ETN (Equestrian Trade News) – July/August 2024 by ETN (Equestrian Trade News)

Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | Volume 48, No 6

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EDITOR’S COMMENT | ETN

Editor’s comment

hy do riders so often look for someone else to blame when things go wrong with their horses? Saddle fitters are increasingly targeted by consumers when an exciting purchase becomes a case of buyer’s remorse, usually though no fault of the fitter. Saddle fitters must match a static thing (the saddle) with two dynamic things (the horse and the rider). It’s a constantly changing relationship, which is why regular checks are recommended. Yet so many riders just don’t ‘get it’ and – in many cases egged on by their instructor, the livery yard know-all or even a rival (usually unqualified) saddle fitter – proceed to blame the saddle fitter for their horse’s lameness, bucking them off or failure to win a red rosette. Then, despite the fitter trying to explain and put things right with adjustments and advice, things quickly turn nasty as the consumer vents on social media. It’s a phenomenon bit fitter and equine behaviourist Olivia Turner, whom ETN puts In the Hot Seat in this issue, acknowledges. “I see people bashing others online while explaining why they’re so much better,” she says. “It creates a spiteful attitude that almost encourages owners to flit from one professional to another if one little thing is wrong, rather than discussing their issues with the person they just used.” I mention this as Olivia is far from the only one to raise the issue. What a sad thing for good fitters who are doing their very best for their clients and their horses. The tragic death of 36-year-old event rider Georgie Campbell following a fall at Bicton in May shocked the horse world and attracted headlines far beyond.

What a shame her death was so widely reported by the very same mainstream media who give horse sports – even at their glorious, inclusive best – so little attention. Then there was Princess Anne’s concussion, reportedly dished out by a horse’s head or leg. When Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine invited listeners to share their horse-related accidents, inevitably many gruesome ones were recounted. It was enough to deter any parent from letting their offspring go near a horse, ever. A spokeswoman for the RDA did her level best to talk sense over the alarm. And let’s hope the highly-paid powersthat-be in the horse world are countering such unwanted publicity too. Meanwhile, well done to anyone who is working hard to promote horse riding and ownership as a healthy, sociable, life-enhancing activity. A good example is PONY Magazine which recently won a national media award for its PONY Mag Big Day out. The chance for pony-mad kids to take their probably non-horsey parents along to a day of equestrian entertainment, education and fun is fantastic for all concerned. Our industry so badly needs a new generation of riders and owners, and they can only start with their parents’ support. New sponsors are always welcome, especially those from outside the immediate equestrian world. But this did make me smile… “Grandstand Media are thrilled to welcome Demolition Services Ltd as new sponsors of the Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year at HOYS 2024.” Let’s hope the competitors do the opposite of the sponsor’s speciality and leave the fences up.

Liz Benwell Liz Benwell

Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | Volume 48, No 6

INTERNATIONAL SCAN ME TO VISIT

Main sponsor

22-23 SEPTEMBER 2024

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22/07/2024 08:52

Front cover:

The trade is set to gather at the NAEC Stoneleigh on 22 – 23 September for BETA International 2024. For more details, visit Beta-int.com

In this issue... NEWS

PEOPLE

PRODUCT NEWS

BEDDING FEATURE

IN THE HOT SEAT

STABLE EQUIPMENT GALLERY

SAFETY PRODUCTS

BETA BUSTS MISINFORMATION

AMTRA ACCREDITED CPD

BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH

BETA INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW

RETAILER PROFILE

FEED BALANCERS GALLERY

TURN BACK THE PAGES

BETTER BUSINESS

LEGAL DIGEST

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Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 3

ETN | NEWS

ETN NEWS

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 Designed and produced on behalf of EMC by DJ Murphy Publishers: www.djmurphy.co.uk Email: abi@djmurphy.co.uk Tel: 01428 601020 Publisher Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd Editor Liz Benwell Email: editor@equestriantradenews.com Advertising Managers Evie Edgar Email: etn@djmurphy.co.uk Tel: 01428 601031 Abi Cannon Email: etn@djmurphy.co.uk Tel: 01428 601028 Digital Manager Nicki Lewis Email: nickil@beta-int.com 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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Famous brand makes “bold investment” in new managing director Linda Porter – for 17 years the creative force behind NAF – became the managing director for Dodson & Horrell on 1 July. Linda was sales and marketing director for NAF until earlier this year, where she was known for her enthusiasm and ability to ‘sprinkle some sparkle.’ Dodson & Horrell has invested heavily in the manufacturing capabilities and focused on improving logistics and quality in recent years, says director Sam Horrell. “Whilst investment in these areas will not slow down, we are now able to make some bold investments in the brand itself,” he added. “Linda’s decision to join Dodson & Horrell is not only exciting but is a testament to the brand and to the ambition we all share for its future success.” Renowned as one of the equestrian industry’s most creative brains, Linda has a knack for reaching Olympic riders to happy hackers – and involving retailers at every stage. Her team’s striking marketing made NAF’s Five Star portfolio into a household name, while she consistently championed sales through the trade. As she turns her attention to leading Dodson & Horrell, Linda’s effervescent approach will doubtless shake up the feed market.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a well-respected brand, under the secure and passionate ownership of a longstanding family business,” she said. “D&H is rich in traditional values, has the respect of consumers and a vastly knowledgeable nutritional team. “As Official Suppliers of Nutrition to the British Equestrian Team and proud holders of the Royal Warrant, there really is no better place to be… Watch this space!” Linda has always believed in the importance of equestrian retailers in developing consumer trust in brands. She says she is looking forward to building on the strong relationships Dodson & Horrell has with customers and consumers alike. “In all my many years at NAF, so much of what we did revolved around working with retailers and innovating alongside them. It’s something I care about deeply and will continue at Dodson & Horrell,” she said. Sam Horrell told ETN that Linda’s appointment as managing director of Dodson & Horrell will give the brand “a fresh focus and impetus for this new exciting phase.” “Linda's enthusiasm and belief in the Dodson & Horrell brand is infectious and her passion and reputation for building brands is well known,” said Sam. “Linda’s priorities will be to further develop the Dodson & Horrell brand in the UK and internationally, and to ultimately increase sales. We give her a warm welcome.”

Donation is net gain for equines Trickle Net has donated bundles of its slow feeder haynets to each of World Horse Welfare’s four Rescue and Rehoming Centres. The products are designed to manage weight control in horses and ponies.

4 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Trickle Net also ran a fundraising campaign for World Horse Welfare throughout the month of May. “We are delighted to provide any help for the wonderful work they do,” said Trickle Net founder Ellen Chapman.

www.equestriantradenews.com

NEWS | ETN

Summer of safety is underway

 Pictured celebrating D J Murphy’s award for PONY Magazine Big Day Out are Sarah Garland (head of design), Abi Cannon (commercial director) and Zoe Cannon (managing director).

Brand wins big on glitzy awards night Publisher D J Murphy won the Event of the Year (consumer media) title for its PONY Magazine Big Day Out at a national media awards ceremony in June. Presented by comedian Nish Kumar during a glittering black-tie evening in London, the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards are lauded across the UK’s mainstream and specialist media. PONY Magazine Big Day Out – held earlier this year at Merrist Wood College, Bury Farm and Arena UK for hundreds of young equestrians - took the title ahead of events run by the likes of National Geographic and Time Out.

The PPA Awards judges commended PONY Magazine Big Day Out for its deep love of the subject matter, attention to detail and successful diversification. “We are so immensely proud of our PONY Magazine Big Day Out events,” said Zoe Cannon, managing director of D J Murphy. “A huge amount of time, dedication and care is put into making sure every child has an incredible experience and leaves feeling inspired to become the next generation of riders, competitors and equestrians. “Winning this award makes me so happy for the team who work tirelessly to deliver this very special event.”

Show shoppers reveal average spend The average Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) spectator spends between £200 and £500 at the event. Last year, the show attracted a total of 60,372 visitors over five days, says organiser Grandstand Media. Of those, 97.5% indulged in some retail therapy in HOYS’ shopping village. The top three most popular stands, according to Grandstand’s visitor survey, were Holland Cooper, Fairfax & Favor and Townfields Saddlers. Also making the cut in the ranking of favourite HOYS stands are LeMieux, Crafty Ponies, Equidry, Black Heart Equestrian, Aztec Diamond Equestrian, Blackfort Equestrian, HOYS Merchandise, Showponyprep, www.equestriantradenews.com

Horzehoods, Pony Magazine, Joules, British Horse Society, Joshua Jones, Thomas & Co, House of Tweed, Le Beau Cheval and Polished Shoes. HOYS’ tradestand manager Carl Storey told ETN that exhibition space within the 2024 shopping village is already sold out. “We plan to keep the layout very much the same, with the reduced number of stands as this works very well for several reasons,” he said. “I continue to employ a selective process with new applicants, so we can continue to improve the retail offering, keeping the visitors engaged in this area.” The 75th edition of HOYS returns to the NEC, Birmingham in October.

BETA’s fourth annual Summer of Safety is underway with support for the campaign from retailers, brands and riders. “Equestrian sport isn’t free from risk, but through the Summer of Safety, we work with our members across the retail and trade space, to demystify safety, educate equestrians, share some great prizes and celebrate our sport,” said Claire Williams, executive director for BETA. “Although riding hats, body protectors and the associated standards will always make up part of the Summer of Safety, we also look at other aspects, such as feed, tack and yard safety, along with horse health and biosecurity.” The campaign is backed by BETA member retailers who provide professional advice on safety, with many running offers too. Additionally, suppliers have provided prizes, tips and videos that BETA is sharing across its social media. A series of live videos hosted by BETA is planned. The 2024 BETA Summer of Safety covers: • Rider safety – hats, body protectors, shoulder protectors, air vests and safety standards • Tack safety – bridle, bit and saddle safety in addition to leather care • Yard safety - biosecurity, horse health and horse and rider safety • Riding and road safety • Feed room safety For more information, see www.beta-uk.org and follow BETA on Facebook /betaequestrian and Instagram @beta_equestrian.

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Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 5

ETN | NEWS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Saluting the trade’s golden siblings Dear ETN I read with interest the excellent Retailer Profile (ETN, June issue) on the 50th anniversary of Ingatestone Saddlery Centre and its founders, siblings Lynda and Barrie Mortlock. When I sent them my own congratulations, I reminded Lynda (although as it turned out she didn’t need it) of my first meeting with them. I was on my trade stand at the International Spring Fair at the NEC in 1976. It was the first event held there and E Jeffries exhibited as part of W A Goold. Lynda and Barrie came onto the stand with their parents, James and Doreen. They gave me an order for Jeffries coach hide shoulder bags. It was the beginning of a friendship and business relationship which lasted many years. Indeed, I met Lynda and Barrie with their parents on subsequent occasions after that in the early years. There was a strong family bond, and it was plain to see their pride in what their son and daughter were beginning to accomplish. Lynda and Barrie's achievements come out in your feature. But I thought I would add that they are, in my view, a couple of truly exceptional individuals. I cannot think of many who are their equals in the retail equestrian industry in the UK. Their work ethic over the years has been exceptional, sometimes in the face of difficulty. Their combined contribution has been outstanding in taking a small business in B&J Saddlery to what they have now and the efforts they have made in building and sustaining it. Yours etc Mike Williams, former sales director E. Jeffries.

To write a letter to ETN, send an email to editor@equestriantradenews.com

6 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Walsall business leaders welcome new qualification and support networks Key figures in Walsall’s saddlery and leather industry have welcomed a new SEG level 1 qualification in leather. SEG (Skills and Education Group) awards offer regulated qualifications and assessments to advance career opportunities. The new SEG level 1 in leather has been developed by saddlery and other leather trade representatives. “This initiative aims to introduce both students and adults to the rewarding possibilities of leatherwork careers, ensuring a vibrant future for Walsall's signature industry,” said a spokesman. The qualification was introduced during a business breakfast. Hosted by training provider Performance through People, the event gave delegates a chance to network and find out about support available. Among the topics explored were council grants and business service support, opportunities via the Black

Country Chamber of Commerce, trade membership of BETA and the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) and the Made in Britain marque. During the breakfast meeting, Hugh Taylor, Saddlers’ Company Prime Warden, acknowledged the industry's resilience in the face of recent challenges and expressed his hope that the diverse support available would empower businesses to stand out. This, he added, is vital for safeguarding the global recognition and continued prosperity of Walsall's saddlery and leathergoods skills.

Long service with a smile Several Dengie employees have celebrating their anniversaries at the Essex based feed company which began as a farmers’ co-operative in 1968. Helen Smith, personal assistant to the managing director, and Alan Tyler, logistics and bale movement operative, both started work there in 1987. “I’ve had the privilege of meeting most of the founding farmers who created Dengie in my younger years and it’s wonderful seeing their families still being part of it to this day,” said Helen who joined Dengie straight from school. Also marking anniversaries this

year are Trevor Robinson who works in production and has been at Dengie 35 years; David Vince in site hygiene is celebrating 30 years; and Sheena Vella, site operations support, and Julia Sheppard, office administrator, have each clocked up 25 years. Pictured during the anniversary celebrations for Dengie employees, complete with cupcakes are, from left, Ian Hassard (managing director), Angela Downs (company secretary) Sheena Vella, Helen Smith and Michael Pudney (chairman).

