Marsh, in Kent. Mr Howard had helped the distributor obtain government funding to support its move from Canterbury city centre four years previously. ● Allen & Page claimed to be the first UK horse feed company to have a GM (genetically modified) free mill. In another ETN news story, a feed merchant explained how a disgruntled customer had returned a bag of dog food, saying: “I can’t give my dogs this, it says GM on the bag.” The merchant gently pointed out that the initials stood for ‘greyhound maintenance’. ● SP Equine Health & Herbal and Horse and Pony magazine joined forces to launch an equestrian world “first” an advertising campaign which “combines the written word with the world wide web.” ● ETN’s American correspondent Ellie Trueman reported from Equitana USA that she’d witnessed something “unlike anything I’ve seen before” - a demonstration of communication with horses by Pat Parelli. The horseman was also selling videos, books and training kits, she noted.
30 YEARS AGO…
In July 1989, ETN reported: ● The Next Directory was to stop selling riding clothing by mail order. Unsold stock was to be offered from Next stands at agricultural shows that summer. ● Stylo was to cease the manufacture of riding wear at its Basingstoke factory because of the difficulty of finding sufficient labour in the area. Instead, the company was buying from local Yorkshire manufacturers. ● Rug and equine equipment manufacturer Shasco went into liquidation after failing to find a buyer as a going concern. ● A new jockey helmet, made by Charles Owen (Bow) for the Lester Bowden label, was the first of its kind to use carbon fibre. The “new and innovative” material was reported to be approved by Lloyds of London for use in sports equipment.
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ETN|SADDLES ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
A PREVIEW WITH SOME OF THE EXHIBITORS HEADING TO BETA INTERNATIONAL 2020 WHERE IS YOUR COMPANY BASED? Von-Hünefeld-Str. 53, 50829 Cologne, Germany FOR ALL DEALERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: T: +49 221 588010 E: info@waldhausen.com W: www.waldhausen.com/en/
BATES SADDLES Stand C6.2 IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME AT BETA INTERNATIONAL, IF NOT HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN EXHIBITING? No way, we will be there again with bells on! BETA International is a great opportunity for us to support the industry, launch new products, have valuable discussions with our retail partners and showcase our complete range of high-performance saddles. Bates Saddles have had a BETA presence for many years with our distribution partners, too many to count! HOW OLD IS YOUR COMPANY? We are a fourth generation Australian family saddlery that started making saddles in 1934. From our inception we always looked for ways to innovate and improve saddle design, pioneering saddle adjustability and many of the performance features that are now considered standard in saddles for professional riders. WHERE IS YOUR COMPANY BASED? Our distribution company for Bates Saddles is Saddlery Brands International. Our offices and showroom are located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
STUBBS ENGLAND IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME AT BETA INTERNATIONAL, IF NOT HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN EXHIBITING? This is currently only our 6th ever BETA. We are proud to say that we have become a focal point for people to find out about new products and talk with the manufacturers directly about how best to sell and display products. HOW OLD IS YOUR COMPANY? We were originally founded in 1836. Seven generations later, we are still manufacturing all our own products ourselves. WHERE IS YOUR COMPANY BASED? We have two sites in Nottinghamshire UK approximately 8 miles apart. Our original site is still the main part of our operation with the secondary site adding the extra support to our manufacturing processes. FOR ALL DEALERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: T: +44 01949 850 218 E: info@stubbsengland.com W: www.stubbsengland.com
FOR ALL DEALERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: T: +441865 670888 E: enquiries@ saddlerybrandsinternational.com W: www.saddlerybrandsinternational. com
WALDHAUSEN GMBH & CO.KG Stand K8.1 IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME AT BETA INTERNATIONAL, IF NOT HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN EXHIBITING? More than 20 Years HOW OLD IS YOUR COMPANY? 183 years WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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WINTEC SADDLES Stand C6.1 IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME AT BETA INTERNATIONAL, IF NOT HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN EXHIBITING? Absolutely not - Wintec Saddles have been a part of BETA International for many years with valued distribution partners! BETA International allows us to hold valuable discussions with our retail partners with our complete range of easy-care, weatherproof saddles and accessories on display for ease of demonstration. HOW OLD IS YOUR COMPANY? Wintec Saddles pioneered synthetic saddles in 1986 with a revolutionary range that celebrated the joy of riding with their light weight, vibrant colours and care-free maintenance. In an industry steeped in tradition, they were an instant success, loved for their practicality and some 30 years on remain a favourite saddle brand in the UK. WHERE IS YOUR COMPANY BASED? Our distribution company for Wintec Saddles is Saddlery Brands International. Our offices and showroom are located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire FOR ALL DEALERSHIP ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: T: +441865 670888 E: enquiries@ saddlerybrandsinternational.com W: www.saddlerybrandsinternational. com
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ETN|CPD FEATURE
ETN’s CPD features help SQPs (Suitably Qualified Persons) earn the CPD (continuing professional development) points they need. The features have been accredited by AMTRA, and highlight some of the most important subject areas for SQPs specialising in equine and companion animal medicine. AMTRA is required by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations to ensure its SQPs undertake CPD. All SQPs must earn a certain number of CPD points in a given period of time in order to retain their qualification. SQPs who read the following feature and submit correct answers to the questions below will receive two CPD points. For more about AMTRA and becoming an SQP, visit www.amtra.org.uk
Veteran vitality By Kate Hore RNutr (Animal), Senior Nutritionist at NAF
Without doubt the equine population in the western world, including within the UK, is ageing. Surveys within the UK find about 30% of horses to be over 15 years old, with 11% being between 20 and 30 years, and 2% over 30 years of age. Therefore, as professionals, it’s important that we’re able to advise our customers on managing the older horse. The reason for this ageing population is likely twofold. In part more of us keep horses purely as pets, and are happy to
commit to keeping them well into their old age. Secondly improvements in nutrition knowledge, routine health treatments and equine dentistry have all contributed to horses living happily and healthily into their twenties and beyond. However that doesn’t mean we’re growing a population of equine retirees - far from it! As improvements in equine health continue, so we find that horses maintain fitness through their teens and well into their twenties. Research in 2001
Saul, the super cob, took his owner Melissa Newman to the coloured championships in Hickstead’s international arena, jumped nicely and did a good dressage test. He semi-retired to Bristol HorseWorld as a therapy horse where he changed many troubled young people’s lives. Saul was put to sleep aged 27 earlier this year after a full and happy life.
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showed that while older horses tend to take it a little easier, the majority are still enjoying their work, with many actively competing into their late teens and beyond. So what can we do from a feed and dietary point of view to help maintain our OAPs? That’s Old Age Performers of course!
