ETN (Equestrian Trade News) – July/August 2022

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Volume 46, No 6

FASHION AND

FUNCTION British brand’s three decades

SELLING SAFETY

ETN is the official media partner of BETA International

LATEST RULES AND RETAIL TIPS

PLUS

• FEEDS FOR VETERANS WITH AMTRA CPD FEATURE

2022

11-13 September NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

Main Sponsor

Snowhill Trade Saddlery

SpecialsummerOffers Wholesale Saddlery and Country Clothing Suppliers

Rhinegold Elite Stretch Riding Gloves Super comfortable riding gloves with a stretch palm and Lycra back to the hand and fingers.

- Smudged Logo

Product Code: C790 Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Rhinegold Love My Pony Headcollar & Lead Rope Set

Rhinegold Fur Trimmed And Lined Nylon Headcollar

Quality soft webbing headcollar with fur padded noseband.

Fur trim lining on the cheek, nose and headpiece for ultimate comfort.

Product Code: 397 Colours: 7 Colours Sizes: S, P, C, F

Trade Price

Trade Price

NOW £5.90

NOW £5.00

was £7.50

was £6.95

Product Code: 6006 Colour: Tri-Coloured Sizes: S, P, C, F

Harlequin Neoprene Tendon Boots

Rhinegold Mock Croc Patent Brushing Boots

Moulded outer shell for protection and fit.

Neoprene boots with a mock croc patent outer and three wide straps for security.

Product Code: 604 Colour: Black Sizes: P, C, F

Trade Price

Trade Price

NOW £4.00

NOW £7.50

was £4.50

ALL BITS ARE REDUCED TO £6.00

Visit the Monthly Offers tab on the homepage of our website to find out more

was £9.50

Product Code: 634 Colour: Black Sizes: P, C, F, XF

Trade Price was £15.50

NOW £8.90

ALL STIRRUP TREADS REDUCED TO 70p PER PAIR

Rhinegold Sahara Star Print Full Neck Fly Rug This great fitting fun colour fly rug offers protection from flies and UV rays. Stretch Lycra neck panel for maximum comfort.

Issue 25 Out Now!

Product Code: 681 Colour: Star Print Sizes: 4’6” to 7’3”

Trade Price was £24.50

NOW £16.50 Web: snowhilltradesaddlery.co.uk

Email: sales@snowhill.ltd.uk

Tel: 01243 672323

Editor’s comment R

etailers tell me they’re increasingly having to deal with difficult customers making unreasonable demands.

Whether it’s down to customers feeling the economic pinch or a general lack of respect for other human beings’ feelings, I don’t know. But some of the insults and threats hurled at reputable retailers beggar belief.

There’s no doubt that consumers have become more familiar with their ‘rights’; but that doesn’t include a right to be abusive…

Maybe it’s because of the blame culture that seems to be sweeping through the horse world. The other weekend, I was riding along a narrow track on an endurance ride when I met another rider coming (correctly) in the opposite direction.

As we both pulled up to pass, she called out: “Be careful, this is a mare!” To which I replied: “So is this…what do you want me to do?”

“I’m just warning you in case she kicks your horse,” was her response.

What a shame if retailers have to become equally defensive to avoid being blamed.

Fashion rental – hiring outfits for big events like weddings and parties - is the thing in this eco-conscious age.

Would the same concept work for riding clothes? That tail coat for a dressage competition or hunt coat for a one-off day’s hunting…

Horses played a poignant role in The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations last month.

And the saddlery trade has its own very special Platinum anniversary this year.

Richard Godden, the world-renowned

FRONT COVER:

The Hideaway Padded gilet is from the new Equetech A/W 22 collection.

Seamlessly FUNCTION combining fashion with function, British PLUS label Equetech continues to embrace technical fabric innovation with stylish design details. Find out more in this issue of ETN as Equetech - designed by riders for riders – celebrates its 30th anniversary. www.equetech.com JULY/AUGUST 2022

Volume 46, No 6

FASHION AND British brand’s three decades

SELLING SAFETY

ETN is the official media partner of BETA International

LATEST RULES AND RETAIL TIPS

• FEEDS FOR VETERANS WITH AMTRA CPD FEATURE

2022

11-13 September NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

Main Sponsor

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

In this issue...