Agency rebrands to “reflect journey” Cotswolds based PR agency JB Promotions has changed its name to Coate PR. “We've decided to rebrand to reflect the journey we have been on following my acquisition of the agency in 2022 and to highlight the growth of the business and the support we offer brands and events in our specialist

sectors,” says managing director, April Coate (pictured). Coate PR represents brands and events including Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, British Horse Feeds, The Game Fair, The Golden Paste Company and Bicton equestrian venue. www.equestriantradenews.com

sound sales with

NAF Veterinary Director Dr. Andy Richardson BVSc CertAVP(ESM) MRCVS “The joint structure and associated soft tissue structures have to cope with changes in surface type and can become too accustomed to repeated exercise on the same surface. With the change in seasons or when new surfaces are encountered, at competitions for example, joints are often at their most vulnerable. Recognising when soundness may be compromised and feeding a suitable joint supplement, with plenty of antioxidant support, will help to support their range of motion and help provide flexibility for life.” Five Star Superflex and Superflex Senior – for healthy, flexible joints Supports: • Natural cartilage production • The anti-inflammatory process • Healthy synovial fluid • Natural antioxidants • Tendons & Ligaments Feed Five Star Superflex and Superflex Senior • Natural cartilage production • Support healthy synovial fluid • Target bone health • Aid the anti-inflammatory process • Support the regeneration of connective tissue

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ETN | NEWS

SPONSORS AND SHOWS Event rider death

Event rider Georgie Campbell (36) suffered a fatal accident while competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon on Sunday 26 May. Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 5b however, unfortunately, she could not be saved, British Eventing said in a statement. The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by the on-site vets and walked back to the stable and is uninjured. Ms Campbell (nee Strang) was married to the New Zealand event rider Jesse Campbell.

• Visitors to Hickstead’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting were up by 15% on last year. With 48,300 visiting the show across four days (20 – 23 June), its three grandstands were packed and hospitality places sold out over the weekend. The Hickstead crowd’s enthusiasm appeared to be reflected around its retail areas where 105 stands were trading. “General feedback was that they had a fantastic show,” said Rebecca Swann, head of operations. “A few said it was even better than Badminton, which has never been said before.” The show’s highlight, the Derby held every year since 1961 – produced a popular winner with William Funnell scoring a record fifth victory, this time with Dublon. • LeMieux has extended its sponsorship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)

Obituary

COLIN GORRINGE Colin Gorringe, the founder of Gorringe Sportswear - the Walsall based equestrian clothing manufacturer died on 9 June. He was 96. Colin himself was a well-known figure across the  Colin Gorringe, equestrian industry who founded the in the UK as well as famous Gorringe overseas. Sportswear label, took He was originally British equestrian a professional riding clothing around tailor for a clothing the world. manufacturer in Ipswich, Suffolk. Part of that company’s range was riding clothing. Colin quickly spotted an opportunity to specialise and, after a move to the West Midlands, he founded Gorringe Sportswear in 1967. In the early days, he did most of the cutting on his diningroom table at home while his wife Patricia did the books. In 1974, along with Tony O’Connor as company secretary, Gorringe Sportswear became a limited company. Colin’s son Richard joined them in 1981. 8 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Colin travelled on business extensively, visiting clients throughout the UK and internationally. He specialised in the manufacture of riding leg-wear, often under clients’ own brand names. Thus, he became a key supplier to many famous UK riding equipment retailers. Colin and Richard built Gorringe Sportswear into one of the largest manufacturers of riding breeches and jodhpurs in Britain. During the 1990s came the rise of cheaper brands of riding leg-wear onto the market. Gorringe responded by starting a new company called Ridingwear (Walsall) Limited. At their height, the two companies between them sold between 70,000 and 100,000 pairs of jodhpurs and breeches each year, plus a range of riding jackets. Gorringe Sportswear was one of the original trade members of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), with Colin personally being a strong supporter of its work. He was a regular attendee at the early travelling trade fairs and what became BETA International at Doncaster and Sandown Park Racecourses and the NEC, Birmingham. Colin also attended Spoga in Cologne and was a familiar face at other trade

to support the LeMieux Pony Club Mounted Games as well as continuing being the show’s Official Champion Rug Supplier for a second year. • Bedmax will be the official supplier of shavings for the horses competing at the Defender Blair Castle Horse Trials on 22 25 August. It will be the final running of the event often referred to as ‘Scotland’s Badminton.’ Bedmax also provides bedding for the horses competing at Badminton, Bramham and Burghley. • The Spillers brand is to sponsor the Trailblazers Dressage Championships in August. Trailblazers offers unaffiliated competitors a chance to qualify and compete in dressage, show jumping or combined training at the annual SEIB Trailblazers Championships. The Spillers team will be present throughout the event to provide free

shows in the Middle East and North America. Colin was a keen golfer and, in later years, he played bowls. Although he didn’t have a horsey background, he and Richard occasionally owned racehorses which ran under the company’s colours. “Colin was well-known and respected throughout the UK equestrian industry,” says Mike Williams, former sales director at E. Jeffries. “For my part, Colin and I were very good friends over many years. “We were joint suppliers to Colin Missenden at Harrods’ riding department in London from its beginning. “Under Colin’s watch, Gorringe Sportswear also supplied breeches to the Royal Family, The Royal Mews, the Mounted Regiments and the Mounted Police in London.” Colin and Richard sold the business in 2009 when Colin retired aged 80. “Colin Gorringe was an extremely popular and respected figure in the British equestrian Industry over many years,” added Mike. “He was also wonderful company. He will be very sadly missed indeed.” • With thanks to Mike Williams. www.equestriantradenews.com

NEWS | ETN nutrition consultations, including body condition scoring, access to a weigh bridge and free samples.

in a donation to the charity. Pictured is ex-racehorse Wonga Swinger winning at Hickstead.

• The British Grooms Association (BGA), and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) are working with equine environmental health specialist Equine Bio Genie. The aim is further to educate grooms about biosecurity, says the BGA’s Lucy Katan. “Our products are designed to make life easier, we all know the hard work involved with grooming and stable management,” said Helen Tuckey from Equine Bio Genie.

• Supplement supplier Audevard has partnered with British Showjumping to become title sponsor for the Senior Nations Cup Teams. Pictured is brand ambassador, British rider Skye Higgin.

• Equine insurer Agria is supporting RoR (Retraining of Racehorses), the organisation which promotes the versatility of former racehorses. Agria insurance policies purchased through RoR’s affiliate links will result

• Dressage rider Myles Graham has joined the team of sponsored riders at Premier Equine International. Myles won team and individual bronze medals the Junior Europeans in 2022 and 2023, and has recently topped the FEI Youth rankings. • Dodson and Horrell has been appointed Official Feed Supplier to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). • Horslyx is to be a fence sponsor at this year's Blenheim International Horse

Trials (19 – 22 September). During the event, the Horslyx team will meet visitors, explaining the products and hand out goody bags and money off vouchers to be used at retail stores across the UK. Horses competing at Blenheim will be provided with mini Horslyx tubs. • SEIB Insurance Brokers has formed a partnership with equestrian sales platform Horsemart. The collaboration represents SEIB’s further commitment to enhancing the equestrian experience for riders and businesses alike, says the broker. • Eventing’s British championships are to be incorporated into the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials on 7-11 August. The crowd-pulling competitions, for 40 years run during the Festival of British Eventing, looked to be in jeopardy when Gatcombe was abandoned due to “ever increasing costs.” Hartpury has told ETN that it can accommodate extra tradestands - a bright spot for businesses already hard hit by cancellations of several other major events this season.

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

PRODUCT NEWS New shampoo joins popular range New Silver Honey Hygienic Shampoo from Absorbine combines Manuka Honey and MicroSilver BG to clean and soothe even the most sensitive skin. It joins the Silver Honey skincare range which includes an ointment and a spray gel for minor wound care. Designed for everyday use, the highly concentrated shampoo works into a rich lather, and is gentle enough for use on damaged or broken skin. “We are thrilled to introduce Silver Honey Hygienic Shampoo to our UK stockists and are confident that their customers will love the results it provides when caring for their horses’ skincare issues,” said Rachael Holdsworth, marketing co-ordinator for Europe of W F Young Inc, the home of Absorbine. Launch promotions for Silver Honey Shampoo are in place. The Silver Honey skincare range is available from Trilanco and Battles.

Fly rug scoops with adjustable twin front buckle leg straps. ‘best value’ award andHorse&Rider’s testers said:

Gallop Equestrian’s Classic Combo has been named best value fly rug by Horse&Rider magazine. The accolade lasts for at least 12 months, therefore Gallop – and its retail partners – are entitled to use the distinctive logo for a year or more. Retailing at £30.99, the Classic combo is made in a mesh fabric

Colourful storage bins in three sizes

New Gorilla Bins from Red Gorilla, with their reinforced sides and clip lids, are ideal for storing feed. The weather resistant containers are designed to keep rodents out and feed clean and dry. Gorilla Bins come in red, pink, yellow, purple and blue to match other Red Gorilla products. 30L, 50L and 80L sizes are available. The recyclable product is made in the UK. 10 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

“The rug offered a secure, trueto-size fit with soft, strong mesh that kept insects off the horse. The adjustable straps enabled a tailored fit and the rug stayed in place without slipping. “The fittings were easy and quick to fasten and have stood up well to regular use. Washed well and still looks great.”

Light in weight, making them easy to manage and move – there are reinforced grip handles on each side, the bins are stackable and very strong. “Gorilla Bins are available in three sizes and five colours giving retailers massive ‘shelf shout’ in store, and the Red Gorilla branding assures consumers of the quality they can’t usually find in the ‘multiples’,” says the brand’s Dean Cox. “Products for professionals is what we are all about, and we think this is the biggest thing to hit the equestrian trade since we launched Gorilla Tubs 25 years ago.” www.equestriantradenews.com

PRODUCT NEWS | ETN

UK distributor for European supplement

Equine Products UK is the new UK distributor of P-Block from Global Medics. The supplement, available as a paste or in sachets, is designed to support a horse’s joints, tendons and muscles during and after hard training and competition. P-Block is formulated from MSM, glucosamine sulphate and plant-based ingredients with antioxidant effects, including boswellia. Global Medics is a supplement brand which belongs to the Equine Care Group, an alliance of European vets, scientists and capital funding partners interested in research and product development.

Short and sweet

Handle with care

Equilibrium has relaunched its Stellar All-Weather Safety Headcollar. The improved design has a reusable and replaceable safety quick-release system tailored to the horses’ size and weight. This new version is also more adjustable, lighter, softer and finished with new branding. Equilibrium says that 87% of horse owners use a headcollar every day, making this an essential piece of kit.

A taste of summer

The Limited-Edition Raspberry flavour lick from Likit brings horses and ponies a taste of summer. Available in standard Likit and Little Likit sizes to suit the range of Likit Activity Toys, the new flavour provides ideal equine entertainment or a distraction.

For a not-too-close shave

Liveryman, the clipper brand from Agrihealth, has launched a Covercoat Blade. Using a blade for a slightly longer cut is popular with showing producers looking to create a natural clip, especially for native breeds. www.equestriantradenews.com

Rhinegold Equestrian has launched a long leather riding boot for women with shorter legs and/or petite frames. The Extra Short Luxus Leather Riding Boot comes in four calf sizes, in black and brown and is competitively priced with an RRP of £132.50. The boots’ shorter shaft height avoids them cutting into the back of the knee and being cumbersome for shorter riders. Made in high-quality, durable leather, the elegant design has a mock-croc high top, cushioned insole and ergonomic shape. There’s rear zip with guard plus top snap fastening. “We are incredibly excited to introduce this new riding boot, specifically tailored to meet the needs of petite riders,” said Christine Dale, director at Rhinegold Equestrian. “Our goal has always been to provide high-quality, functional and stylish products for all equestrians, and this launch is a significant step towards achieving greater inclusivity in our product range.” Rhinegold Equestrian is available exclusively from Snowhill Ltd.

Covercoat clipping is also useful on pale-coloured horses when it’s beneficial not to expose the skin to the sun’s rays, for older equines who have developed long, curly coats or to tidy up cat hairs. The Liveryman Covercoat Blade fits Liveryman, Wolseley, Liscop and Kerbl machines. It’s also available with lugs for compatibility with Lister clippers. The RRP is £59.95. Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 11

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

Magazine subscribers get free extras in time for Paris

When you’re dog tired The new Burnham Bolster Dog Bed from Ruff and Rumble comes complete with a double-thickness supportive mattress, durable canvas cover and waterproof inner. Available in denim, olive and stone, and sizes small, medium and large, the stylish beds are made in Rutland. RRPs are from £145.