WHAT IS A VETERAN? Initially we should establish exactly what we mean by a ‘veteran horse’. There will be some breed differences, but generally, we are looking at horses in their mid-teens and beyond. With the growth of the veteran sector, showing classes are increasingly being broken down into ‘pre-veteran’, aged 15 to 19 years, and ‘veteran’ of 20 years and over; with sometimes a further section ‘diamond veteran’ for the over 25 year olds. However, just because your horse has hit 15 years old, it doesn’t mean you should start to treat them any differently; and certainly their diet should only be changed when you see a real need to.
FEEDING THE VETERAN It was traditionally thought that older horses suffer with reduced absorption and digestibility of the diet, and so struggle to maintain condition; therefore their diet needs to be changed accordingly, away from what you’ve always fed. WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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CPD FEATURE|ETN However that thinking is now a little out of date, as it refers to horses born in the 1960s and 70s who had not had the advantage of modern diets and wormers throughout their lives. Now we find that ageing itself does not significantly affect digestive efficiency in horses until they become decidedly geriatric (late 20s), and not just older. In fact, just as with younger horses, a high Body Condition Score (BCS) should be avoided as it may exacerbate health concerns (see Keeping Sound, below). The advice to owners of older horses, therefore, should certainly be to regularly review BCS and diet as the horse ages, but so long as the horse is maintaining condition and working well, then no radical changes are required. For those horses who do need a little help, ensure the diet stays fibre based but consider short chop fibres or cubed hays which are more easily digested, especially when soaked. Instead, look at how their existing diet can be fine-tuned to make sure they are metabolising it to maximum efficiency, and covering all they need for old age performance. For performance veterans, the addition of oil to a fibre diet provides an ideal form of energy. Easily metabolised by
Grow. Mow. Bag. Nag.
the horse and non-heating, oils, such as linseed or soya, are a useful energy source. If introducing oil to the diet remember to do so gradually, building the level over several weeks, to give the horse’s metabolism time to adjust.
balancers are formulated to include the essential micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, to balance the fibre based diet.
KEEPING SOUND
However, once established, horses easily digest oil and most can tolerate up to around 500ml per day, which is a really useful additional source of energy, and so condition, for the diet. Just remember if feeding at significant levels, the high oil diet should be balanced with supplementary vitamin E, at a rate of one i.u. (International Unit) per millilitre (ml) of oil fed.
Musculoskeletal conditions, particularly lameness and osteoarthritis, are consistently found to be the biggest concern in older horses. In one study at a UK equine charity, the average age of euthanasia was 20, with 66% of those being due to osteoarthritis. So it represents a challenge for owners who wish to keep their older horses performing.
GUT HEALTH
Of course the joints of performance horses undergo stress as part of normal work, but that is not the whole issue. It is thought that horses, like humans, show evidence of ‘inflammageing’, that is, a raised pro-inflammatory state within their body, meaning aches and pains are far more likely. As obesity also increases circulating inflammatory cytokines, this is a principle reason why all horses, including older horses, should be kept ‘fit not fat.’
One area where it is worth considering supplementary support is in gut health. Gastrointestinal conditions, such as colic, are a major concern in older equines. Research has found colic to be second only to musculoskeletal issues for reasons for mortality in older horses. It is recommended to supplement with daily gut support, such a concentrated balancer, providing live probiotic yeasts and prebiotic sugars, to support a healthy microbiota (microbes including yeasts, fungi, bacteria) of the gastrointestinal tract. Concentrated
Continued on next page
HIGH QUALITY LOW IN STARCH & HIGH IN FIBRE FROM VITAMIN A TO ZINC FULLY TRACEABLE SLOW RELEASE ENERGY
To see our full range of products or to become a stockist visit: www.emeraldgreenfeeds.co.uk
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ETN|CPD FEATURE From page 27
To maintain joint health in older horses it is recommended to feed a good quality joint supplement. With the huge choice available it can be difficult to know which to advise. Ensure any joint supplement provides glucosamine sulphate, which research shows is the most efficient form of glucosamine. However thanks to the research advancements in molecular biology we know that joint stress is a very complex multifactorial condition. Multifactorial problems require multifactorial approaches - one size (glucosamine) cannot possibly fit all. Look for a supplement where glucosamine is combined with other key nutrients, particularly MSM. For maximum joint support that supplement should also include chondroitin sulphate, H.A, and antioxidant groups, all of which have been shown to work synergistically with glucosamine when in the right combination. Of particular relevance to the older horse is to ensure that the chosen joint product includes a source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are well recognised for age related joint degeneration across species.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE Sadly, as equine professionals and horse owners, we know that for every veteran horse the day will come to say your final farewell. It’s important that owners consider the horse first and foremost, over their own emotions. Quality of life is essential, so ensure their basic needs are being met. Are they able to graze and forage for most of the day, in the company of others without being bullied? Can they lie down and get back up unaided, and are they comfortable in walk, trot and - ideally - canter? When the time does come, euthanasia may be carried out by lethal injection or humane bullet. It’s advised to discuss the options with your vet and make a plan ahead of time, which will make a difficult decision much easier for all.
CONCLUSION By keeping horses fit and active, there is no reason why the competing life of performance horses can’t extend well into their twenties. And when the time comes to take it easier, our veteran horses can enjoy a comfortable retirement through the right management and nutritional support.
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ETN CPD QUESTIONS Nutrition
SQP CP Questio D ns
SELECT YOUR ANSWERS AND TICK THE BOXES 1. What percentage of horses in the UK are thought to be between 20 and 30 years of age?
■ 30%
■ 11%
■ 2%
2. If these showing classes were available, which would a 21 year old horse enter?
■ Pre-Veteran ■ Diamond Veteran ■ Veteran 3. Research shows age has an effect on a horse’s condition at what time?
■ 15-18 yrs ■ 21-23 yrs ■ Late 20s 4. What does BCS stand for in equine health?
■ Body Condition Score ■ Base Condition Start ■ Breath Cough Score 5. What would you advise as an upper rate for feeding oil to veterans?
■ 60ml per day ■ 150ml for all horses ■ Up to 500ml for most
7. What is the horse’s microbiota?
■ Their daily probiotic supplement
■ The microbial population of the digestive tract
■ The smallest part of their stomach
8. What is the most common cause for euthanasia in veteran horses?
■ Musculoskeletal conditions ■ Colic ■ Respiratory disease 9. How do we describe the state of increased inflammation in older individuals?
■ Arthritis ■ Geroscience ■ Inflammageing 10. Alongside glucosamine and MSM, which nutrient is particularly recognised for ageing joints?
■ Arthritis ■ Geroscience ■ Inflammageing
horses
6. What does i.u. stand for in vitamins?
■ Immediate utilisation ■ International usage ■ International units
JULY 2019 2 CPD points Full name Company name/ address Email Telephone number SQP number Send your completed answers to: ETN/CPD Feature, Equestrian Trade News, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorks, LS22 4AW. FIND IT ON-LINE: ETN’s CPD features are also available at www.equestriantradenews.com If you submit answers to the quiz on-line, please do not submit them by filling out the printed form as well and vice versa.