NEWS

What’s been happening

PRODUCT NEWS Latest launches

specialist in side saddle manufacture and refurbishment, is marking his 70th year in the industry.

Aged 84, he’s still teaching and inspiring other saddlers. ETN salutes you, sir, and we’re honoured to name you as this month’s ETN/SMS Bench Saddler of the Month. Read more about Richard in this issue.

This spring saw yet another renowned riding school, Hertfordshire’s Contessa Riding School, close.

We all know the issues; increasing costs of everything from insurance to business rates, plus red tape and general running costs. And it’s only going to get worse.

Once there was a riding school close to most market towns. Now, when non-horsey acquaintances ask where they can take their children to learn to ride, it’s a struggle to find one to recommend.

The worry is that it’s riding schools that nurture horse owners and riders – our trade’s future customers. Without them, the market will likely shrink as new equestrians emerge mainly from already-horsey families.

I don’t know the answer. Since local authorities license riding schools, should we be lobbying our councillors? Or writing to our MPs? Or is a more root-and-branch approach needed; something that will break through the misconception that equestrianism is for the elite and wealthy – and get riding recognised as a sport that’s good for you.

Various initiatives have addressed the issue of getting more bums in saddles. But unless those bums have somewhere to go, we won’t make progress.

PEOPLE

Who’s new, who’s moved?

IN THE HOT SEAT With Peter Wilkes

ETN/SMS BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH Meet this month’s winner

RETAILER PROFILE

North Wales Tack Shop

SPECIAL REPORT

Thirty years of equestrian fashion

SAFETY FEATURE

Safety first with BETA New products, retail tips

STABLES & BEDDING

Making stable management easy Bedding for the 21st century

DISTRIBUTORS FOR EUROPEAN COMPANIES Updates from leading players

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2022

Preview of September’s trade fair

4

10

16

18

20

22

24

28 30

34 36

38

40

FEEDING VETERAN HORSES

AMTRA accredited RAMA CPD feature and quiz Products to recommend

SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS

Where should you advertise?

42 46

45

TURN BACK THE PAGES

What ETN was reporting five, ten, 20 and 30 years ago

PROFILE

Zilco and the synthetic tack revolution

49

50

My latest horsey shopping bugbear.

When you first go onto their websites, many retailers offer a tempting 5% or even 10% discount if you sign up to their newsletter.

Yes, great. I’ll do that and frequently do.

But actually claiming the ‘thanks for signing up’ discount is not always so easy, since many retailers don’t make it clear how to action this.

So well done Equiport for sending me a separate email, thanking me and clearly setting out the way their ‘new customer’ discount works – including that it only applies when you spend £100 or more!

Liz Benwell Liz Benwell

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 3

News ETN | NEWS

NAF SOLD BUT IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL AB Agri has acquired Greencoat Limited, the animal supplement and care business including the NAF, NutriLabs, Natural VetCare and Greencoat Farm brands.

Greencoat, and therefore NAF, will continue to operate on a standalone basis, led by the team at the NAF head office and manufacturing facility in Monmouth.

It will continue to sell its products, including the flagship NAF Five Star brand, directly through its network of specialist retailers and online channels.

Commenting on the announcement, AB Agri CEO José Nobre said: “The acquisition of Greencoat is a key step in our strategic goal to expand our international animal nutrition and technology business into new and exciting areas.

“The animal supplements market is growing fast and Greencoat will bring its experience and expertise in

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

direct-to-consumer sales and marketing, complementing our own deep understanding of the nutrition and care of horses and enabling us to develop our position in animal supplements.”

NAF founder Richard Cleeve, who is to retire, said: “I am delighted that AB Agri has acquired our business.

“We were impressed with their commitment to the production of quality products and their passion for innovation.

AB Agri will invest in manufacturing, brands and people and their vision is to make these brands the most prominent in the world.”

AB Agri manufactures animal feed, nutrition and technology-based products and offers data services for the agrifood industry. It produces and supplies compound animal feed, feed enzymes, specialised feed ingredients and a range of services to farmers, feed and food manufacturers, processors and retailers.