Entertainment and enrichment

New Unika Balls, made in Italy and available from Equine Products UK, keep stabled horses entertained while enriching their diets. The soya-based treats contain the balsamic herbs thyme, rosemary and mint, and are safe to feed to horses on a low sugar diet. Unika Balls comes threaded on a rope to be hung in the stable, field shelter or horsebox.

Taste of the tropics

Crunchits Tropical is the latest line to join Equilibrium’s low sugar, molasses free horse treats range. Flavoured with summery peach, pineapple and pomegranate, the new product is available to the trade from Trilanco.

12 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Horse & Hound magazine subscribers can now enjoy new benefits included with their regular subscription. For no extra cost, print subscribers get unlimited access to the Horse & Hound website (horseandhound. co.uk) plus the digital page-turner version of the magazine each week on either android or IOS device. Subscribers can access the back catalogue of digital magazines dating back to September 2012 too. All new subscribers taking out a magazine subscription to Horse & Hound have these new benefits included. The chance for magazine readers to catch up with breaking news stories and competition coverage on the Horse and Hound website will prove welcome during the Olympic Games. Says H&H editor-in-chief Sarah Jenkins: "Every reader can benefit from this new upgraded subscription offering. “If you are following any major events this summer, including all

the action from France, you will want to see our magazine previews and form guides, and our extensive in-depth magazine reports. “During the competitions, you'll want to find out in the moment who has passed the trot-up, who has gone into the lead, who has retired, and every other moment of excitement as it happens. “Do take the time to unlock your benefits and start using your subscription to the full before those competitions start, so that you are logged in and set up ready for action. I hope you enjoy our allround coverage, in print and online."

Down to a tee

The new Active Loose Tee from Mountain Horse is a versatile tech top designed for comfort and style. Made from X-cool fabric, the easy-fitting shirt keeps the wearer cool and dry, even when active. With a bold print on the front, and a choice of teal blue, desert red, green and black, the Active Loose Tee adds a touch of flair to a casual riding ensemble. The RRP is £28.

Complete wardrobe for ponies

An affordable, waterproof fly rug joined the Ponie range from Gallop this summer. The new addition creates a complete wardrobe for ponies, reflecting Gallop’s core Trojan range for larger horses. The Ponie waterproof fly rug comes in sizes 3’9” to 5’3”, in 600 denier with a navy top section and soft pink binding with lettering to match the brand’s new combo fly sheet. It has adjustable chest straps, surcingles and leg straps, plus a generously sized tail flap and shoulder pleat to allow wider ponies ample movement.

It’s a versatile rug that can be used from Spring to autumn, making it great value for money. The RRP is £44.99, and trade price £24.99. www.equestriantradenews.com

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ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

Bridle to admire

Breeze through summer riding

Coldstream Equestrian says its new Oxnam collection takes garment ventilation to the next level. The range is made in a sports fabric made using recycled plastic bottles and which offers 50+ UV protection. The Oxnam Show Jacket has an elegant silhouette. Laser-cut hexagonal perforations allow airflow to the rider’s body in areas that retain heat. Oxnam Riding Tights, available in white and taupe, have similar ventilation, plus a silicone grip full seat, hexagonal shaped phone pockets, belt loops and a flattering thick, highcut waistband. The Oxnam Show Shirt has a streamlined look and comes in a moisture wicking, breathable fabric with antibacterial properties. Says Coldstream Equestrian brand manager Charlotte Lawson: “The technical perforation detailing creates a unique style while allowing the rider to keep cool and focused through receiving maximum airflow.” The new Oxnam collection is available from Battles in women’s and Next Generation sizes.

Spot those ears! Woof Wear’s Hi Vis Fly Veil comes in a pink, lime, yellow or orange soft mesh fabric with a reflective forehead and 360° reflective binding. A generous cut behind the ears enables a secure fit under ‘anatomic’ curved bridles. The soft, breathable fabric is designed to keep the horse cool; while the ‘ears’ are stretchy for an easy fit. Small, medium and large sizes are available. 14 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

The new Kudos Patent Dressage Bridle from LeMieux is made in pre-oiled Italian leather with a detachable flash noseband. An anatomically-shaped, padded headpiece allows clearance behind the ears. There’s also a contoured, crystalembellished padded browband and patent leather padded crank noseband with roller buckles. The bridle comes in black/white, black/brown, brown or brown/white in four sizes.

The beauty of greetings cards

The chance to pick up an unusual greetings card or two while shopping is always welcome. So it’s a great line to stock… Driftwood Designs’ card collection features colourful, country-inspired designs by Lizzie Spikes. The artist draws on her Welsh heritage to conjure up lush green hills, valleys and woodlands. Her illustrations also appear on homewares from oven gloves to chopping boards. The cards retail from £2.40 each.

Keep it simple The new Lincoln Horse Care Simply range comprises products at an affordable price point - but without compromising quality. The collection includes Cod Liver Oil Blend, Equo-Cleanse, Biotin Blend, Garlic Granules, Garlic Powder and Apple Cider Vinegar 2.5%. “We are really pleased with our new Lincoln Simply range,” says brand manager Rebecca Howsam. “It offers a variety of horse care products, from our Equo-Cleanse wash through to an assortment of quality feed supplements, to benefit equines’ everyday health and vitality.”

Doubling up

Silvermoor has introduced twin packs of its Grassabix forage blocks. The 1kg blocks are made from dried, compressed grass and come in three flavours TumerAid, linseed and minty unicorn. Grassabix can be fed directly from the bag or soaked in water to make a hydrating mash. The new twin packs come in recyclable paper packaging. www.equestriantradenews.com

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ETN | OPINION

In the

hot seat With Olivia Turner, self-employed equine bitting specialist and animal behaviour consultant.

 Olivia Turner’s roles as equine behaviourist and bitting specialist overlap all the time.

Please tell us about your business. In my behaviour work, I deal mainly with dogs and horses that need retraining and behaviour modification. I also work with cats and even a few parrots. On the bitting side, I travel over the UK to work through and resolve bitting issues with riders. I also sell certain bits and bridles. I also guest lecture at a few academic institutions, do talks for veterinary practices, riding clubs and group clinics for behaviour and bitting – but bitting has become my main business. How did you come to be doing your job? I always wanted to work with animals, particularly horses. I graduated in Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare with a BSc Hons in 2013, then studied Equitation Science in Australia under Dr Andrew McClean. On returning to the UK, I set up my animal behaviour consultancy. Having worked with a number of horses with behavioural issues due to poorly fitting tack, I decided to explore this area further and came across The Academy course run by Neue Schule. I was among their first students to qualify as a bit and bridle fitter in 2019. Who are your typical customers? ‘Happy hackers’ and riders who enjoy many disciplines at a low level. They put a lot of time, care and money into their horses to ensure they’re happy and healthy. I have a good base of professional dressage riders who use me for their horses and clients. Occasionally I’ll see showing, Western, polo and endurance riders for bitting, but these are more niche. 18 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Do your roles as equine behaviourist and bitting specialist overlap? All the time! With every bitting issue comes a training issue or a physical issue which is contributing to or causing the problem. My ability to read a horse’s behaviour helps me identify what the root cause of a problem is; how much is bit related, what bit will help the horse perform better and where to refer the rider if the issue is something I can’t help with eg. saddle fit, dentistry or a vet. Often, I see young horses for bitting, and it’s their very first time having a bit in. So my visit turns into a training session that’s focused on making the experience a positive one for the horse and fitting them with a suitable, comfy bit to get started. What do you get out of being involved with BETA? I joined BETA as a Retail member when I qualified in bitting and was asked to join the Retail committee. I don’t own a shop, but I do trade with bit and bridle brands and work face-to-face with riders. So I have a good feel for what’s popular, what riders want, what their goals are when buying and how much they want to spend. I’ve since been invited onto the BETA Council and Trade Fair committee – and gained a huge amount from my involvement. Other members support me and help with business advice, I’ve made excellent contacts and new trade relationships and new avenues of work have opened up. What are the most common mistakes owners make when managing and training their horses? High expectations! In so many cases

of horses not performing well, it’s simply because the rider is expecting too much. They may have bought an expensive dressage horse, but it’s now got suspensory [tendon] issues and finds it difficult to offer true self-carriage. A bit isn’t going to fix that, but the rider is adamant it will. Too many horses are rushed in their training before ensuring they’re happy and consolidated at the level they’re currently at. Professional trainers happily say some horses take six months to a year to develop at a certain level, yet many amateurs expect their horse to achieve that in two weeks. Another mistake is people buying well-bred competition or sport horses and not giving them a familiar routine, enough exercise or work. This creates problems through boredom – the brain still wants to work and be active, and being unfit and unsupple – making injuries more likely. Bits from top brands often cost more than £100. Is it all marketing hype? It depends on the design and if the horse is bothered by little details, like the exact degree of mouthpiece curve or lozenge size. Some horses aren’t fussed at all; whereas for others, a change in metal or mouthpiece thickness makes all the difference. Material quality is a factor too, especially for synthetic and sweet iron bits. Some cheap copies really aren’t bad quality. However, the finer design details aren’t the same as the originals into which much thought and research has gone. Generally, you get what you pay for, and with a higher price tag comes better overall quality that lasts. www.equestriantradenews.com

What’s been a big challenge in setting up your bitting business? Clients expect me to turn up with a wide selection of bits, so financially building up stock to be used in fitting sessions. Over the last five years, I’ve put huge chunks of my profit back into the business to buy new bits to ensure I can offer something for every horse – and I’m still building the collection. This isn’t a quick money earner. What has made you most proud? Being asked to join The Worshipful Company of Loriners as a Freeman this year is my highlight. I feel incredibly privileged to be a member of such a prestigious, historic guild that specialises in lorinery. I also feel proud to be recognised by many top riders as a good bit fitter. Watching their horses win competitions in bits I’ve fitted is very fulfilling. What would you change about the equestrian industry? More professionals should support each other, especially those in the same field, like bit fitters. There’s a lot of competition out there to be the most popular with clients, and I see people bashing others online while explaining why they’re so much better. It creates a spiteful attitude that almost encourages owners to flit from one professional to another if one little thing is wrong, rather than discussing their issues with the person they just used. There are plenty of clients to go round and ultimately our aim should be to help the horse. I always learn something new from other professionals; it’s vital that we work holistically together for the horse rather than our own egos. How do you relax at the end of a busy working week? A good long walk, somewhere quiet and remote, really helps me switch off. Stumbling across a lovely pub for a roast and few drinks is a bonus.

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 Olivia Turner trained as a bit and bridle fitter having worked with horses with behavioural issues due to poorly fitting tack.

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Made in England Since 1836

ETN | SAFETY PRODUCTS 2 4

Safety with style As well as protecting riders, the best safety gear looks and feels good too. 1

Austrian design joins body protector market

Zebra Products is the exclusive distributor of Komperdell body protectors in the UK and Ireland. Komperdell is an Austrian company that also makes protective equipment for motorcycling, skiing and cycling. “I already knew of the [Komperdell] brand and saw that they were very busy at spoga horse [the German trade exhibition] this year,” said Zebra Products’ managing director Simon Middleton. “I visited their Austrian HQ, and could immediately could see a synergy. “We look forward to making Komperdell a household name here in the UK equestrian market as we have done over the years with uvex [riding helmets].” The Komperdell Safety Vest complies with BETA Level 3 (EN13158:2018). 2

Red for danger

A red ribbon in the tail is a traditional warning that a horse may kick. It’s also a useful device to keep others at a safe distance in a competition warm-up arena or out hunting. The Equetech Competition Warning 20 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Tail Ribbon is a quick and easy, smart solution to pop onto a horse’s tail when needed. Made from luxurious satin polyester, it has a clip on the back to attach to the tail. It fastens to plaited or unplaited tails. The tail ribbon is also available in blue (sometimes used to indicate a stallion), green (for a novice), pink or red. The RRP is £5.95. 3

Staying safe on the yard

The Stable Tidy from Stubbs England addresses two key safety issues on stable yards – biosecurity and keeping kit from under horses’ feet. By installing a Stable Tidy outside every box, each horse’s grooming kit, boots, bandages and so on can be kept separate, reducing the chances of the cross-infection of skin diseases. On a happier note, the Stable Tidy keeps kit secure and off the floor in the yard, stable and horsebox. Horses are less likely to get spooked or tangled by treading on stray kit, and sweeping up becomes a whole lot easier with a clear run. Made in ultra-rough Stubbythene, the Stable Tidy has safely rounded corners,

a thickened rim for rigidity and a drain hole. It comes in red, white, blue, black, green, purple, pink, yellow and apple green. A great way for each horse to have its own colour-coded place to store kit. 4