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RE-COVERY MASH 5-10 MINUTES SOAK
OPTIMUM REHYDRATION AND RE-COVERY
SADDLE MAKERS’ DIRECTORY|ETN
BANAANA FLAVOUR
TRAIN - COMPETE - RE-COVER Strategic Re-Covery Mash to be fed as and when needed to support hydration and aid Re-Covery.
FEED THE DIFFERENCE
Electrolyte Inclusion Low starch (10%) & Sugar (6%) Formulated on ’Super-Fibres’ to Support Digestive Health h Vitamin E to Support Muscle & Immune Re-Covery Live Yeast to Support Healthy Hind Gut Environment *Soak time based on warm water. When using cold water allow 20 mins.
POST PERFORMANCE - INTENSIVE TRAINING & EXERTION - SICK OR CONVALESCING - TRAVEL - SWEATING For nutrition advice or further information on our feeds please call,
Tel: +44 (0)1622 718487 Email: info@saracenhorsefeeds.co.uk or visit www.saracenhorsefeeds.com Working with
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ETN|FEEDING VETERANS
The twilight
zone
Help your customers give their veteran horses the best quality of life in their later years.
Great choice for summer Trus over ted for 20 y ears
TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer is designed for elderly horses prone to weight gain - something all too common at this time of year. It combines the benefits of a low-calorie feed balancer and a joint supplement, in a cost-effective way. Senior Lite Feed Balancer is formulated without cereal grains and provides only low levels of sugar and starch. In order to maintain healthy hindgut function and avoid loose droppings, it’s important to keep elderly horses’ starch intake low when fibre intake is compromised, say the nutritionists at TopSpec.
JOINT CARE COMFORT FOR JOINTS THE NATURAL WAY ALTERNATIVE TO BUTE (Phenylbutazone) VERY STRONG LIQUID SUPPLEMENT CAN BE GIVEN LONG TERM
RANGE INCLUDES: NoBute, NoBute Premium, Navilam ‘O’ & NoWheeze. Available at Trade Prices. Please note the FEI Rules regarding Devils Claw.
www.animal-health.co.uk Tel: 01787 476400
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Senior Lite Feed Balancer includes the scientifically recommended rate of glucosamine - 10 grams of glucosamine/500kg horse/day. This very palatable, non-heating feed also contains several supplements that provide the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality specialised supplements. When Senior Lite Feed Balancer is fed, therefore, there’s no need to add further supplements. Yeast probiotics are present to support healthy digestion. These are particularly beneficial for elderly horses suffering from stress, for example during changes in routine, losing a companion, recovering from illness, and during or after a course of antibiotics.
BOUNTIFUL IN OMEGA 3 PureFlax oil is a 100% natural supplement with many benefits for veterans. Grown, harvested and bottled on a Yorkshire farm, it has full traceabilitty. Cold pressed PureFlax is high in omega 3. It also supports weight gain in veteran horses or maintainss condition for those in work. The oil is highly digestible, palatable, helps joint function, hoof condition n and healthy immune systems. Five litres has an RRP of £22.95.
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FEEDING VETERANS|ETN
SECRET WEAPON Many owners of veterans that are admired for ‘looking well’ include Fibre-Beet in their horses’ diets. It’s their secret weapon, they often say. A super-fibre conditioning feed, this product from British Horse Feeds contains all the benefits of Speedi-Beet with added alfalfa for optimum condition and quality protein for muscle tone and function. The soaked feed is very palatable and easy to chew, even if teeth are poor or missing. Fibre-Beet also provides a good range of minerals, trace elements and amino acids plus biotin for hoof quality. With a low sugar and starch content, it can be used to replace up to 60% of the daily forage allowance.
Senior solutions Five Star Superflex Senior provides NAF’s highest specification of the key joint support nutrients for horses. These work in synergy with rich natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids and naturally sourced antioxidants to support healthy, flexible joints in older horses and ponies still leading active lives.
In the Pink Senior provides pre and probiotics for optimum gut support, and supplies the vitamins and minerals required by the older horse for all round health. Antioxidant ingredients help flush excess free radicals from the system, while there are nutrients to support joint health too.
Maximising value In the Pink Senior is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of the older horse and give him the support he needs to stay active. By helping balance the diet and digestive system, it enables the horse to maximise the value of his feed intake.
HELP! Have the various feed manufacturers’ helpline telephone numbers handy ready for when a customer asks for feeding advice. It works well to dial the number and invite the customer to use your phone while they’re in store. They’re then more likely to make a purchase having got the answers they need.
Photo credit: First Class Photography
High Fibre Fuel The first choice for health and condition • Highly palatable soaked feed • Suitable for all horses who need added condition • Low in starch and sugar • Provides non-heating slow release energy • Promotes condition and topline* • Boosts nutritional quality of poor forage and grazing • Suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers** *
Provides quality proteins for muscle tone, function and topline ** As part of a balanced diet
T: +44 (0) 1765 680 300 F: www.facebook.com/britishhorsefeeds W: www.britishhorsefeeds.com 12907.01 ETN Magazine July 2019 v2.indd 31
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ETN|FEEDING VETERANS
SHORT AND SOFT Dengie Hi-Fi Senior is a blend of grass and nutrient rich alfalfa with a light molasses and oil coating. The short chop and soft grass make it ideal as a partial or complete hay replacer for horses that find chewing hay difficult. Dengie Hi-Fi Senior can improve the feed value of a ration, helping elderly animals to gain weight. Its low dust content promotes respiratory health, and it’s highly digestible too. The product can be used as the sole ‘bucket feed’ alongside a supplement or balancer, or added to traditional mixes and cubes.
BALANCED BLEND Mollichaff Veteran, a high fibre forage mix, makes a perfect partial hay replacer. Equally, the easy-to-manage chopped ingredients appeal to equines with loose or missing teeth that cannot chew long stemmed forage such as hay or haylage. A balanced blend of dried grass, dried alfalfa and oat straw, it’s topped with linseed, soya oil and low sugar molasses. There are added vitamins and minerals, plant-based antioxidants, biotin, mint, nettle and salt. Mollichaff Veteran also contains added limestone, plus biotin for healthy hoof growth.
NEEDING CONDITION? Equerry Veteran Mix is designed for elderly equines that need to gain weight and condition. Formulated with high levels of protein to promote muscle tone, Equerry Veteran Mix contains oil and linseed to improve condition and ensure a shiny coat. Made from highly digestible cereals to enhance digestive efficiency and including yeast for a healthy digestive system, it includes raised levels of vitamin E - an important antioxidant. There are also added vitamins and minerals such as magnesium.
