PEOPLE

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CONNIE DALE Connie Dale, a nutrition advisor at Science Supplements, has achieved her Registered Associate Nutritionist accreditation (A.Nutr) and been accepted on to the Register of Nutritionists. Connie joined the equine supplements supplier as an intern having graduated from Harper Adams University in animal science.

Ian Burke is to take over from Tony DeNunzio as nonexecutive chairman of Pets at Home. Burke arrives at the pet retailer from Studio Retail Group, where he has been a chairman since 2017, and as a non-executive director of Intu Properties plc.

ZOE HURST & NATASHA KERIMOVA Zoe Hurst (left) and Natasha Kerimova (right) are this year’s recipients of Abbey England Scholarships in saddlery and leather craft respectively. Zoe, from Wiltshire and Surrey based Natasha have each been awarded £500 worth of workshop tools. Zoe received her award from Richard Brown, CEO of Abbey England, at BETA International 2020. Having studied leatherworking at Capel Manor College, Zoe is currently apprenticed at Cirencester Saddlery under the tutelage of Master Saddler, Laurence Pearman. Although she trained in bridle-work, Zoe would like to do more harness-work in future, including learning to make and fit harness collars. She’s recently worked on a bespoke bridle, replicating a World War II anti-tank gun gaiter and a saddle re-flock. Natasha became interested in leather craft when she attended a two-day leather bag making class two years ago. Further courses and working in her home studio followed before she launched her own leather bag collection called Tenº Cloudy. “Working with leather has become a way to express myself and to find a new role and place in the world after some dramatic changes in my life,” she said. “Leather craft combines so many aspects – art, design, engineering, hand crafting and artisanship.”

MICHAEL BOOTH Cleaning, waterproofing and after-care specialist Storm has appointed Michael Booth as export sales manager. Michael has worked in the outdoor sector for the past six years for companies including Trekmates, Sealskinz and Dexshell.

STEPHANIE BATEHUP The top flight of newly registered AMTRA SQPs were recognised with an awards ceremony during this year’s AHDA (Animal Health Distributors’ Association) Conference. The overall winner and recipient of the AHDA Cup, sponsored by Elanco, was Stephanie Batehup of Carrs Billington in Longtown, Cumbria. Stephanie also collected the Simon Fleet Cup and a cheque for £300 as the top registered animal medicines advisor covering all species. She was presented with her prize by Andrew Wylie of sponsor Zoetis.

AND THE WINNER IS… EMMA WILKES Emma has worked at TFM Countrystore, which is in Whisby near Lincoln, since July 2017. This store features in this month’s ETN Retailer Profile. She was nominated by director Nikki Harris, who says: “Emma joined us primarily to do the buying, but she’s frequently on the shop floor to support our equestrian customers. “In early 2019, I tasked Emma with stocking our shelves with what she thought our equestrian customers would want. My knowledge is not strong on the equestrian side, so I had to put all my faith and trust in her to grow that side of the business. Emma pulled out all the stops, we’ve become a one-stop-shop and our equestrian sales have grown phenomenally. “Emma spends a lot of time helping customers, and is quick to recommend suitable alternatives if we don’t have a specific brand on the shelf.” Since being with TFM Countrystore, Emma has trained with BETA in hat and body protector fitting, is commencing a Level 4 qualification in equine nutrition, and has qualified as an SQP. “She’s a fantastic member of the team who always goes the extra mile for the customer with a smile on her face,” adds Nikki. Emma wins a HyFashion Motion Xtreme Competition jacket worth £109.99. AND NEXT MONTH’S PRIZE IS… A Starter Bucket packed with Lincoln horse care preparations and a brand new product, the First Aid Travel Bag (more details on page 38). The total value is £79.98 (RRP). Battles Shop Assistant of the Month…

NOMINATE YOUR TOP SHOP ASSISTANT: Email their name and your business name to editor@equestriantradenews.com and tell us why this person deserves to win. Please send a photo too.