New collection arrives

The new X-Air Nova Series from Champion comprises two jockey skulls and two peaked helmets. All models feature the brand’s X-Air ventilation system and are available with or without the Mips safety system. Champion says that making Mips optional ensures there’s an X-Air Nova helmet for riders of all levels and budgets. Pictured is the Revolve X-Air Nova Mips jockey helmet. The lightweight fibreglass shell has a sanded glitter and lacquered finish and comes in a choice of five colours - black, silver, rose gold, teal and blue. There’s a four-point perforated leather harness with rear lacing, plus removable, washable helmet liner. This helmet conforms to British PAS 015 2011 and VG1 01.040 2014-12 safety standards and is British Kitemarked to PAS015 2011. www.equestriantradenews.com

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ETN | SAFETY PRODUCTS 5

5 Snug, lightweight protection

The Rhinegold BETA certified 2018 (Level 3) Body Protector is snug fitting and lightweight. Relatively small segments of padding make it comfortable and flexible to wear. Complete with luminescent piping for increased visibility, it has a double touch tape fastening and coloured safety markers to indicate correct closure. The front clip belt is easy to fasten and has elastic straps to add yet more comfort around the ribcage. The body protector is available in a wide range of sizes for children and adults. RRPs are £108.95 for adults and £69.50 for the children’s sizes. Available from Snowhill Trade Saddlery. 6

In the pink

The Point Two ProAir Hi Viz Pink Air Vest provides the promise of protection and visibility for hacking. Lightweight but durable, it’s a popular choice for leisure riders of all ages. “You won’t remember wearing the ProAir until you need it,” says Point Two. The air vest comes with a pleated neck for optimal inflation time. 22 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit over additional clothing, and the extended tail covers the lower back and pelvis areas. A bayonet-style connector makes it fast and easy to change the canister and reduces the risk of improper installation. There’s a lifetime warranty on the airbag component, subject to annual service. The vest comes in a choice of other colours. 7

A must-have for hacking

The Woof Wear Hi Vis Vest complies with the EN17353:2020 standard for enhanced visibility equipment for medium risk situations. Being hi-vis and reflective, it’s designed to make riders visible to motorists. The vest is made from breathable fabric with adjustable straps and elastic gussets for a snug fit combined with freedom of movement. It’s available in a range of adult and junior sizes in yellow or orange. 8

Extra layer of visibility

Hy Equestrian puts safety first with its

‘ultimate visibility’ ranges for horse and rider. Every piece is designed to add an extra layer of visibility without compromising on style or comfort. Pictured are items from the brand’s Silva Flash collection. 9

Flexible protection

The Charles Owen Kontor is a superflexible body protector blending style with comfort and high-impact protection. Combining good looks and safety, its body-slimming design makes every rider feel fabulous too. 10 In-the-saddle safety

The outer branch of Safe-On safety stirrups by Flex-On opens in the event of a fall. Elastomers absorb shock to protect joints, an off-set leather slot keeps the stirrups at an optimum angle, while a slightly tilted tread helps the rider’s leg position. Adult and children’s Safe-Ons can be customised with eight frame colours, 22 elastomer colours and 17 colours for the opening arm. www.equestriantradenews.com

ETN | CPD FEATURE

Balancer 101

Good nutrition is all about balance and while many horses don’t need the calories provided by compound feed, they do require essential nutrients. SPILLERS nutritionist Sarah Nelson explains the when, why and how of feeding a balancer, dispels some common myths and shares tips on helping customers choose the most suitable option for their horse.

 Balancers contribute minimal calories, sugar and starch to the diet.

Photos: Sari ONeal/Shutterstock.com, Nicole Ciscato/Shutterstock.com

ABOUT ETN’S RAMA/ SQP FEATURES

ETN’s series of CPD features helps RAMAs (Registered Animal Medicines Advisors/SQPs) earn the CPD (continuing professional development) points they need. The features are accredited by AMTRA, and highlight some of the most important subject areas for RAMAs/SQPs specialising in equine and companion animal medicine. AMTRA is required by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations to ensure its RAMAs/SQPs undertake CPD. All RAMAs/SQPs must earn a certain number of CPD points in a given period of time in order to retain their qualification. RAMAs/SQPs who read this feature and submit correct answers to the questions below will receive two CPD points. For more about AMTRA and becoming a RAMA/ SQP, visit www.amtra.org.uk 24 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

What is a balancer?

Balancers are small, nutrient dense feeds (normally pellets), designed to provide a concentrated supply of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Due to the low feeding rate, they contribute minimal calories, starch and sugar to the diet, making them ideal for good doers, including those prone to excitability and laminitis. Many balancers also include added functional ingredients such as pro and prebiotics for digestive support or glucosamine and MSM to support joint health.

Feeding rate

Most pelleted balancers are designed to be fed at rate of 100g per 100kg bodyweight per day (alongside a forage only diet) which DID YOU KNOW? is equivalent to 500g per day for a 500kg The recommended horse. Customers feeding a balancer amount of balancer is alongside another feed containing approximately 4-6 times lower vitamins and minerals should reduce the in energy (calories) than the amount accordingly. For example, feeding recommended amount of a half the recommended amount of balancer low-calorie mix or cube? alongside half the recommended amount of compound feed generally works well provided the additional calories provided by the compound feed are needed!

When should I recommend a balancer? Balancers are ideal for horses and ponies that maintain weight easily (or too easily!) on forage

www.equestriantradenews.com

CPD FEATURE | ETN alone, but they are also a great way of topping up vitamin and mineral intake in those that maintain weight easily on less than the recommended amount of compound feed (other feeds containing added vitamins and minerals). They can also be recommended to customers who prefer to use feeds without added vitamins and minerals as the main ‘bucket feed’ such as sugar beet, alfalfa and grass nuts/ chaff.

Why are balancers necessary?

While forage only diets can easily meet or exceed energy (calorie) requirements for good doers, they may fall short of key nutrients including copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and lysine. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, essential for supporting muscle and immune health. Free access to green pasture may provide sufficient (although not necessarily optimum) amounts of vitamin E to meet maintenance requirements and in some cases, work requirements too, but levels in hay and haylage may be negligible. Vitamin A Beta-carotene (which gives carrots their orange colour) in forage is converted to vitamin A in the small intestine and to some extent the liver. Horses with access to grazing are unlikely to be deficient in vitamin A but hay and haylage shouldn’t be relied upon to meet requirements. It’s been reported that approximately 80% of the beta-carotene in hay is lost during harvest, with levels continuing to decline by around 6-7% per month of storage. Zinc, copper and selenium Although balancers are of increased importance for those on a calorie restricted diet, even unrestricted access to average grazing may fall short of copper, zinc and selenium requirements. Protein and amino acids The quality of protein in the diet is equally as important as the amount. Proteins are made up building blocks called amino acids, with protein quality determined by the profile of amino acids. There are 21 amino acids in total, 9 of which are called ‘essential’ because they can’t be produced by the body and must be provided in the diet. Dietary protein is broken down into amino acids and rebuilt (protein synthesis) to form proteins that are needed by the body. For protein synthesis to occur, amino acids need to be present at a specific ratio. If one amino acid is deficient, protein synthesis is limited, even if all other amino acids are over-supplied. Of all the essential amino acids, lysine is considered most important and the one most likely to be deficient in the diet. Lysine plays many essential roles, including muscle building, maintenance and repair.

The simple approach

Consider which, if any, functional ingredients (e.g., joint and digestive support) may be most beneficial. If customers are simply looking for essential www.equestriantradenews.com

nutrients to balance forage, look for a balancer without the added bells and whistles.

DID YOU KNOW?

The aim of dieting (for horses and humans) is to lose fat but inevitably, some of the weight lost will be muscle. However, this will be exacerbated if amino acid and in particular lysine requirements are not met, as the body will begin to break down muscle tissue to try and meet demand.

Hold the iron!

Advise customers to look for balancers without added iron - iron deficiency in horses is extremely rare and forage typically exceeds requirements, even in horses fed restricted rations. As iron is also one of the few minerals that can be harmful at relatively low levels, it’s sensible to avoid any unnecessary excess intake.

The truth about ‘lite’ balancers

You could be forgiven for thinking that ‘lite’ means lower in calories but in truth, ‘lite balancers’ are not significantly lower in calories than any other balancer when fed at the recommended amount (stud balancers are an exception to this rule). However, some ‘lite balancers’ may have additional benefits to offer. Look for products specifically formulated to balance a calorie restricted diet such as those based on restricted forage, soaked hay or where straw is used as a partial forage replacer. Some balancers may even contain ingredients to help support a healthy metabolism but consider balancers without probiotic live yeast for overweight horses. Live yeast may help to improve fibre digestion in the hindgut and while this might sound like a good thing, improving digestive efficiency yields more calories! In fact, recent research found that in weight loss resistant ponies, microflora involved in fibre digestion may adapt to become more prevalent/ more efficient!

Balancers are not conditioning!

The term ‘condition’ can mean different things to different people. To some for example, ‘condition’ may encompass topline as well as skin, coat and hoof health but when it comes to diet, ‘condition’ means fat coverage and ‘conditioning’ feeds are designed to promote weight gain or maintenance in those with high energy (calorie) requirements. While some balancers may contain the same level of calories as a conditioning feed on a kilo for kilo basis, they still contribute minimal calories to the diet when fed at the recommend amount.

Calorie comparison Approximate ‘calories’ per kilo (MJ DE)

Approximate ‘calories’ per typical daily serving for a 500kg horse in light work (MJ DE)

Balancer

9-12

4.5-6

Low calorie cubes

8-9

24-27

Low calorie mix

9-10

27-30

Conditioning cubes/mix

12-13

36-39

Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 25

ETN | CPD FEATURE Stud balancers

Although the feeding rate for stud balancers is higher (due to high level of protein and amino acids required for foetal development, lactation and growth), they are still significantly lower in calories than traditional stud feeds per daily serving. Recommend a stud balancer for: • Mares in late gestation (advise introducing in month 8) • Lactating mares • Foals and yearlings • Stallions regularly used for covering/ collections Changes in feed are generally unnecessary for mares in early and mid-gestation (provided they don’t have a foal at foot) and stallions only covering a few mares per season, provided their diet is already balanced and they are maintaining a healthy body condition.

Balancers vs vitamin and mineral supplements

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the difference between a balancer and a vitamin and mineral supplement you’re not alone – it’s a common point of confusion. • Format: balancers normally come in pellet form while vitamin and mineral supplements are often a powder. This means balancers can be fed on their own (although they are often fed alongside a chaff) whereas vitamin and mineral supplements need to be mixed into a small amount of feed.

• Nutrient supply: balancers provide amino acids such as lysine while vitamin and mineral supplements contain very few if any amino acids. • Feeding rate: most pelleted balancers are designed to be fed at 500g per day for 500kg horse vs approximately 40-150g for a powdered vitamin and mineral supplement which sometimes leaves owners concerned about feeding unnecessary calories. Although pelleted balancers provide more calories, the difference this makes to the overall diet is negligible in most cases, especially for those with access to grazing.

RAMA CPD QUIZ

Select your answers and submit them at www.Equestriantradenews.com under the CPD section Most balancers are designed to be fed at a rate of: A. 250g per day for a 500kg horse B. 500g per day for a 500kg horse C. 1kg per day for a 500kg horse Which of the following statements is true? A. Balancers are ideal for good doers prone to excitability. B. Balancers are ideal for poor doers prone to excitability. C. Balancers are not suitable for horses and ponies prone to excitability. When compared to a low-calorie mix/ cube on a ‘per daily serving’ basis, balancers are approximately: A. 4-6 times lower in calories B. 4-6 times higher in calories C. 10 times lower in calories

 Balancers normally come in pellet form.

A stud balancer should be recommended for mares: A. Prior to covering/ insemination B. From early gestation C. In late gestation and during lactation For overweight horses, it may be helpful to avoid balancers containing: A. Glucosamine B. Probiotic live yeast C. MSM It’s sensible to avoid balancers containing added: A. Iron B. Selenium C. Copper When fed at the recommended amount, ‘lite’ balancers are: A. Higher in calories than most other

RAMA CP Questio D n July/Au s gust 2024 E TN

balancers B. Lower in calories than most other balancers C. Not significantly lower in calories than other balancers Stud balancers are designed to be fed at: A. A lower rate vs ‘regular’ balancers B. The same feeding rate as ‘regular’ balancers C. A higher rate vs ‘regular’ balancers Beta carotene in forage is converted to: A. Vitamin A B. Vitamin E C. B vitamins Balancers are designed to provide a concentrated supply of A. Vitamins B. Vitamins and minerals C. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids

Submit your answers online at www.equestriantradenews.com under the CPD section. 26 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

www.equestriantradenews.com

BETA TRADE FAIR

NEEDS Don’t get FOMO get to BETA 22nd and 23rd September, 2024 Stoneleigh Showground. Since 1979 BETA has been the place for UK equine to meet and do business.