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Veterinary approved Spillers’ Senior range gives your customers flexibility of choice and nutritional peace of mind for every type of senior from the young at heart to the retired or health-compromised golden oldie. All products are independently veterinary approved, giving Spillers the first such senior range on the market. Spillers Senior Complete Care Mix supports joints and digestion. It includes glucosamine and MSM, pro and pre biotics, plus an appetising blend of herbs. Spillers Senior Super-Mash for condition and gut health is ideal for those with dental issues. It soaks in under two minutes. High in fibre and molasses free, it contains gut support from live yeast, MOS and FOS.
glucosamine for joint support plus prebiotics and probiotics. Low in starch and sugar, it’s suitable for the laminitis prone. Spillers Senior Conditioning Mix is perfect for active seniors or those who have trouble keeping weight on. Small-sized particles make for easy chewing for those with poor teeth. It contains steam flaked cereals for easy digestion, oil for condition, glucosamine and live yeast, plus chelated minerals and antioxidants. Spillers has a ‘Senior Friendly’ logo to help consumers identify other suitable products within the brand’s portfolio.
Spillers Supple + Senior Balancer is a great choice for older horses that keep their condition well. With a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, it’s high in antioxidants and contains
EASY CHEW FIBRE EquiGlo Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet’s fibrous nature and d easy-to-chew texture make it an ideal partial hay replac cer for older horses with poor dentition. It also contains highly fermentable fibre, which boosts beneficial gut microbes and helps to maintain good stomach and digestive tract health. This quick-soaking feed is made from micronised, unmolassed beet flakes. It can safely be fed to all equine es, including those prone to, or at risk from, laminitis.
Gentle on the digestion Soaked fibre feeds that form a mash, such as Veteran Vitality, are a good option as they are fully balanced and easy to chew and digest, says manufacturer Allen & Page. Using non-GM ingredients, this high fibre, low starch feed is gentle on the digestive system. A prebiotic and probiotic blend is included, plus linseed as a source of omega 3. Highly palatable, it has a good calorie level to help with weight maintenance. Veteran Vitality soaks in less than three minutes. Part of Allen & Page’s Barley & Molasses Free Range, Veteran Light is
formulated for older good doers and those prone to laminitis. High in fibre and low in starch and sugar (less than 10% combined), Veteran Light provides all the nutritional requirements for optimum health as horses get older (when fed at recommended levels), yet still achieves a low calorie/energy level. Highly palatable, it’s suited to those at rest or in light work. WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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Soothe & Gain RETAILER PROFILE|ETN
A High Calorie Conditioning Feed
NEW
• Low starch, low sugar soaked feed, suitable for horses prone to equine gastric ulcer syndrome as part of a balanced diet • Ideal for those in harder work or those that need to put on or maintain weight and condition • High in fibre containing Beta-Glucans • Contains antacids, prebiotics and a probiotic • Fully balanced with vitamins and minerals* • No whole cereal grains, no molasses, no soya and no alfalfa
For more information contact your Allen & Page Area Manager or our Sales Team on 01362 822 900 or email helpline@ allenandpage.co.uk www.allenandpage.com *when fed at recommended levels
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ETN|ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
SUPPLYING THE EQUINE MARKET SINCE 1997 1. Scottish Horse and Pet Supplies Lesley Storrie: 01505 704544
7. SJR Supplies Ltd. Sarah Jakeman: 07973 439881
Based in an equestrian centre approx. 20 miles south west of Glasgow. Lesley lives with 3 horses and six cats! She has also taken part in Dressage and Showing.
Thoroughbreds are Sarah’s passion and she has owned three ex-racehorses. She works hard to ensure all of her stockists (big or small) get the best possible support.
2. David Brown David Brown: 07808 756010
8. A Akers Ltd. Addie Akers: 07887 747967
David has represented Equine America For over 20 years and has an agricultural background. He is also a former National Hunt Jockey.
Addie has been riding since the age of 8 and competed regularly until recently. She has been a distributor for 14 years and has a keen interest in the National Hunt.
3. Irwin Farm Supplies Vicki Potter: 028 3754 9998
9. MJ Equine Ltd. Matt Hoskins: 07974 587136
1
Vicki has been involved with horses for 20+ years, for the past 6 years she has been working for Equine America, using her experience to help her customers.
An FEI Show Jumping Course designer, consultant and rider. As well as being a distributor for 13 years, Matt has strong links to hunting, racing and dressage. 10. KM Elite Products Ltd. Karl Middleton: 01403 759659 Horse racing runs in Karl’s family and he regularly attends the races. He’s been with Equine America since the very beginning and has over 70 retailing stores.
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4. Carl Stocks Ltd. Carl Stocks: 07721 384514
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Our longest standing distributor with 30 years experience. His daughter competes nationally and internationally in Eventing, but his greatest passion is horse racing.
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5. Winners Ltd. Rosie Davies: 07768 288646
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Born and raised with horses, Rosie has been involved in hunting, team chasing and horse racing. She also has 20+ years experience in equine supplement sales! 6. Cathy Lake Catherine Lake: 07768 663232
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Catherine has been involved with horses her whole life in a variety of different disciplines. She has distributed Equine America products for the last 20 years.
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11. Just Equine Ltd. Justin Rushton: 01403 249966 After discovering and trialling Cortaflex for himself 17 years ago, Justin realised his passion for the product and has worked with Equine America since.
Further individual contact information for all of our Distributors is available on our website.
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SUPPLEMENTS Deborah Leabeater (MSc, CBiol, MRSB) has been the nutrition consultant to several of the UK’s leading equine veterinary practices, trainers and studs, in both the Thoroughbred industry, and the competition horse world. Deborah has a Masters’ degree in Equine Science, is a Chartered Biologist and member of the Nutrition Society. Her particular interest is in evaluating the role of the nutrition programme in both optimizing performance, and in managing metabolic disorders affecting performance and race horses such as exertional myopathies and developmental orthopaedic disease, with particular reference to the role of micronutrients. Deborah worked with UK founders Phil and Julie Middleton when Equine America (UK) was in its infancy, and was delighted when sons Lee and Karl took over the reins, and asked her to help with the process of re-formulating the world-renowned product range in preparation for transferring to UK manufacture, as well as obtaining the vital BETA NOPS and UFAS accreditations, ensuring vital quality and traceability assurance for users competing under FEI and BHA regulations. Utilizing the latest research and working closely with colleagues from Equine America’s manufacturing partners, the re-formulation process is almost complete, resulting in a worldclass range of products designed for both elite competition and race horses, as well as those for all riders who wish to promote health and wellbeing in their horses and ponies.
Deborah M Leabeater MSc, CBiol, MRSB.