Editor Liz Benwell Email: editor@equestriantradenews.com Advertising Manager 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

4 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

www.carbonbalancedpape r.com CBP123456

PUTTING HORSES IN THE PICTURE

Anyone who enjoys taking photos of horses is urged to make the most of the good weather and get out there with their cameras or phones.

The 12 most outstanding shots submitted will feature in the 2023 BETA calendar – with the best winning a luxury hamper.

Photographs must be equestrian themed and taken by the entrant, who must not be a professional photographer.

Photographs belonging to third parties should not be submitted.

Images must be supplied in a digital format with a minimum size of 150 x 115mm (1,722 x 1,358px), 300 dpi, or at least 2MB, and must not be subject to copyright.

Send your entries to info@beta-uk. org. Please include the entrant’s name, age, address and a description of what is depicted. The closing date for entries is Monday, 19 September 2022.

NEED MORE NEWS? Receive ETN’s weekly e-newsletter directly to your inbox. It’s free and you can sign up at www.equestriantradenews.com

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Baileys Horse Feeds Bedmax BETA International Bettalife Champion Citrus-Lime Country Direct Dodson & Horrell Equilibrium Products Jenkinsons Lincoln Horse Care NAF Nettex Premier Equine Pro-Equine Red Gorilla Rowen Barbary Snowhill Trade Saddlery STUBBS ENGLAND Toggi Vita Animal Health

OBC 37 40 & 41 OFC 27 33 33 11 21 3&9 19 7 17 13 33 & 48 IBC 48 IFC 35 26 9

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

NEWS | ETN

BETA International welcomes sponsorship from leading companies Leading companies have shown their support for BETA International 2022 with extensive sponsorship of the show, which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh on September 11-13.

Long-term main sponsor, Neue Schule, has agreed a two-year extension of its backing of the show with CEO Sarfraz Mian stating: “We look forward to welcoming our customers from the UK, across Europe and beyond back to BETA International. The return of overseas visitors will be a real boost, giving the event a truly international dimension.”

Shires Equestrian has agreed to sponsor the New Product Showcase, a new addition to the show. Co-managing director Marcus Cridland said: “Shires has worked with BETA International for many years, and we are pleased to offer that support once again. The show is vital to the equestrian trade and is a key vehicle to showcase new and innovative products and services.”

Running alongside the New Product Showcase will be the New Product Awards, a feature sponsored by BETA International’s media partner Equestrian Trade News.

NAF is sponsoring The Gin & Fizz Bar where exhibitors can speak to their customers in a relaxed setting. This popular area has been increased in size this year to allow for even more networking.

Sponsorship and events manager Eloise Chugg-Martin said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the NAF Five Star Gin and Fizz Bar at BETA International 2022. Having supported BETA for many years we hope that visitors and exhibitors alike have a fantastic trade show.”

Strong seminar line-up at BETA International BETA International will present a strong line-up of speakers for three days of seminars designed to give retailers ahead-of-the-game ideas on new lines, new approaches and new profit potential.

The talks will take place in the Seminar Theatre in Hall 1 of the NAEC Stoneleigh on 11-13 September.

SADDLERY CRAFTSMANSHIP ON SHOW AT BETA INTERNATIONAL BETA International, taking place at NAEC Stoneleigh on September 11-13, 2022, will showcase saddlery craftsmanship and the skills of talented apprentices over the three days as they compete for top awards in the Society of Master Saddlers’ competitions.

Always a popular draw for visitors to the trade fair, the apprentice activity brings a lot of interest to the competition area to see the range of leather work being made.

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers is kindly donating the prize money once again and their continuous support is much appreciated.

Competitors who are training at the Saddlery Training Centre and Capel Manor College students will take part.

The Society is also running another competition throughout BETA International with members making ‘A leather decoration for any occasion or celebration’.

The competition will be judged as usual by both the visitors and SMS judges with the prizes being awarded on day three.