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ETN | BETA INTERNATIONAL

Why come to BETA International? We caught up with three seasoned visitors to find out why they make the trip annually, and asked them to share their top tips for a successful visit: Jo Boyd – Wadswick Country Store:

“I’m a Director at Wadswick Country Store, our family has been trading in the equestrian retail market for over 30 years. I joined our business in 2012 and have attended BETA International every year since. As a business we’ve been going for much longer… when the trade fair was at Sandown. “Although it’s not always easy to take time out of the office, for many reasons BETA International always has a place on our calendar. Each year we go with the hope of meeting new brands and exciting products to buy for our store, we’re looking for product innovation and newness, hints of where the industry is headed. Equally important is catching up with people, whether that’s trade suppliers or other retailers who we’ve

Nicola Preston – Speedgate Enterprises:

“I am Nic (Nicola) Preston from Speedgate Enterprises Ltd, a retailer based in Kent. I’ve been visiting BETA International for over 10 years now and the date is always firmly in my calendar. It is a great opportunity to see new products and innovations in the industry, catch up with existing suppliers as well as catching up with fellow retailers. “I have always enjoyed attending the show, there are lots of opportunities to pick up merchandising/display ideas from stands, gain CPD points if needed from the seminars plus certain show 28 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

GET YOUR FREE TICKET BY SCANNING THE QR CODE HERE

22-23 September 2024

grown to think of as friends over the years. Comparing notes on new products and how trade is for everyone helps you to feel part of a wider community. After every visit we will come away with new ideas, whether that’s a new way of displaying something in store or perhaps a seed sewn for our next development area in the business. “Additionally, BETA International has interesting speakers that would benefit other members of our team and there are always CPD points to be gained. This year in particular we’ve made a note to bring members of our marketing and ecommerce team for the first time. Having extra members of the team there can be invaluable as they are bound to spot something we haven’t and always offer a different opinion.”

offers can allow you some extra margin. “My advice if you are a new visitor is to plan your visit, book appointments in advance for those suppliers you know you want to see, look at the speakers you may want to listen to but ensure you also leave yourself time to visit the Horse & Rider New Product Showcase. “Finally the party on the Sunday is always a good excuse to get dressed up!”

Matt Severn – Manor Equestrian:

“As the founder and co-director of Manor Equestrian, I’ve probably been attending BETA International now for about 8 years and before this I used to visit when I was involved with the former family business, Martins Farm. “There’s certainly been a lot of changes over the years, but what’s never changed is the great opportunity it provides to not only catch up with suppliers and see new innovative product launches, but to socialise with others in our trade and understand our industry. “You might be thinking you’ve all the brands/suppliers needed, but I’d also advise a good walk round as you just don’t know who or what you’ll find around the next corner, which may just be the missing item for your business. Plus take time for a pit stop coffee break, as it’s always when you end up getting into conversation with someone, which maybe the conversations that leads to something you’d least expect!” www.equestriantradenews.com

BETA INTERNATIONAL | ETN

See you at Stoneleigh…

The clock is ticking with BETA International just a few weeks away, but what makes this event so special? Is it the people, products, atmosphere, seminars, or the connections and relationships that the event allows to build? We find out…

ETA International is delighted that Neue Schule is continuing its sponsorship by supporting the 2024 and 2025 shows that provide the setting for where the equestrian trade meets to do business. With BETA international 2024 fast approaching, we spoke to Sarfraz Mian, Neue Schule’s CEO, about the opportunities that BETA International holds and how to get the most out of the show. Why do you think BETA International is so important? BETA International is a long-standing trade fair with spectacular standing around the world. I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to many equestrian trade fairs and the reputation that BETA International has is second to none. We need to think about why it is that people attend, and it’s because in this connected world, there’s still a lot of value in meeting people face to face, nothing has displaced this. Our industry is about products, and what better way to see them first hand and, at the same time, speak about those new and interesting products with the people behind them, who are championing them to the industry? Does meeting face to face rather than screen to screen really make a difference? Covid presented huge challenges and represents a bit of black hole for everyone. It caused people to change how they do business with everyone having to move online for a while. But, within the equestrian sector and within all business really, there has been this incredible recognition of the importance of face to face and the extra benefits this has. So many businesses across the world are now saying we need to be meeting because there’s so much value in that. When you’re meeting people in real life, you can be so much more effective.

Many people commented on the ‘buzz’ around the 2023 show, can you tell us your take on it? We have a vested interest in the trade fair as the main sponsor, something we’ve done for many years, and we exhibit as well, so we have many different views. What was quite brilliant last year was that there was a reduction in the number of days, but what this did was concentrate people’s visits which made for a busy hall, a dynamic atmosphere, strong conversations, and reigniting that great atmosphere that we have seen previously. More and more people have started coming back to the event, which is fantastic. With the changing way we do business now, is the show still important from an international point of view? BETA International is really a showcase, and over many years we have seen the show as a magnet for companies from right across the world. I’m very confident that this year we’ll have exhibitors, retailers, and visitors from many countries across the globe. One of the most important things in any sort of business is relationships, and BETA International provides a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old business trading partners, identify news ones, and really cement those relationships. When things are challenging, and there’s no escaping that the current economic conditions we find ourselves in are not the easiest we’ve had, it’s really important that people double down on the relationships that they have created, to capitalise on the support and the insight from the experts that are out there within the industry.

 Neue Schule team at BETA International 2023.

 BETA International bag ready for a busy day.

Find out more about Neue Schule at www.nsbits.com, and make sure you go and see the team at BETA International.

www.equestriantradenews.com

Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 29

ETN | BETA INTERNATIONAL

NEW Feed Hub to feature at BETA International BETA International is delighted to welcome a new feature – the Feed Hub – to this year’s event. Designed to provide feed companies with an area to showcase their brand, one of the biggest attractions in this area will be a dedicated talk area that will see the brands exhibiting present feed, nutrition and horse care related content to the assembled visitors. There will also be CPD points on offer for some of the talks, and the opportunity to ask questions of the people presenting. “We’re excited to welcome more feed brands to BETA International,” said

Claire Williams. “Feed and supplements make up such a huge part of the industry and we wanted to create a place where education around these

essential products was a priority.” If you’re a feed or supplement company looking to get involved, please contact sales@beta-int.com.

Welcome to the evoke® Seminar Theatre! This year’s evoke® Seminar Theatre schedule is coming together, and we wanted to give you a sneak peek at just some of the talks that will be hosted on the stage over the two days at the show … from the speakers themselves! Sarfraz Mian, CEO of title sponsor Neue Schule, will be chairing the Talking Business panel. This was a new feature for last year and proved so popular that it’s being run on both days this year: “One of the fantastic things we have at BETA International is a lot of very capable people with a lot of expertise in the Equestrian Sector. During the panel discussion, in a very short space of time, people had the unique opportunity to tap into that wealth of knowledge. People were able to quiz the panel members, asking questions relevant to them, regardless of where they find themselves in the evolution of their business or the type of business that they’re operating. I learnt lots myself!” Marcus Cridland, joint Managing Director of Shires Equestrian, will returning as a panellist on the Talking Business panel this year: “I am thrilled to have been asked back to participate as a member of the panel for Talking Business. I think it is

vitally important to have open discussions among customers, and others in the industry, if nothing else to share problems, frustrations, as well as successes. So much of what we all do in our working lives revolves around relationships, and the more we openly communicate with colleagues, friends and customers, the easier it is to build on those relationships and work through challenges that present themselves.” Hillary Cowley, Deputy Chief Executive of AMTRA (Animal Medicines Regulatory Training Authority) will be speaking on Monday: “I will be speaking about the evolution of VPS medicines and the regulation of SQPs. Within this I will focus on what has influenced legislation and what is shaping and influencing this section of the animal health industry that is so unique to the UK.” Rhea Freeman, award winning PR adviser and social media expert will be speaking each day: “I’m excited to speaking about influencers and sponsors - how both can work together for better outcomes, being clear on expectations, and some ideas for how brands can utilise the skills and reach that many influencers have, to help grow their business and revenue.”

The full schedule for the evoke® Seminar Theatre will be released on the BETA International website over the next few weeks, but safe to say, there’s going to be a lot of great opportunities. For more information see www.beta-int.com

30 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

www.equestriantradenews.com

Frivolous Fox Lim ited Edition Pr int

Visit the Battles website to view more limited edition prints Become a stockist today 01522 529 206 www.battles.co.uk

22nd - 23rd Sept, NAEC Stoneleigh

ETN | BETA INTERNATIONAL

Not sure what to stock? BETA International’s NEW Best Seller Spotlight is the place for you! As BETA International edges ever closer, the organising team is delighted to unveil one of the new features at the 2024 event, the Best Seller Spotlight. The new area is designed to highlight the hero products from the companies exhibiting at the event, to make it even easier for retailers to stock sure-fire hits! This new feature will be set up to provide visitors to the show with inspiration, ideas, and a visual ‘list’ of products that exhibitors know are must stocks for any retailer. Next to each entry there will be a card containing the salient points, allowing visitors to make notes or add that exhibiting brand to their ‘must visit’ list to get more information. “The Best Seller Spotlight has been created as a direct response to feedback, and we are excited to see it at this year’s show,” said Claire Williams from BETA International. “We understand how daunting it can be to see so many products and not really know where to start, particularly for new retailers and those looking to add new brands to their existing range in store. This way, retailers can look at the Spotlight, see gaps in their current stock, and feel more confident when going to speak to exhibitors and place orders. We

think it’s going to work really well, and we look forward to being able to support retailers and exhibitors in this way.” The Best Seller Spotlight perfectly complements the popular Horse & Rider New Product Showcase allowing visitors to see the most popular staple products alongside new innovations.

For more information on BETA International or to get a FREE TICKET FOR THE 2024 EVENT (22nd-23rd September at NAEC Stoneleigh), see www.beta-int.com.

Equilibrium Products’ export business grows thanks to a BETA International meeting A meeting at BETA International has boosted Equilibrium Products’ export business growth in Indonesia, with three members of the Jakarta based team at Equine Resources Indonesia recently making the trip over to the company’s Bedfordshire headquarters. Hannah Donnelly, Head of International Sales for Equilibrium Products said: “We’re really excited to work with Equine Resources Indonesia in their mission to improve horse welfare, and educate horse riders in Indonesia about the importance of buying quality and researched products. Our passion is to improve the lives of horses and riders around the world, and partnerships like these help spread that vision – we can’t wait to see where this relationship takes us!” Equilibrium Products’ range of equine products with welfare at the core continues to grow. The company is exhibiting at BETA International 2024, so make sure you go and check out the latest innovations on the stand. Find out more at www.equilibriumproducts.com

32 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

www.equestriantradenews.com

FEED BALANCERS | ETN

Tipping the balance Balancers are a must-have product category which most consumers buy from their local merchants. 1

When every calorie counts

TopSpec Lite Feed Balancer is ideal for overweight equines, when fed as part of a calorie-controlled diet. “These are the equines for whom every single calorie counts, and we do not believe you will find a lower calorie feed balancer anywhere,” says TopSpec. The cereal-grain-free, low sugar and starch, non-heating, high fibre formula offers a considered level of protein to help maintain muscle function but avoid promoting body condition. Offering good doers all the micronutrients required to balance the diet for light to medium work, the palatable product can be fed on its own, or with a little TopChop Lite. 2

In their prime

Feeding NAF’s Five Star Optimum Concentrated Feed Balancer optimises the daily diet of family ponies to performance athletes.

www.equestriantradenews.com

including those with the metabolic conditions EMS or PPID (Cushing’s).

The palatable, pelleted product is formulated to complement either a high fibre, low concentrate or performance diet. When a daily feed is unnecessary, Optimum can be given on its own. Key ingredients optimise gut function and condition.

Calm Balance +, new to the Simple System range, offers calming support to help settle reactive, tense or anxious horses.

Versatility in a bag

Baileys Lo-Cal Balancer is a versatile option for good-doers at rest or in light work. While it’s tempting to deny these types any bucket feed, modern pasture and forages are lacking in the key minerals and protein essential for equine health and well-being, says Baileys. Lo-Cal Balancer supplies vitamins and minerals, including easily-absorbed chelates, plus antioxidants to support immune response and recovery. It’s suitable for the laminitis-prone,

For perfect poise

Taking out the guesswork

Blue Chip feed balancers – available in 15kg sacks with some 3kg superconcentrated versions - are designed to take the guesswork out of feeding. The ten-strong range offers the vital vitamins, minerals and protein that equines need daily to balance a foragebased diet. The products incorporate hoof, respiratory, digestive, skin and coat supplements, alongside added immune support and nucleotides - eliminating the need for additional supplementation, says Blue Chip.

Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 33

ETN | FEED BALANCERS 7

For old age performers

NAF has formulated In the Pink Senior to meet the nutritional requirements of the older horse. It helps balance the diet and the digestive system, enabling the horse to maximise the value of his feed intake. In the Pink Senior provides pre and probiotics for gut support, and supplies all the vitamins and minerals required by the older horse for all-round health.

and minerals, supports a calm, even temperament thanks to a herbal blend of chamomile, lemon balm and vervain. It ensures a balanced ration, and provides digestive support via a probiotic plus immune supporting QLC antioxidants. Be Calm is high in good quality protein - ideal for those in moderate work.

needs, Coligone Balancer contains Coligone to support gastric health. Available as a powder or pellet, other ingredients support overall muscle development, immunity, hoof, skin and coat quality. Coligone Balancer contains prebiotics, probiotics and Yeasacc to encourage good bacteria in the hindgut to thrive and boost the microbiome. A seaweed buffer supports balanced acid levels.