BETA NOPS & UFAS ACCREDITED FOR TOTAL CONFIDENCE
EQUINE AMERICA UK BEST-SELLERS
Equine America are pleased to announce that they are certified members UFAS & BETA NOPS. By complying with these externally audited schemes they demonstrate their commitment to providing top quality equine feed for our customers. Equine America (UK) Ltd sources ingredients to a strict code of feed safety. Our equine feed products have been manufactured in BETA NOPS licensed premises using quality assured ingredients under strictly controlled production conditions and conforms to the requirements of EU and UK legislation governing the manufacture of animal feeding stuffs. Equine America (UK) Ltd monitors for the presence of specified naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) as required under the rules of racing and other affiliated competitions which are in line with BETA NOPS guidelines. Adherence to these guidelines ensures that the risk of occurrence of such substances is minimised. Stockist and consumers can consistently rely on the quality of the range with each and every purchase thanks to its 30-day money back guarantee for purchases made both in-store and online. Not only does this provide customers and stockists with total confidence in the company and its products, but also confirms Equine America UK’s own confidence in its range.
1. CORTAFLEX Used all over the world, with over two million units sold, Cortaflex products include vital trace elements and precursors (or building blocks) of key compounds that are necessary for the maintenance and repair of healthy cartilage and joint fluid, which play important roles in shock absorbing and lubrication within the joint.
2. BUTELESS SUPER STRENGTH POWDER A palatable, potent blend of natural, plant-based antioxidants, formulated to help maintain joint and muscle comfort, and support peak performance for horses in hard work.
3. PRO-PELL PLUS Pro-Pell Plus is a daily tonic, designed to provide vital micronutrients which are important in key areas for optimum health and performance: Contains high levels of B Vitamins, antioxidants and bio-available trace minerals when horses need a pick-me-up!
4. PRO-GUT BALANCER A unique triple action combination of pre and probiotics, together with a mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), to help maintain the health of the microbial population in light of the many challenges faced by modern performance horses.
CERTIFICATE 6090
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1 2
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5. LAMIGARD ADVANCED CARE PELLETS Low in sugar and starch, high fibre and easy to feed, the pellets contain a potent blend of key nutrient and plant extracts to help in long term nutritional management of horses and ponies prone to both SIRS laminitis and those with endocrine dysfunction.
| www.equine-america.co.uk | 01403 255 809 | info@equine-america.co.uk
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ETN|STABLE, PADDOCK & YARD
Electric fencing:
can we make it safer?
Injuries from electric fences are common, says vet Kieran O’Brien. So what can be done to prevent them? Apart from stake wounds from plastic fence posts - which can be severe, most injuries happen when horses get the wire wrapped around their legs. This can occurs when the horse runs through the fence, kicks out through it, or rolls into it. In my experience, severe wounds such as bone exposure and the severing of tendons and ligaments, can happen with every sort of fencing wire - even with wide tape or electrified rope. Here’s how to mitigate the risk.
RIGHT TYPE OF WIRE It’s generally agreed that plain electrified wire should never be used with horses, as it’s virtually unbreakable and can cause horrific injuries. In principle, there’s no need for the fence to be strong, as the risk of an electric shock is what deters the horse from going through it in the first place. So there’s is no reason why it should be strong enough also to physically restrain the horse.
inappropriate. Its failure to break has certainly caused severe injuries. The thin plastic string breaks most easily, but there are often concerns about its visibility (see below).
HOW VISIBLE? One of the arguments for using tape or rope is that it’s more visible to the horse. But once the horse knows the fence is there, it will never blunder into it in the dark, even when the thin plastic string is used. And tape doesn’t need to be white. Green tape - now compulsory in new equine enterprises in the Dartmoor National Park, along with green stakes is perfectly visible to horses. Indeed, choosing green in any location can help soothe any reservations planning departments have about allowing equine developments on
agricultural land. Fields festooned with unsightly white tape is seen as one of the worst aspects of ‘horsey culture’. Interestingly, because a horse’s colour vision, unlike ours, is dichromatic (they’re able to perceive only two primary colours), a fence that’s orange, yellow, green or red appears to the horse as the same colour.
FEELING IT Horses only respect a fence if it gives them a sufficiently severe shock when they touch it. Energiser manufacturers say a weak or absent shock in 90% of cases is due to failure to earth the fence properly. An earth stake should be as long as possible and pushed its whole length into the ground. Continued on page 38
This is an important point as if the horse runs through it, it should break easily and snap apart, rather than be dragged by the horse and eventually get wrapped around its legs. It follows that, except in very windy sites where there may be no alternative, the electric fence rope in particular - which is extremely strong - may be
A fence tester, even a basic one, is essential. A useful item to stock.
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Electric fences are useful to restrict grazing areas for weight control or rehabilitation.
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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ETN|STABLE, PADDOCK & YARD From page 36
A good tip is to pour a whole bucket of water over it when it’s in the ground to ensure good contact, and to keep it wet. In addition, the fence must be regularly checked for contact with vegetation, which reduces the strength of the pulse.
Break-points are easy to make using cable ties.
Your customers should choose an energiser with the highest output they can afford. Small energisers with short-lived batteries are much less effective, especially if you don’t have a spare immediately to hand. A fence tester is essential and inexpensive. Testers that merely give an audible ‘click’ or show a flashing light are cheap at around £9 and better than nothing. But they are inferior to those which indicate the actual current output of the energiser - and hence the state of the battery - at a given part of the fence. Breaking of the fine metal filaments in the fence is common; so the fence must be tested in several places along its length. Surprisingly, most 1cm and 4cm-wide tapes contain no more electrical filaments (usually four or five) than the thin plastic string. So just because the tape is wider, it doesn’t always mean it gives a greater shock.
INCORPORATE BREAK POINTS Although rarely used, break-points are easy to make using two cable ties for each. This method works well for the narrow tape and rope, but your customers can experiment with each to see how tight the cable ties must be for the fence to slide through the breakpoint when force is applied. When using wide tape, a piece of electric rope must be tied first to the tape and then loops made. For the thin plastic string, metal ‘joiners’ are available. And if the screws on these are done up only finger-tight, they will come apart if the horse pushes hard enough against it.
USE A DOUBLE FENCE Horses interacting across a fence usually a mare on one side and a gelding on the other - is probably the commonest cause of fence-related injuries. And that’s irrespective of the type of fence used and whether electrified or not. Injuries are caused by one horse striking out through the fence, usually the mare. So it’s often safer to separate two groups of horses by making a double fence with a gap of at least a metre between them. Electric fencing should never be used with unweaned foals.
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WHAT ABOUT RUGS? Rugs protect horses from fences. When wearing them, some brazenly try
to push through the fence or graze directly under it with the fence touching their necks. A simple solution is to sew a length of tape to the neck seam of the rug and let the other end dangle down in front of the rug to make contact with the fence.