The free-to-attend series of seminars will cover a wide range of topics, and there will also be a chance to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for those people attending special seminars presented by Kate Hore, head nutritionist at NAF, and independent consultant Sally Harmer, of Animal Health Consultancy Ltd. The CPD points will go towards the ongoing development of Suitably Qualified People (SQP).

Other speakers include master bridle and harness maker Frances Roche, Sara Blackshaw, of Sara Blackshaw Consulting, and Rhea Freeman, of Rhea Freeman PR. As well as a free programme of seminars there will be so much more to see on the exhibitor stands packing the NAEC Stoneleigh, including an impressive list of new products.

To find out more and to register for entry visit www.beta-int.com.

BETA International is sponsored by Neue Schule.

A pan industry group is to discuss the use and stewardship of equine wormers in the UK. Its formation follows a workshop hosted by the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) at which 51 delegates from 40 organisations discussed sustainable control of equine parasites.

Now a core steering group has been formed to consider the next steps. And the VMD has distributed a questionnaire for stakeholders to express their interest in the project.

For more information and/or queries, email anthelmintic.resistance@vmd.gov.uk WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Calling all craftspeople under 40

Abbey England is celebrating the UK’s 40 best craftspeople as part of its 40th birthday celebrations.

Nominations are sought for craft-makers, such as bench saddlers, under the age of 40 for the company’s 2022/23 scholarship.

The overall winner will receive £1,000 towards Abbey England’s workshop tools and supplies.

And the top 40 nominees will be invited to a masterclass workshop this autumn with the BBC’s Repair Shop star, Suzie Fletcher.

Nominations close on 29 July with the results announced in September.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 5

Photo: Jon Stroud

USE OF WORMERS TO BE REVIEWED

ETN | NEWS

WATCH OUT… THE ENFORCEMENT TEAM’S ABOUT! Veterinary medicines officers are back on the road and touring the shows after a two-year pause for the pandemic.

The team from VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) are attending events across the country to advise traders about how they market products. They’re also looking out for misdemeanours.

“It means we can spot breaches of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and take appropriate action,” says a spokesman.

“You won’t necessarily see us on a stand, but our officers will be wandering round and talking to people.”

A common issue picked up by VMD enforcers is feed and supplements being promoted as medicinal – advertised as healing, treating, curing etc – when they are not licensed as veterinary medicines.

Traders who would like a visit for advice or to discuss a specific matter – and indeed to report something that doesn’t look right – are invited to contact VMD ahead of a show.

NEWCOMER OFFERS AMTRA EXAM SUPPORT New organisation Newton Rigg Training is hosting a series of online training courses ahead of AMTRA exams.

The move follows the closure of Newton Rigg College in Cumbria late last year.

Independent animal health specialist Sally Harmer is leading the AMTRA courses which are aimed at people who wish to qualify as RAMAs (registered animal health advisors).

Newton Rigg Training is initially offering support towards AMTRA’s base, equine and companion animal modules, with farm expected to be added in time for the October exams.

BETA welcomes new members

A diverse range of businesses are among the newest members of BETA. For more than 40 years, BETA has represented equestrian retailers, manufacturers, distributors and related suppliers. The trade association also acts in the interests of horsey consumers.

Applications to join are scrutinised by existing BETA members before being granted or refused by the association’s Council. Once accepted, member companies are entitled to use the BETA logo. To consumers, the badge is therefore a sign of a reputable businesses where they can shop or use a service with confidence.

The BETA Council has approved the following membership applications: • Middleton Equestrian Supplies, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent – retail store on livery yard (becomes a Retail Member of BETA).

• Wyvern Equestrian, Exeter – mobile retailer (Retail Member) • 4Pony Ltd, Aller, Somerset – online retailer (Retail Member) • Equisign Tack and Feed, Kirton Lindsey, North Lincolnshire – equestrian store (Retail Member) • Kate Hardt Saddlery, Eccleshall, Staffs – mobile saddle fitter with saddlery workshop (Retail Member) • Yorkshire Feedstuffs Ltd, Anlaby, East Yorkshire – processor of oilseed products for use in animal feeds (Trade Member) • Anpario, Worksop, Nottinghamshire – manufacturer of natural feed additives (Trade Member) 6 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Top honours for supplier’s marketing team

Horseware Ireland has scooped a marketing award for its Through It All campaign.