Summer strategy

Horses don’t lose a single pellet of their precious feed balancer when fed from a Corner Manger from Stubbs England. Made in tough Stubbythene, it has smooth lines and clever anti-waste bars to keep feed contained until it’s consumed. The Corner Manger works well with Stubbs’ Munch Station tubular support frame.

Two University of Aberystwyth studies have shown that feeding Horslyx Garlic Balancer can significantly reduce irritation from flies and other biting insects while horses are at grass. The free-access lick, containing pure garlic oil, supports a balanced diet and supplies round-the-clock garlic. There’s also biotin for hoof support, linseed oil - rich in omega-3 oil for a glossy coat and healthy skin, plus immune system support.

10 More than vits and mins…

Straight to the horse’s mouth

Supports calmness

Be Calm balancer from Dodson & Horrell, a low intake source of vitamins

34 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

As well as vitamins, minerals and micronutrients to meet horses’ daily

Fuel for winners

Baileys Performance Balancer supports performance and recovery, without unwanted calories. Low in starch, it’s suitable for those prone to gastric ulcers. It contains top quality protein sources, for muscle build and top line, plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Designed to supply nutrients known to be lacking in forage, Performance Balancer can be fed as the sole concentrate or added to reduced amounts of a mix or cube.

www.equestriantradenews.com

TRUSTED YEAR ROUND

BALANCERS for all GOOD-DOERS

Low starch

Low sugar

moderate to hard work

Low calorie

____ STILL

rest to light work

kg 20 _________

LO-CAL BALANCER

PERFORMANCE BALANCER  Performance & recovery  Muscle build & tissue repair  Also great for veterans who need extra nutritional support

For further information & POS: Baileys Horse Feeds

Low energy

MADE IN OUR OWN

UK MILL

 Health, well-being & immunity  Muscle tone, hoof growth & coat shine  Ideal for those prone to laminitis or on a calorie-controlled diet

Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 1)

sales@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

ETN | BETTER BUSINESS

A beginner’s

guide to podcasts They’re fun to do, not too costly and great for customer connection. Maz Farsani explains how to start podcasting.

good podcast brings numerous benefits to a business. Enhancing reach, brand authority and customer engagement are just some. A podcast can also showcase your expertise in the equestrian industry, enhance credibility and attract a wider audience. Podcasts can include calls-to-action, directing listeners to your business’s website, products or services. They can also build trust, making listeners more likely to become customers, and humanise your brand by introducing the people behind the company. To make it cost-effective, podcast content can be repurposed into blog posts, social media snippets and videos - maximising usage and reaching audiences across different platforms. Above all, producing a podcast is fun.

HOW TO GIVE YOUR PODCAST THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS Understand your audience

Preparation is key. Before considering content, hosts or technical requirements, you need to understand your audience. Who are you creating content for? What do they want to know? How will they find you? 36 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Break it down to define your audience demographics, interests, what niche they fall into, what shows they already listen to and why they are interested in listening to podcasts. Only then can you begin to think about what you will add to that conversation. Consider running a pilot or two past a test audience to gain feedback. This way, you can assess different hosts, topics and formats. A small, selected audience will often be more forgiving yet happier to provide feedback. Once you have experimented with your formula to get it right, you can dive into full episodes.

Be consistent

Audience-building is a long-term strategy. The average podcast runs for just seven episodes; because people don’t see the audience growing quickly enough, they give up. Popular podcasts have over a thousand episodes. Consistency makes all the difference to success. Be consistent about when you release your content; what time and what day. Format and quality should also be consistent, with a regular host, look and feel. Consider the background for the video aspect, the microphone, angles, and so on.

 When you start making a podcast, an audience will forgive low production values if the content if captivating.

The audience also needs to know what content you explore, what they will get from listening to your podcast, and that the conversation will develop over time. Consistency is about reassuring the audience that your podcast is worth www.equestriantradenews.com

BETTER BUSINESS | ETN

their time and commitment so they keep coming back for more.

Keep the quality

Making your podcast good quality is crucial. There are two aspects; quality of content and quality of production. Quality content is engaging, educational, interesting, possibly humorous, and, above all, entertaining. People will overlook low production values if content is captivating. This can save production costs (especially when you’re getting started), but it does mean you need to spend more time preparing and perfecting content. Good quality production becomes key when tapping into an audience with a low attention span. Given a choice of podcasts, people will go for the one with the higher production values; it’s simply more engaging and easier to listen to. So, do a bit of competitor analysis to find out what level of production your rivals are offering. That will help you decide how much time and effort you need to invest to win over your audience. Consistently high-quality content and production will lead more people to regularly choose your podcast, growing your audience with each episode.

Be patient

So, you’ve published some nicely-edited episodes that were recorded on highquality equipment, you’ve done all the SEO you can – and yet your audience is still small. Don’t give up! Even if you do everything right, your audience won’t magically appear. Too many podcasts expect immediate results. When they don’t go viral after five episodes, they assume it’s not working and lose interest. Give it time. Consistency is the key. Keep making consistently entertaining, high-quality, well-edited content that your audience is interested in and they will show up eventually. Creating a podcast is a fantastic way of promoting your business or starting a career. To give your podcast the best chance of success, do your research, invest in your equipment and people, and focus on creating consistent, high-quality content. Then throw everything you have at getting the word out through SEO, cross-promotion with guests, advertising and PR. And, most importantly, don’t give up!

Involving a professional studio

Businesses often try to cut costs by trying to do everything themselves. It is possible, but there are a lot of production elements to get right - from planning and research to hosting and tech skills like cameras, audio, lighting, editing, distribution, collaboration, guests, marketing, SEO (search engine optimisation), and so on. Learning everything yourself takes a great deal of time - and there’s still a good chance you’ll miss something, leaving your audience wanting and wasting your hard work. A professional podcast editor takes around four hours to edit one hour of content. It will take an amateur much longer, and the end-result won’t be as polished. Money saved by doing everything yourself could, therefore, prove a false economy and leave you with lacklustre content. Whereas investing in hiring the right people or a professional studio will mean consistent, high-quality content that captures and keeps your desired audience. www.equestriantradenews.com

Celebrating 20 years with you

£20R

SPEC RP IA OFFE L R During Augus t

The original and still the best For August 2024 these 3 supplements will be £20 for the 1 litre (3 months supply). Same 42% discount available to trade.

20 YEARS OF NEEM KNOW-HOW

About the author:

Maz Farsani is co-founder of Outset Studio which provides full-service podcast and video production services in London and Manchester. Outset specialises in pod- and vlog- casts, live streams and live shopping. Recording can be done at its studios in London and Manchester, or on location. Whether a client simply wants studio space or would prefer someone to manage the full production, Outset’s experienced teams have it covered. Web: www.outsetstudio.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ outsetstudiogroup/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ outsetstudio/ [@OutsetStudio] LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/ company/outset-studio TikTok: www.tiktok.com/ @outsetstudio [@OutsetStudio]

BUY DIRECT OR BUY FROM BATTLES

www.pro-equine.com For

Years

Caring for horses naturally Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 37

ETN | PEOPLE

People

Sponsored by

Tom Joule was ‘back in the saddle’ at Badminton. The Joules founder is pictured with ambassador and event rider Emily King. The Spillers brand’s equine nutrition specialist Pat Harris has been ranked number 192 among the world’s best in the field of animal science and veterinary. Ranked 20th in UK, Pat is the sole equine-only scientist on the list, making her the number one ranked scientist working on horses in the UK, according to the academic platform Research.com. Eminent American equine nutritionist Dr Joe Pagan flew in to speak at a seminar hosted by Saracen Horse Feeds. He was joined by top vets and nutritionists, international groom Alan Davies and British Equestrian’s eventing performance manager Richard Waygood. 38 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Bandai UK, UK and Ireland distributor of Breyer model horses, has appointed two additional sales agents. Catherine Powell is covering the north of England and Scotland; while Shane Broughal looks after Ireland and Northern Ireland. They join Annabel Cheal, Bandai’s agent in the south of England. Bedmax has appointed Darren Mottershead as sales manager for its north of England region. Darren joins the bedding manufacturer from Perry Equestrian. Previously he was sales manager for the BETA International trade exhibition and, before that, spent eight years in sales for NAF. Wetherby based Darren is a horse owner who competes and shows across the north of England.

Verity Beaton, now head of marketing and commercial at The Pony Club, was previously with Equilibrium Products. Her new role involves overseeing marketing activities, brand development and commercial partnerships. King Charles III is to continue as patron of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the charity which runs the Great Yorkshire Show. The King is pictured visiting the show in 2021 when he was its patron as Prince of Wales. Amy Harper has been promoted to senior vice president of retail development and market services at Dallas Market Center, home of the AETA (American Equestrian Trade Association) International Trade Show. www.equestriantradenews.com

PEOPLE | ETN

World Horse Welfare’s chief executive Roly Owers was awarded his OBE for services to equine welfare by HRH The Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. He is pictured outside with his wife Nikki and children Toby, Jessica and Tabitha.

Linda Porter, has become managing director for Dodson & Horrell. Linda was sales and marketing director for NAF until earlier this year. See News for more on this story.

Nicky Mackenzie has left SEIB Insurance Brokers after more than three decades as its marketing manager. She’s expanding her business, The Absolutely Genuine Company, which trades online in upmarket clothing brands at discounted prices and is licensed to stage the SEIB Search for a Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse showing series.

Hayley Young has joined Talisker Bay International home of Likit, Stud Muffins, Bizzy Horse and Thomas Pettifer & Co – as sales and marketing assistant. An equine science graduate, Hayley is a former Likit brand ambassador. She’s also a talented photographer and videographer.

Chris Bradwell, the managing director of Stubbs England, likes to holiday off the beaten track. While relaxing on a beautiful sunny day during a recent break in the Shetland Islands, Chris found himself surrounded by a herd of inquisitive native ponies. No doubt his mind was immediately whirling with ideas for Stubbs’ products for the smaller, wilder equine.

upda date tedd Meet the up Sundown bedding range New style packaging for Sundown Yellow and Green ✔ New packaging uses less plastic, with improved presentation in-store ✔ More compressed and uniform bales ✔ Same amount of high quality bedding

100% chopped wheat straw that makes a soft and warm bed

100% chopped rapeseed straw that’s absorbent and hard wearing

Soft straw pellet that’s absorbent, easy to handle, and quick to muck-out

Find out more about the Sundown bedding range

visit sundownproducts.co.uk

ETN | BEDDING FEATURE

bed And so to

Leading bedding manufacturers explain how the latest products are good for horses, their owners and the environment

nce upon a time, the vast majority of horses were bedded on either straw (very traditional) or wood shavings – or even sawdust – arising from the waste of the lumber industry. Some horses in specific parts of the country might have had peat in their stables (now illegal for environmental reasons), while even fewer had shredded newspaper or cardboard, a bedding usually confined to locations where these products were being produced. However, over the decades, the bedding industry has changed dramatically and, today, as never before, horse owners have a greater variety of bedding materials to choose from that suit not only their animals, but their lifestyle and pockets, too.

Photo: arthorse/Shutterstock.com

Specialist market

Furthermore, no longer are these beddings simply a way of repurposing unwanted by-products from other industries. Now, many are produced specifically for the equestrian market to ensure horses remain comfortable, happy and healthy when stabled, and this is coupled with important factors such as ease of use and economy of both time and money for owners. Nevertheless, with so much bedding choice available, it has also become a more complex and specialised marketplace with customers taking into account a wide range of factors that vary from sustainability of products to chemical additives, from allergens (equine and human) to banned substances. We spoke to some of the leading bedding manufacturers to find out how they’re meeting customers’ expectations and fulfilling their needs. 40 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Is Strawmax suitable for horses with respiratory problems and what benefits are there for customers? Independent tests on straw pellets suggest that they have among the lowest levels of the microscopic, breathable dust that can cause the worst respiratory problems and disease. Strawmax was developed to offer owners a very low-dust, highly cost-effective and convenient alternative to loose straw, which can have the highest levels of dust and harmful fungal spores. The process of pelletisation both heats the pellets to sterilising temperatures and naturally seals in any remaining breathable particles. Strawmax pellets are 100% natural, made from locally harvested wheat straw, and they

create a high-quality bed that offers horses excellent support both when standing and when recumbent. Dust levels are particularly important when horses are lying down, as their noses come into direct contact with their bedding. Straw pellets are also highly absorbent, so they last longer with very little waste and are particularly good for very wet and messy horses. In fact, experts have suggested the absorbency is greater than any other bedding material, which means urine is absorbed in relatively small ‘patches’ of the bed, so it can easily be isolated and mucked out. This helps maintain the highest levels of hygiene and comfort, minimises waste and dramatically reduces the size of the muckheap.