GOOD OR BAD? There are undoubtedly some horses that will go through, or jump, any electric fence however configured. So this sort of fencing is not for them. Electric fencing should never be used with unweaned foals. But for most, it allows a horse to be contained quickly and cheaply in a specific area. It can be used to separate horses to prevent kicking, to limit the grazing area for weight and laminitis control, and to restrict the available free space for horses being rehabilitated from injuries. Overall, electric fencing is extremely useful. And with a little thought, it can be made as safe as possible.
“Pour a bucket of water over the earth stake - and keep it wet.” WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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EQUESTRIAN MEDIA|ETN
Formulated to Opamise the Bioavailability of Key Funcaonal Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
Maintains well-being and general health Contains ingredients to support healthy joints Apple cider vinegar to increase palatability Maintains the integrity of the natural defence and structural mechanisms Supports the body’s natural inflammaaon process Supports muscle recovery aaer exercise Includes linseed oil which helps to maintain a healthy coat Cracked black pepper to aid bioavailability Yucca to aid digesaon and have posiave effects on the micro flora that occur naturally in the horse's stomach
The Golden Paste Company
www.goldenpastecompany.com | info@goldenpastecompany.com | 01423 503319
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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ETN|STABLE, PADDOCK & YARD
On the home front The right equipment makes any equestrian premises run smoothly. Stocking it can perk up your profits too.
Take it as red ETN quizzes the team at Red Gorilla on how best to buy and sell essential kit. As a retailer, I’m often asked for stable tools. But I’ve always felt they’re a bit too ‘agricultural’ to stock in my boutique saddlery. What can you suggest?
Horse owners’ husbands or partners (aka unpaid yard and paddock maintenance managers) sometimes ask quite technical questions about various tools. What if I don’t know the answers? Good question, but one we at Red Gorilla can confidently counter with the fact that all our products are super stylish, superbly designed, super quality yet super simple! About the most difficult question you might get asked, if the ‘yard manager’ is really bored, is: “Will the bristles fall out of the Gorilla Broom if the head gets soaked in water?” You then assume an Einstein-like pose, suck the end of your spectacles, and say “No.” However, should a total boffin assail you and truly stump you, you’re most welcome to refer them to our website www.redgorilla.red where they can ask away to their heart’s content.
Well, think of them like all the other lovely non-strictly-equestrian things you might stock, such as clothing, jewellery, gifts and so on… and don’t your customers just love them? Red Gorilla presents its products on attractive stands, so it makes perfect sense to dedicate a space to essential, practical equipment which is bright and attractive. And if you’re wondering how a broom or rake can possibly be attractive, check out our ‘matchy matchy’ ranges. From buckets to brooms, forks to feed stirrers, they all come in tasteful hues - and your customers will love the co-ordinated colours to extend their current collections of horsey gear. Don’t underestimate the amount of profitable business stable and yard maintenance can generate. Many horse owners have a different colour per horse, for hygiene, identification and just for show. 40 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019
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What will be the A/W 19/20 season’s ‘in’ colours for buckets, bowls and stable equipment? And what are the ‘right’ colours to order? Having marketed up to 20 colours over nearly 40 years, experience has led us to settle on the six basic colours - blue, green, purple, pink, red and yellow - that everyone actually wants.
Gorilla Tubs and Tyre Rubber are standard stock items; both should always be on the shelves all year round. Gorilla Brooms are a must-have; and the Gorilla Shovel is the colourful, light but strong all-purpose yard tool… pray for a bit of snow! The Tidee range is brilliant for collecting droppings and a saver of tired backs as it reduces bending. Tidees come in two sizes and are great sellers to nonequestrian folk, being of general use just like the tubs; gardeners, pet owners, builders all love them. So it’s a chance to sell to your customers’ friends. Now, if we cheat and include all Red Gorilla rakes as one item, then that’s the six! Of course, we should mention the new Red Gorilla gate and door fittings, the Red Gorilla puncture-proof wheelbarrow and the Red Gorilla Premium Bucket - now available in all ‘matchy matchy’ colours. Tell us about some of your brand ambassadors’ favourite products. Red Gorilla’s youngest brand ambassador Betty Baker recently trialled our Premium Bucket. “It’s really sturdy and great for washing the horses off after a competition,” she said. “The Premium Buckets look good too. I wouldn’t use any other bucket now.” Harry Payne (pictured) is a fan of all Red Gorilla stable management tools - and makes a useful point about the ‘matchy matchy’ ranges: “With plenty of different colours, it’s easy to control cross contamination among different competition horses,” he explained.
You can buy any of our colour range and know you’ll sell it. The exception, maybe, is yellow - a builder’s colour that tends to attract flies! So order away, all the colours are great sellers all year round. What are Red Gorilla’s top six ‘must stock’ recommendations for the autumn and winter ahead? All Red Gorilla products sell and make good profit margins for retailers. That said, shop owners might have space or budget constraints and so wish to carry only the core products, so here goes… WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
19/06/2019 15:13
By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturer of Horse Bedding Bedmax Limited, Northumberland
SHAVINGS
By Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales Manufacturer of Horse Bedding Bedmax Limited, Northumberland
A CONSTANT COMMITMENT
TO YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS… When we began developing BEDMAX shavings nearly two decades ago, our aim was to produce a completely natural bedding that would help combat all the health risks that threaten horses in the stable. We built our own production facility from scratch so we could make BEDMAX shavings the way leading equine experts told us they wanted them: large and resilient, supportive, hygienic and naturally antibacterial, comfortable, protective and, above all, free of airborne dust and spores. Our first customers were equine vets and racing trainers, but more and more horse owners in all areas of equestrian life have come to understand just how important it is to use the best bedding in their stables too. That’s why so many of your customers choose BEDMAX. They trust our knowledge and track record, and our absolute commitment to quality, service and dependability. They trust the BEDMAX brand…
...TO O BE THE BEST WE CAN BE We’ve never stopped investing in improving our standards, our production processes, and our service and support for our retailers. We’ve added two more factories to assure our nationwide supply. We’ve developed new products to give your customers more choice to suit their own needs, and to address the issues that matter increasingly to all of us – we’re always looking for new ways to reduce our impact on the environment, for example, recycling all our waste and making HOTMAX Heat Logs from the dust we extract from our shavings.
We’re doing our best to remain the best choice for you and your customers in every way we can. So if you would like to talk to us about our products or the sales support we can offer you, please don’t hesitate to call us and we’ll arrange for your BEDMAX Sales Manager to come and visit you.
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ETN|STABLE, PADDOCK & YARD
WELL FENCED Calders and Grandidge distributes timber fencing and gates throughout the UK. The materials’ durability is thanks to scrupulous treatment of every item. The Boston, Lincs based firm will be at the Great Yorkshire Show and Driffield Show this summer, showcasing its range and answering fencing questions. A common query is often about Creosote. “Creosote is still widely available for equine/agriculture usage. It’s traditionally been used as a preservative for timber products as it deters wood-destroying insects and wood-rotting fungi better than any other wood preservative on the market,” says Mike Lisney. “For those who don’t want Creosote, we offer a Celcure AC500 Green treatment which is usable for all applications including around domestic properties.”
