ETN REPORTING|ETN
TURNING BACK THE PAGES… For more than 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. 20 YEARS AGO…
In March 2015, ETN reported: ● Building work was underway at John Whitaker International’s Rochdale base to double the size of its offices and warehousing. An improved showroom and larger product range were planned. ● British Eventing banned helmets with fixed peaks from the cross country phase of affiliated competitions. ● Vale Brothers and its recent acquisition E Jeffries moved into a new factory in central Walsall. The Jeffries workforce was being kept on with Dave Darley to remain as managing director. ● Frank Baines and Steve Marks were awarded Fellowships of the Society of Master Saddlers. Frank founded his family saddlery business in 1983 and the semi-retired Steve was staying on as chairman of The Ideal Saddle Company.
In March 2000, ETN reported: ● Jeep injected £275,000 into the National Riding Festival, a BETA led initiative. With The Princess Royal as its president, that year’s campaign aimed to give riding more “street cred.” ● The strength of sterling enabled Stubben UK to reduce prices to the trade. A Siegfried saddle was now £411 and a 1000 range bridle £56, down by 10%. ● Dodson & Horrell replaced soya in its Pasture Mix with a British grown cereal protein source. The manufacturer told ETN it was doubtful that any feed containing soya could be guaranteed GM [genetically modified]-free. ● Kickon.com – promoted as “the ultimate equestrian website” – was launched with a lavish London party. Its star contributors included Mark Phillips, Henry Cecil, John Whitaker, Ginny Elliot and Mark Todd. Meanwhile Clarke Willis, Spillers’ former general manager, set up Equestria.Net with special rates for BETA member companies wanting get on line. ● Neil McCarraher started his new job as field officer for the Society of Master Saddlers. Florencia Arrambide became Spillers’ new international development manager.
In March 2010, ETN reported: ● ETN’s report from BETA International 2010 pictured Zara Phillips on the fashion show catwalk modelling her new Musto collection. A gathering or ‘tweet-up’ of equestrian contributors to Twitter was also considered newsworthy. And Abbey Saddlery handed over the show’s main sponsorship to Virbac. ● Sales of equestrian consumer magazines took a hit with Horse&Hound’s circulation down almost 10% to 55,489 copies per week (ABC figure). Your Horse saw a similar percentage dip to 29,802. ● B Jenkinson & Son warned that copies of its Elico Decahedron equine toy could be dangerous. In laboratory tests, the fake product cracked under a 4kg weight. ● Potential suppliers of London 2012 branded merchandise complained they were given a mere 18 day window in which to bid for licences. ● Eventer Oliver Townend was keeping busy. A sponsorship deal with supplements brand TRM and an own brand leatherwork collection produced by Hills Wholesale were his latest ventures.
In March 1990, ETN reported: ● The Indian saddlery industry was advertising for an expert to help them improve production for export. The Kanpur based post involved working with 50 local manufacturers “mostly small and with minimal use of machinery.” A six month contract and a salary of £600 per week plus air fare and subsistence were offered.
FIVE YEARS AGO…
TEN YEARS AGO…
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
30 YEARS AGO…
● At BETA International at Sandown Park, Joules wrote more business in three hours than during the entire 1989 show; while Tom McGuinness told ETN he had quadrupled Horseware Products’ order book. ● G. Fieldhouse Saddlery (Walsall) began distributing Pessoa saddles. And Equi-Brief Underbreeches, with a stirrup foot to prevent rucking up, were a less bulky alternative to thermal underwear for riders ● The latest CAM Equestrian catalogue extended to 100 full colour pages, and was said to list the biggest range of equestrian joinery and equipment in Europe. “From rugs to stable doors, we can supply from our Eardisley [Hereford] factory,” said the company.
EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS MARCH 2020 | 41