What is Aubiose and how can customers get the most out of it when using it? Aubiose is a hemp bedding cultivated without pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or insecticides and it absorbs up to 12 times more urine than straw and six times more than shavings. It quickly decomposes into a highly organic fertilizer that can even be used on the garden, and because it’s dust free, it’s ideal for horses with respiratory issues.

Liquids are soaked up in a small area and are retained at the bed’s base, allowing the top layer to remain clean, warm, dry and fluffy. Wet bedding is removed every 5–10 days when the base turns red, and is topped up weekly with one bale for the wettest horses or half a bale for cleaner ones. Aubiose saves a huge amount of time and money while giving the horse a clean, supportive bed, combining the beauty of shavings with the ease and absorbency of wood pellets. www.equestriantradenews.com

BEDDING FEATURE | ETN Please explain the sustainability concepts behind Burlybed? Burlybed’s core products are made from Miscanthus giganteus (elephant grass), a non-invasive crop that has little requirement for fertilisers and pesticides and is known for making an exceptionally absorbent and durable animal bedding. It grows easily in challenging conditions and creates a structured, sustainable base that is ecologically beneficial for soil health and as overwinter cover for wildlife.

production of the bedding. A wind turbine and multiple roof-mounted solar panels also generate a large proportion of the company’s energy requirement. Burlybed currently uses low density polyethylene (LDPE) for its bags, much like a supermarket bag for life. This plastic is 100% recyclable, and some local authorities accept LDPE as part of their kerbside recycling schemes. Any film used in packaging also contains a proportion of post-industrial waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill.

During its lifecycle, miscanthus captures and stores high quantities of carbon. It grows up to 3m per year and is harvested once in the early spring. This fast growth cycle is one of the reasons it has such a positive impact on the environment. In addition, to further reduce ts carbon footprint, Burlybed has two biomass boilers that burn a proportion of the miscanthus crop to provide hot water and heating to its farm buildings and for use in the drying process during

As a manufacturer of a straw product, how does Sundown ensure a consistency of supply? It’s important for horses to have consistency, and this includes their bedding. It’s why Sundown Products offers a 100% reliable supply of its most popular bedding products to reduce the need to switch bedding partway through the winter. It achieves this through strong relationships with local farmers, which means there are around 150,000 hectares of wheat straw available to the company within 20 miles of its production facility. Sundown deals directly with these local farmers, agreeing volumes in advance of harvest, and it runs a team of large balers that follow the combines during the harvest to ensure sufficient stocks of the best-quality straw for the following year. Additional straw is bought-in as required to ensure a consistent, high-quality supply, and Sundown is also investing in new sheds to increase its straw storage capacity and its production capability. Over the past four years, Sundown has also invested in its production plant to increase the number of bedding bales that can be produced in a day and, to mitigate any issues within the logistics network, it uses its own fleet of delivery lorries that can cover a wide geographic area.

What is NOPS accreditation and how has Bedmax achieved it? Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS ) are chemicals present in many plants and they can easily find their way into traditional beddings such as loose straw. However, the most common sources of crosscontamination are human foods and drinks, including chocolate, coffee, tea and many soft drinks. The whole Bedmax bedding range now carries the BETA NOPS bedding badge, which

signifies that every stage of the production process is strictly managed proactively to prevent any contamination by NOPS that could cause a failed doping test. Every stage of the production of Bedmax is independently audited to confirm the risk is being reduced to the lowest possible level, from the sourcing of raw materials to transportation, manufacture and distribution. In fact, no other bedding currently gives buyers the NOPS assurance provided by Bedmax.

How do you ensure Boden bedding is free from potentially harmful chemicals? The product used for all Boden animal bedding is kiln-dried shavings, produced by the UK sawmill industry primarily in the manufacture of decking and wood products. The timber is kiln dried prior to planing and then producing the shavings, which ensures that all wood used is chemical free when collected from

the sawmills. The shavings are blown directly into sealed trailers and units to be brought back to the depot, where they’re stored in a building that contains nothing else. It’s from this store that the finished packs are produced. As a business, Boden regularly audits its internal systems and uses contracted external audit companies to conduct tests to ensure the entire range is free from chemicals.

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Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 41

ETN | STABLE EQUIPMENT 1

7 6

Home comforts

A well-equipped stable yard makes it a happy place for horses and humans alike. 1

Take a tip from racing

This American-style Large Feed Tub from Stubbs England is popular on racing yards. The heavy-duty tub fits in a corner of the stable using three Trigger Hooks on Plates (available separately) making it readily removable for cleaning between feeds. Made in tough Stubbythene moulding in white, red, blue, green, black or pink, it works well in any stable – especially for horses with a habit of tipping over their buckets while eating. 2

Fork takes the strain

The Swedish Fork from Herbie’s Yard Supplies reduces the strain mucking out inevitably puts on backs, wrists and elbow. The lightweight tool has a long, curved handle and is well balanced. Strong, flexible tines are ideally spaced to sift muck from clean bedding and prevent waste. The large, bucketshaped head keeps the droppings in. The Swedish Fork is suitable for shavings, peat, pellets and straw bedding. 3

New broom sweeps clean

Super Bulldozer brooms from Herbie’s Yard Supplies are designed for stressfree sweeping. The long, strong but lightweight 42 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

aluminium handles mean there’s no need to bend and stoop. While the natural palmyra [a wood fibre made from palm tree stalks] bristles effectively sweep even dusty debris on rough surfaces. Super Bulldozer brooms come in 18” and 24” widths, with replacement heads available too. 4

A wheely good barrow

The Stubby Star from Stubbs England makes visiting the muckheap a pleasure. The innovative barrow tips and flips for complete emptying, whether full or part-loaded. Beautifully-balanced, it has a steel reinforced tipping edge and galvanised frame. The main body is in tough Stubbythene in blue, green, pink or purple, mounted on two 40cm 4ply pneumatic tyred wheels. The Stubby Star comes packaged with handles, legs and wheels inside the shrink-wrapped body complete with a PoS label. Assembly is easy with just six bolts. 5

Playtime fun

Clippity Clop Horseshoe, Crunchie the Carrot and Twinkle the Unicorn are fun new stable toys from Hy Equestrian. The durable toys help alleviate equine boredom – and give owners something to smile about.

Each with a rope attached, they come ready to hang in the stable or horsebox. 6

Why a quiet roof is welfare-friendly

Sound dampening is an important consideration when choosing stable roofing, says Onduline. The lightweight roofing specialist’s corrugated sheets are said to be up to four times quieter than metal alternatives. Horse owner Fran Wilkinson had Onduline Classic roofing sheets on her new stables. “I wanted something that wasn’t noisy,” she said. “So many stables and outbuildings have metal roofing and it’s very frightening for the animals when it rains and all you can hear is that thunderous noise.” 7

Encouraging healthier eating

Trickle Net nets are built to last with strong, weather-resistant materials. By encouraging slow feeding, they promote healthy equine eating via a consistent and controlled release of forage. The benefits include reduced risk of overeating, and less wasted forage. Trickle Net has a range of slow-feeder nets from the Original Net to the new Shake & Graze Chaff Net. www.equestriantradenews.com

NEWS FEATURE | ETN

Where’s the evidence? BETA is on a mission to clear up confusion caused by misinformation. ETN asked the experts from the trade association’s Feed Committee to answer a question that will be on many of your customers’ minds.

Photo: Konstantin Chagin/Shutterstock.com

Equine nutrition companies sometimes talk about their products as being ‘scientifically proven.’ What exactly does this mean? This statement is ambiguous and is likely to mean different things depending on the context in which the manufacturer is using it. Breaking it down reveals how important the context is. The word scientifically literally means something that relates to science or uses the methods of science; so the implication is that the ingredients have been tested objectively and independently. However, we don’t know that for sure unless the references for relevant papers are included. If references are made available, they may relate to studies conducted in other species. This is quite common as fewer studies are done in horses for various reasons, but it is important that the results have been extrapolated and interpreted with an understanding of the differences between species and the potential implications that might have. Whilst appreciating that manufacturers are often limited for space, and so look for short phrases and terms to communicate key features and benefits of products, the detail does matter too. If the phrase is used in relation to ingredients, it matters which ingredients are being referred to. Is it every ingredient included in the formulation or just those with functionalities relevant to a particular issue? A manufacturer might use the phrase to highlight it has sourced well researched ingredients. However, from the purchaser’s perspective, it is important to note that it doesn’t mean the manufacturer has included them at levels that have been shown to have an effect. As a retailer, it is likely that you are asked for guidance from customers, so knowing more about the products and their formulations can be really helpful in giving you confidence to make recommendations. If you haven’t already had product

 If you’re a retailer, request some product training and ask a few questions about studies that have been done.

training, why not request some and ask a few questions about studies that have been done? The most concerning word in this claim is proven. It’s a concise but somewhat lazy term as rarely, if ever, is an ingredient proven to do anything, in science. It might seem pedantic to quibble over semantics, but this is such a crucial concept when it comes to ‘science’ that the phrase ‘scientifically proven’ is actually a contradiction in terms. Scientific methods and statistical analysis are about demonstrating how likely it is that a result didn’t occur by chance. In equine nutrition, in particular, we rarely have large enough studies to produce results - and therefore conclusions - with absolute certainty. If someone uses the term ‘scientifically proven,’ it’s a good indication they simply don’t understand this most fundamental concept of science!

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Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 43

ETN | BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH

Celebrating the best bench saddlers…

This award, presented in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), recognises those who uphold the highest standard of leathercraft skills.

This month’s winner is LEE JONES

About Lee Jones

Lee was nominated by Lisa Lunn-Jones (Lee’s wife) who says: “Lee is a gifted specialist who takes pride in every piece of work he does. He has won countless awards at the SMS National Competition. Lee also treats his customers with the upmost respect with an all-round skill-set offering sound advice and service as well as amazing work which is like art! “Even through tough times, he has remained just as dedicated, caring and producing leatherwork to the highest of standards and this deserves to be recognised.”

 Lee enjoys spending time with his family and animals – including these magnificent Great Danes – in his spare time.

Lee Jones has been a saddler for 36 years. His training started when he left school in 1998 and enrolled on a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) leatherwork programme. “I never liked school, I would go in for registration and then leave, spending the day at the local stables until it was time to go home.” says Lee. “From a young age, I’ve always been intrigued by how things are made and put together, so a career making things seemed logical.” Once Lee completed his YTS course, his training continued at the Walsall Leather Centre and then with Walsall saddle-maker Jabez Cliff.

Cricket balls

As well as being renowned for its saddles, Jabez Cliff also made leather footballs, cricket balls, rounders balls and golf bags. Lee learnt his trade and honed his skills making these products before moving onto saddles. “I still have one of the rounders balls I made,” says Lee, “it’s on a shelf in my workshop “The skills I learnt at Jabez Cliff have been invaluable throughout my career. John Hammond was my apprentice master and I’m still in contact with him today.” During his three decades as a saddler, Lee worked at eight different saddle companies. In 2021, he was awarded SMS Master Saddle Maker status.

Workshop in the back garden

Lee’s business, L A Jones Saddlemaker, makes bespoke saddles for customers in the UK and New Zealand.

Four years ago, Lee adopted his son – and decided to start working for himself. “I wanted to be at home more following the adoption,” he explains. “I’m lucky that what I do doesn’t feel like a job. My workshop is in my back garden and working from home means I can do the school run, which I love doing.” Lee’s business – Staffordshire based L A Jones Saddlemaker -specialises in bespoke saddlery and other custom leatherwork including motorcycle seats. Whether it’s making a saddle or a bike seat, Lee loves the whole process of taking the raw materials through to creating a finished product. Seeing the customer and handing over the completed item gives him an immense sense of pride, he says.

Saddles for New Zealand

As well as making saddles for UK customers, Lee makes 44 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

www.equestriantradenews.com

BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH | ETN

three or four saddles a month for a company in New Zealand. The arrangement ensures a nice steady flow of work, he explains. Lee has long been a big supporter of the SMS National Competition. He had his first win back in 1992, and his most recent in 2020 in the Open Saddle Class. The certificates are displayed on his workshop wall. Earlier this year, he was placed third in the hotly contested Open Saddle class where entrants were tasked with making a dressage saddle. He also received a premium award for his saddle entry.

Industry changes

“I’ve seen lots of changes over the years in the industry,” says Lee. “While the craft itself is still very traditional, there has been the arrival of synthetic trees, for example. “But perhaps the biggest change has been around saddle fitting. The emphasis on ensuring the best possible fit for the horse’s comfort is so important, and the study and greater understanding of equine biomechanics is such a positive step.”

Family and assorted animals

Lee laughs when asked what he does in his spare time… but goes on to explain that when he’s not working, he loves spending time with his family which includes two Great Danes, a hamster, a goldfish and 12 chickens.