When it’s off the menu Yukkabed, from Thomas Pettifer & Co, discourages horses from eating theirr bedding. The non-toxic liquid also binds mould and dust spores for a healthier stable environment. Many equines arre inclined to tuck into straw, and some even have an appetite e for shavings and pellets, which can result in colic and other digestive d problems. When mixed witth water, this concentrated formulation can be sprayed onto o the bedding. With each 500ml bottle being sufficient for 100 0 applications, the retail price of just £6.99 makes it an attra active option for horse owners. Yukkabed can also be applied neat to wooden stabling or fencing as a chewing deterrent.
BOREDOM BUSTER The Stubbs Rock ‘n’ Roller from Abbey England is cleverly made in a shape that won’t roll in a straight line. It trickles out treats through a 30mm dispensing hole, which suits most brands, giving a horse hours of fun and a slow eating regime. With no removable parts to lose or break, it’s been tested for impact strength at icy temperatures. With an RRP of £19.99, it comes in red, blue, green, purple or baby pink.
thomaspettifer com thomaspettifer.com
STOP YOUR HORSE FROM EATING BEDDIN NG WITH YUKKABED Safe, non-toxic liquid diluted with water and sprayed on straw, shavings or pellets.
Available from:
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STABLE, PADDOCK & YARD|ETN
New plan to manage mycotoxins Newmarket based vet practice Rossdales has teamed up with animal nutrition company Alltech to make owners more aware of the dangers of mycotoxins to their horses. Emily Haggett (pictured), an internal medicines specialist and partner at Rossdales, had noted a surge in the number of horses presenting with raised liver enzymes. The condition can be attributed to mycotoxins which are produced by moulds commonly found in forages, mixed feed, grains and bedding,” she says. Mycotoxins are implicated in acute equine health problems including liver disease, colic, hypersensitivity, abortions and neurological disorders. Chronic cases can lead to cumulative effects such as damage to organ function, reduced growth, infertility and respiratory problems. Even with the best forage making practices, mycotoxins can still be present.
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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Under the new joint venture, Rossdales is endorsing Alltech’s Mycotoxin Management Programme including Forage Guard. The supplement helps maintain normal equine performance in the presence of mycotoxins in forages and feed. Emily added: “Working with Alltech will enable us to educate owners and help their vets to consider mycotoxins as a possible cause of symptoms. “At Rossdales, our laboratory team frequently deals with blood samples and liver biopsies from horses with liver disease from across the country. Many of these results suggest an issue with mycotoxins. This highlights the need for vets and horse owners to take the problem seriously.” Rossdales is offering owners, via a referral from their regular vet, a complete service from identifying symptoms of liver disease, testing forage and feed, through to management solutions.”
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ETN|LEGAL DIGEST Even the ‘safe’ handshake could be considered in appropriate in some circumstances.
Any alleged act of sexual harassment will need to be investigated thoroughly and individuals adjudged to have been responsible should be disciplined accordingly. Showing leniency in this situation will only encourage this behaviour in the future.
THIRD PARTY HARASSMENT Employers also need to be wary of customer facing staff suffering harassment at the hands of third parties, such as clients and service users.
Kiss and tell When once a handshake would suffice, continental style kissing is now the norm. But could certain workplace greetings qualify as harassment? Many staff feel uncomfortable with the level of physical contact they receive at work. And a significant proportion singled out workplace greetings as particular examples of this, according to a recent survey by Totaljobs. In fact, 76% want the amount of physical contact they experience in the workplace reduced. While 42% would like an outright ban on certain interactions. Specific actions such as hugs and kisses proved especially unpopular, with 27% and 15% of respondents respectively wanting to put a stop to these greetings. While an outright ban on physical contact at work is likely to be extreme, employers should be aware of the dangers posed by overly affectionate greetings, especially given the current climate. The rise of the #Metoo era has seen an added emphasis placed on the issue of sexual harassment and employers need to be committed to protecting staff from harmful situations.
INTIMIDATING Some may not necessarily consider hugs and kisses to qualify as harassment. However, it’s important to remember that sexual harassment is characterised as unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates the 44 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019
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dignity of a worker, or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. As such, organisations would do well to review any long-standing practices when it comes to greetings and consider how these could make staff uncomfortable. Ted Baker is a recent example of an organisation who chose to do so, having decided to refresh its company practices and policies in response to ‘forced hugging’ allegations levelled at the company’s CEO.
“Sexual harassment is characterised as violating the dignity of a worker.” Employers who fail to take sufficient action to prevent and address sexual harassment could end up facing tribunal claims.
Having a clear and reliable grievance reporting measure is important here, as staff should always feel comfortable disclosing any concerns over sexual harassment knowing that the matter will be handled professionally, regardless of who is involved. To summarise, while certain workplace greetings may be unwelcome, it will be difficult to impose a zero-tolerance policy on physical contact at work. Even the handshake, which is often seen as safe middle ground, may be considered inappropriate for those with specific religious beliefs. Therefore, employers should take a reflective look at their existing workforce and current practices and consider how these could be amended to reduce the risk of sexual harassment. • For further advice on this matter, or wider HR queries, BETA members can access Croner’s member support helpline by calling 0844 561 8133 and quoting the membership number. Croner also works with non-member companies.
Well-intended acts can so easily be perceived as harassment.
Therefore, it is important to train all staff on the dangers of sexual harassment and how certain well intended acts may be perceived as harassment by the recipient. WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
19/06/2019 15:13
BETA MEMBERS’ PAGE|ETN
CAN YOU PRODUCE A WINNING DISPLAY? We are thrilled to be organising the Lorinery Display Competition once again, with the support of the Worshipful Company of Loriners. It features two categories - one for bricks-andmortar retailers to create an in-store display and the other designed for online retailers to provide clear, relevant information on lorinery.
members’ page NEWS FROM BETA HQ
Entries are accepted up until 31 August 2019 and the winners will be presented with their prizes at the 2020 BETA Gala Dinner. Please get in touch for further details and an entry form.
Our outing to brilliant Bramham Wow! What a fantastic few weeks we have had since writing our last Members’ Page. The BETA Council gathered for a meeting in the beautiful surroundings of Bramham Park and, while there, we were able see the organising team making ready for the Bramham International Horse Trials, where BETA was a supporting sponsor. The BETA team decamped to Bramham for the duration of the event and chatted to hundreds of visitors, promoted rider safety and took the opportunity to spread the word about the work of BETA and its members. We provided loads of free safety checks for riding hats and body protectors, received a huge number of entries in our luxury prize draw and lots of nominations for the SEIB Retailer of the Year award, and handed out plenty of doggy bandanas in return for donations to the Riding for the Disabled Association. In fact, we raised £135 for this fabulous charity, with all the money going to help fund the RDA horse, which is supported by BETA. We were also thrilled to host the BETA Best Stand Awards and our congratulations go to all the winners: Equestrian & Saddlery: Joshua Jones, Equestrian Clearance Sales, Horse Direct, Wychanger Barton Saddlery and Ayr Equestrian picked up gold
SAVE THE DATE Please pop the following dates in your diary: 3 October - BETA NOPS Conference Venue to be confirmed. Further details will be provided shortly.
standards, and Emerald Green Feeds, the British Horse Society, Equi Travel Safe, Treehouse Sporting Colours, Voltaire Designs and Mansfield Sand took silver.
28 October - BETA Annual Conference De Vere Staverton Estate, near Coventry.
Lifestyle, Pet & Fashion: Gold went to Hunting for Interiors - which also won Best in Show - Carl Scarpa, Samsalin Dog Rescue, Baavet Wool Duvet, Christian Schwetz Photography and Furnish & Fettle, while silver was awarded to Malcolm Tempest Architects, In the Saddle Holidays, SeeSaw Children’s Clothing and Hanbury Watches.
True or false? Test your knowledge by answering True or False to the statement below. The answer can be found at the side of the page.
Food & Beverages: Gold was presented to Crispy Duck Wraps, Pastree and Condessa Welsh Liqueurs, and Brown & Blond took silver.
BETA members can get a free copy of the 2019 National Equestrian Survey overview report.
As ETN went to press, we were all extremely busy preparing for the BETA Feed Conference at St John’s Solihull hotel, near Birmingham, where we were looking forward to hearing a great range of presentations on an exciting collection of feed-related issues. Claire Williams
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT TINA HUSTLER AT BETA
* True
Tel: 01937 587062 Website: www.beta-uk.org Email: tina@beta-uk.org East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22 4AW Claire Williams, Executive Director, claire@beta-uk.org Tricia Nassau-Williams, Field Officer, tricia@beta-uk.org Ann FitzGerald, Secretary, ann@beta-uk.org Deborah Hayward, Press Officer, deborahh@beta-int.com
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
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ETN|CLASSIFIED
Classified Conference
Designed by
Tel: +44 (0) 1937 582111 Fax: +44 (0) 1937 582778 Email: sales@equestriantradenews.com
Saddle Stockist & Saddle Fitters
SAVE THE DATE 3 October BETA NOPS Conference Look out for more information coming soon beta-uk.org
Business for Sale Clippers Business for Sale • On-line, MOTO & direct sales • Clippers, Trimmers, Sharpening & Repair • Includes redesigned Website updated for all devices • 5 years’ Turnover £51K - £138K • Customer records approx. 19200 on Sage data base • Ltd Company, with 27 years of audited accounts • Highest offer secures Please send enquiries to PO BOX 051901, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AW OR bethc@beta-int.com
Shop Fittings Bring your display up-market! (without breaking the bank)
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Makers of shop-fitting systems. for Clothing & equipment: including equestrian centres.
For more information call 01937 582111
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01952 290055
CCJs
Tack Room Solutions Limited 10 Montagu Gardens Kimbolton Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 0JL £9,233
Chart Stables Limited Chart House Dencora Way Ashford Kent TN23 4FH £2,117
The judgments listed are those recorded by the Registry Trust Ltd and appear to be of a commercial nature. Judgments/Decrees can be for damages rather than debts, and their listing here does not imply an inability to pay.
Heath View Stables Limited 43 Manderston Road New Market CB8 0NL £488 Valley Feeds & Angling C6 Duffryn Park 1 Alder Avenue Ystrad Mynach Hengoed £3,089
46 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY 2019
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County Court Judgments from England and Wales and the Scottish version, which are called Court Decrees.
Valley Feeds & Angling Limited Unit C6 Duffryn Park Industrial Estate Ystrad Mynach Hengoed CF82 7TW £198
APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR Dunton Stables Limited Suite D Astor House 282 Lichfield Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B74 2UG
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Snowhill Trade Saddlery
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Windsor Supersoft Lunge Rein
Harlequin Headcollar and rope set
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JULY OFFERS !
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T: 01243 672323 | F: 01243 672424 E: sales@snowhill.ltd.uk | www.snowhilltradesaddlery.co.uk
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Wholesale Saddlery and Country Clothing Suppliers
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Soft Tubular web lunge rein with swivel trigger clip and loop handle.
Nylon Headcollar and matching lead rope with trigger clip.
Product Code: 336 Colours: Black, Navy, Red/ Navy, Purple/Black, Red/ Black
WAS £6.25
NOW £2.50
Sizes: Shetland, Pony, Cob, Full
Product Code: C302 Colour: Navy/ WAS £4.90 Burgundy Size: One Size
NOW £2.50
Summer Sheet Extra deep 100% cotton summer sheet. Crossover surcingles and double chest straps.
Product Code: C666 Colour: Navy Blue bound Red Sizes: 5’3” - 7’0” WAS £12.50
NOW £7.50
Harlequin Wooden Boot Jack with Tread With rubber tread and rubber lined in-step.
Product Code: 362 Size: One Size WAS £4.25
NOW £2.90
Standard Cotton Lead Rope
Standard cotton lead rope with trigger clip.
PACK OF 10
DEAL £10.00
Product Code: C340 (pack of 10) Colours: Black, Burgundy, Navy, Purple, Raspberry, Royal Blue, Red, Tangerine, Turquoise, Black/Purple, Black/Red, Green/Yellow, Navy/ Red, Royal/Red
Rhinegold Adult Leather Gaiters Soft leather gaiters with a comfortable elasticated leather panel at the calf for ease of movement and variation in fit
Product Code: 758 Colour: Black Sizes: S, M, L, XL WAS £17.90
NOW £12.50
New P roducts for 2019 There are many new things happening at Snowhill this year, make sure you have a copy of our new catalogue to see for yourself! Not used us before? If you wish to place an order, call us on 01243 672323 for a trade application form.
T: 01243 672323 | F: 01243 672424 E: sales@snowhill.ltd.uk | www.snowhilltradesaddlery.co.uk 12907.01 ETN Magazine July 2019 v2.indd 47
19/06/2019 15:13
FENCEMAN Protecting Animals and Land for over 20 years
MAINS ENERGISERS
BATTERY ENERGISERS
CONSTANT POWER ENERGISERS
Whether protecting prize winning dressage horses or controlling strip grazing, choose Fenceman for reliability, ease of use and peace of mind. • Range of robust, reliable mains and battery energisers • Effective stock control over short and long distances • Innovative components like our teeth free clasps • Constant power and Solar options
FULL RANGE OF ACCESSORIES A
• 3 year guarantee
www.fenceman.co.uk 12907.01 ETN Magazine July 2019 v2.indd 48
Agrihealth 19/06/2019 15:13