Lee Jones took first place in the 2020 Open Saddle class at the SMS National Competition, one of many prizes he’s won over the years.

How to nominate a bench saddler:

Everyone is invited to nominate bench saddlers they feel deserve to be named ETN/ SMS Bench Saddler of the Month. Candidates for the award must be a member of the SMS and can be based in the UK or overseas. To nominate a bench saddler (or more than one), email editor@equestriantradenews. com and tell us why this person deserves to be put in the spotlight. Please include the bench saddler’s name and business name too.

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Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 45

ETN | RETAILER PROFILE

Riding into the

world of retail

Sean and Diane Whiting run their family businesses, Houghton Country and Horse Direct, with the help of manager Hayley Cook and a tight-knit team. Deborah Hayward finds out how they have built a thriving equestrian empire in bricks and mortar, online and at shows.

hen Sean Whiting met his future wife, professional horsewoman Diane Henderson, at the Northumberland County Show back in 1987, there was a spark of life-changing alchemy that has steered them along the path to becoming a family powerhouse of equestrian business. With a large bricks-and-mortar store, Houghton Country, in Heddon-on-the-Wall, and Sean’s Horse Direct tradestand, the couple have successfully cut themselves a huge slice of the retail pie and snaffled its cherry on top!

From riding to retail

Sean and Diane are both from rural backgrounds. He worked in agriculture, while she bred and competed Trakehner horses. Diane, also a BHSAI, had set up Houghton Equestrian, a riding school and livery yard. After they married, they lived in a cottage on site next door to Diane’s parents, John and Beryl. Sean helped at the stables, while the riding school ticked along nicely until he realised that changes planned for farming could have a catastrophic effect on their own business. “Diversification grants were coming in, which meant we could end up with some big livery yards round us and we were small with only a few horses,” Sean explains. “We saw an opportunity with the riding school clients we already had to offer them riding wear, hats and boots, so we converted some existing buildings into a small retail space.”

Growth and expansion

The success of the store led to winding down the riding school so that they could redevelop the site. “We took down the stables and started from scratch on a 8,500 sq ft new-build with insulation, heating, lights and sliding doors – all the things we didn’t have in the old shop,” says Sean. 46 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

Running the store

Houghton Country is run by Diane and store manager Hayley Cook, who learned to ride at the school as a child. She helped out in the shop as a teenager until she left for university and was tempted back ten years ago by Sean. Today, she works as part of a team of 18 full- and parttime staff, which includes Sean and Diane’s sons, Charlie, 26, and Dan, 19.

 Sean and Diane Whiting run Houghton Country in Northumberland with store manage Hayley Cook (right).

Equestrian first

Despite the store’s name, Hayley is emphatic that its primary focus will always be on horses and riders. “I think the barometer’s definitely moved back on the whole country angle,” she says. “We offer brands such as Fairfax & Favor and Holland Cooper, but we are first and foremost an equestrian store. “We have a huge selection of rugs; the left-hand side of the store is dedicated to the rider and then we have a wall of footwear. We also sell feed – around six pallets a week – and have seen a big uplift in this side of the business.” www.equestriantradenews.com

RETAILER PROFILE | ETN

With his Horse Direct tradestand, Sean has been a familiar sight at the country’s top shows for many years.

Customer service

Trained staff help customers make their purchases. “Sean is our SQP (RAMA) for wormers and the girls can provide fitting for riding hats, body protectors and air vests,” says Hayley. Diane adds: “The store is beautifully laid out and it’s warm and welcoming so that people can have a good wander around and enjoy the whole experience.” Great customer service has led to Houghton Country claiming several awards, including its staff member Steph Lynch taking the Weatherbeeta Group Retail Employee of the Year title in 2023.

Online sales

The store’s e-commerce site is a crucial – but costly – part of the business. “Internet sales probably double those in-store, but it is tricky to sell online with so many hoops to jump through to reach customers,” says Hayley “It’s the most expensive way to sell any product,” points out Sean. “People assume that you just put it on the internet, but we have marketing costs, transport, pickers and packers to pay, shelving, a warehouse to run and rates.”

He kept to northern shows such as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials while those in the south, such as Burghley, proved more elusive “It was a case of waiting until a place became available,” says Sean. Patience slowly paid off when a big layout change at Blair gave them a better position, and they landed a pitch at the Great Yorkshire Show. “It just takes time to work your way up the greasy pole to where you want to be,” Sean reflects. “Today, I have Charlie as my right-hand man and 12,000 sq ft of storage space, three lorries and a six-berth campervan.” Twelve years ago, Sean forged a close working relationship with Lisa and Robert Lemieux that resulted in Sean changing his show set from multibrands to focusing exclusively on LeMieux products. “We spend a lot of money getting to these events and the rents are eye-watering,” he says, “but, if everything goes to plan, it works well and the business needs these big hits of cash.”

Arriving on the show circuit

Sean and his Horse Direct stand are well known at some of the country’s most prestigious events, a far cry from the small shows he started with. “It all began when someone asked us to a hunter trial,” he says. “We organised a tabletop sale and were thrilled to take £500.” Realising the potential, Sean moved on to larger, regional events, starting with the Northumberland County Show, where they made a few thousand pounds in a day. “That was a colossal amount and we knew this was something really worth doing,” he recalls.

 Houghton Country’s shop floor displays are one of the store’s most striking features.

www.equestriantradenews.com

ETN asks Sean…

How many shows do you attend? We once did 40 in a year. Now, we are down to 12, but we’ll take three times as much money. Are people still spending at shows? We are making more sales, but there is a lower price point. So there are more carrier bags going out of the door, but for a lower spend. What do you love most about working in retail? I like how the more you put in, the harder you work, the more products you get, the more you sell – there’s nothing to stop you maxing out. What are the challenges of retail? Finding and retaining staff who are an ideal fit for our business, and dealing with a constant flow of customer enquiries, especially the tricky ones!

 Sean, Diane and their team pull together to make the family business a success in-store, online and on the show circuit.

Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 47

ETN | REPORT

Turning back the pages… For more than four decades, ETN has reported on the equestrian trade. Let’s look back at the news, people and products that were making headlines five, ten, 20 and 30 years ago. Five years ago...

Twenty years ago...

In July/August 2019, ETN reported:

In July/August 2004, ETN reported:

• Mel Jones of Threshers Barn in Newbury, Berkshire complained about suppliers delivering products wrapped in too much plastic • On the show circuit, Bolesworth’s traders were given full refunds when the show was hit by heavy rain. Competitions went ahead, but the four-day fixture was closed to spectators and shoppers. • The Mark Todd Collection launched a new legwear range, distributed by Trilanco. • Agy Mossakowska-Knast joined BETA as admin assistant. Originally from Poland, Agy was working towards becoming an FEI technical delegate for international equestrian events.

• Zebra Products was working with Lucinda Green on her new LG clothing collection. The six-time Badminton winner said she was launching the range as her competitive career drew to a close and as a single parent to two children. • Paula Burrows, marketing director of retailer Derby House, met the Princess Royal as the retailer supported Riding for the Disabled’s (RDA’s) 30th anniversary. • The BETA team was out in force at the Royal Show in Stoneleigh providing safety information for visitors and advice for companies hoping to break into the export market. • Caldene signed a major sponsorship deal with show jumpers Ellen Whitaker and Robert Smith plus showman Robert Walker. “We’re very pleased to be supporting Team Caldene,” said Richard Lawrence of brand owner Matchmakers International.

Ten years ago...

Thirty years ago...

In July/August 2014, ETN reported:

In July/August 1994, ETN reported:

• NAF’s Tracey Lloyd – well-known for her encyclopaedic knowledge of equestrian sport, big smile and immaculate turnout - departed “the best job in the industry” after handling the brand’s marketing for 20 years. • Mark Romain was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the saddlery industry and training in the UK and overseas. • Robert Johnston of Horse First, a popular figure on the supplement company’s stand around the shows, died unexpectedly. “We are shocked and devastated to lose our close friend and colleague,” said managing director Paddy Hughes. • Weatherbeeta closed its Horsatack store in Droitwich as the wholesaler announced its intention “to exit retail.”

48 | Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024

• A franchise mobile saddlery operation involving 200 mobile units visiting yards and shows was preparing to “change the face of equestrian retailing.” The brainchild of a group of ex-Texas Homecare employees, Equitac was based on a similar model which sold fitted kitchens. • A consortium took over troubled Rice Trailers although production had already ceased at its Leicester factory. • Westgate acquired horsecare brand Thomas Pettifer and lick manufacturer Roto. The wholesaler’s directors John and Michael Vant said they were “keen to preserve the renowned firms.” • The new owner of Swaine Adeney, old Etonian John de Bruyer, planned to open branches of the famous Piccadilly, London store in Rome and Paris

www.equestriantradenews.com

LEGAL DIGEST | ETN

How well-built is your business? Starting out as a sole trader makes sense. It’s a low-cost way to discover whether your business will work. However, people often overlook the importance of reviewing their business structure and arrangements once they have achieved proof of concept. While entirely understandable, for long term success and security it is critical to ensure that your business has an appropriate structure, says Jodie Seddon.

 Jodie Seddon is an accomplished corporate and commercial lawyer, and an international equestrian athlete.

COMMON BUSINESS STRUCTURES 1. Sole trader

As a sole trader (or self-employed), you can operate very simply. Your business income becomes part of your overall declared income. You can employ people, provided that you comply with applicable law and hold relevant insurance, and you keep all after-tax profits. The paperwork is straightforward, so most people choose to manage their own returns. However – every contract your business signs is made in your name. Your business and personal finances are not legally separate. This means that if your business is sued or in debt, you become personally liable. If you are a homeowner, you are, in effect, betting the house.

2. Partnerships

As your business grows, you may find yourself looking to collaborate with likeminded people, perhaps providing similar goods or services, or offering products or services which sit well alongside your own. If you are sole traders, the simplest way to amalgamate is as a partnership. In a partnership, individuals sign a partnership agreement to establish how the business’s ownership, profits and liabilities are shared between them, and how partners exit the partnership. Each partner submits a separate tax return. The success of a partnership hinges on how well the partnership agreement has been www.equestriantradenews.com

prepared: a good lawyer should understand the commercial rationale of the relationship. However, if the partnership is sued, all partners are jointly responsible for the debts or claim. So, perhaps you are betting the kitchen rather than the whole house – although you may end up with one of your partners betting the kitchen for you…

3. Limited company

Incorporating as a limited liability company sounds intimidating – but it should not. It is a simple process, and with a company in place you create a separate legal personality. This means that the liabilities of the company are both limited and separate from your own personal finances. Income from the company is also subject to different tax treatment. It is fine to set up a company with one director and shareholder (both being you); equally you can bring in investors, buying shares in the company, as your business develops. At this stage legal advice is required to review the standard Articles, and prepare an agreement between shareholders which sets out what level of influence on the company is appropriate for different levels of share ownership. There is no set pattern as to how these arrangements should be constructed – however I would recommend avoiding a 50:50 split. In the event of disagreement, a deadlock can inhibit a company’s growth. As you transition to a company, all your commercial contracts should move across so that the company is a party, and not you personally. Equestrian Trade News July/August 2024 | 49

ETN | LEGAL DIGEST This can be done gradually, as contracts expire and are renewed, or managed more assertively by assigning or novating contracts. You may need legal assistance to complete this, but it is an important part of the company “housekeeping”. Any insurance you hold must be transferred into the company’s name before you start trading using the company.

4. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

These are a hybrid business form, developed for businesses traditionally using partnerships seeking to limit their liability. There is increased administration, however each partner files their own tax return. This model limits liability, but success will depend on how well the LLP agreement is prepared.

HOW DOES THE CHOICE OF STRUCTURE IMPACT MY BUSINESS SECURITY?

In any business offering products or services which can be scaled and are not unique to you personally, once established a business owner will often consider – what next? If your business structure is well considered and documented, then you are better placed to evaluate the impact of any transformation such as significant investment, or a partial buy-out; and to ensure that the valuation and terms of such a transaction reflect favourably. Sadly, many small

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business owners find that their businesses are valued disappointingly, simply because there is no proper partnership agreement or shareholder agreement, or their key clients have not signed effective commercial contracts. Equally, some operate using old contracts, which in practice are long superseded but without amendment, so valuation is hard to prove. With the prospect of transformational change to a business, it can be difficult to renegotiate or introduce sensible terms, either internally or externally. To secure the value in your business, make sure your contractual arrangements are effective and reflect your actual operations.

About the author

Jodie Seddon, Partner at Aria Grace Equine Law, is a corporate and commercial lawyer, and an international equestrian athlete. She provides sound commercial advice to equestrian athletes, owners, brands, businesses and governing bodies. Aria Grace Law CIC is the only not-forprofit corporate/commercial law firm in the UK.

Coming soon in OCTOBER 2024 BETA International report Feed for condition gallery

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To get involved with the features, contact: Abi Cannon on tel 01428 601028 Evie Edgar on tel 01428 601031 email etn@djmurphy.co.uk

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