The video series, designed to capture the bond between horse and human, won the International Marketing Award at the All Ireland Marketing (AIM) Awards.

Organised by the Marketing Institute of Ireland, the accolades recognise marketing professionals’ success and their contribution to the Irish economy.

Horseware Ireland’s Through It All brand campaign has tugged at horsey heartstrings around the world, while serving as a reminder of Horseware Ireland’s ethos and products.

“Through It All delves deep into the soul of our brand and our equestrian community,” said Fiona Collins, Horseware Ireland’s marketing manager.

“We are super-proud that our work has translated into impressive global business results and this award is the ultimate demonstration of that.”

Horseware Ireland worked with the creative and digital team at Bold Studios to produce Through It All. The most recent video in the series features Swiss Olympic champion show jumper Steve Guerdat.

The Horseware Ireland team with their marketing award. From left, Paul Istratoaie, Linda Curtis, Margaret Thornton, Fiona Collins, Naomi Reid, Sonja Obermayer and Nina Filette.

• Free Reins, Christleton, Cheshire – reins with quick release safety system (Trade Member) • POS Ltd, Halifax - supplier of EPOS systems (Associate Member) • Lilac HR Ltd, Wisbech – HR support to SMEs (Associate Member) • The Grand Plan Consultancy Ltd, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire – marketing communications agency (Associate Member) • Master Saddle Fitters International, Manningtree, Essex – educational group for saddle fitters (Associate Member) • FBA Laboratories Ltd, Co Waterford, Ireland – agricultural laboratory (Associate Member) • H Power International Ltd, Windsor – show organiser (Associate Member) • Manger Equine Ltd, Bicester, Oxon – carriage driver, carriage repairs, hire and film work (Associate Member) • Mips AB, Taby, Sweden – provider of safety solution for helmets (Associate Member) • LiveryList, France – livery yard directory and resource for riding school owners and consultancy (Associate Member) • ABRS, Shipley, Horsham – membership organisation for riding schools and livery yards (Associate Member) • Bowley Equestrian, Hapton, Lancashire – livery yard and horse trainer (Equine) • Berriewood Farm LLP, Dorrington, Shrewsbury – equestrian centre and livery yard (Equine) WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

boost experience the

IN SALES

Respiratory Herbs

Essential Oils

Natural Antioxidants

Works in 48 Hours or your Money Back Guaranteed

NAF recommend Respirator Boost for:

MSM

Adaptogens

l Coughing l Compromised respiratory systems l Nasal discharge l Abnormal lung sounds l Laboured breathing l Lack of stamina l Pollen

For more information, please contact your NAF Area Sales Manager or call the NAF Sales Office on 01600 710726. Don’t forget that the team manning our FREE Nutritional Advice Line is available on:

0800 373 106

the clearway to performance fast

naf-equine.eu/uk

l Travelling l Poor performance l Frequent swallowing during exercise l Increased respiratory rate pre, post and during exercise l Nostril flaring

ETN | NEWS

SPONSORS AND SHOWS

• David Howden, CEO and founder of re-investment group Howden, is investing a seven-figure sum over five years with British Eventing (BE). The Howden Way will fund rider training and a pathway for young horse production. Mr Howden is president of Cornbury House Horse Trials.

• Fashion boots and accessories label Fairfax & Favor is to sponsor a fence on the cross-country course at Burghley, and will have its largestever tradestand at the event on 1 - 4 September.

• This year’s British Horse Society (BHS) Ride Out UK campaign – which encourages riders to saddle up and explore their local area - is supported by Horse & Country.

• Robinson Animal Healthcare is supporting Frickley Park Horse Trials on 18 - 21 August.

All competitors in the Animalintex BE 100 Championship will receive a goodie bag of first aid products.

• HorseHage has agreed a three-year deal to sponsor the British Dressage Preliminary Winter series and Championships.

• Lotus Romeo UK is the new official supplier to the British Equestrian Team of tailcoats for dressage and eventing, and riding jackets for para dressage. The brand is also contracted to supply the team jackets for the 2023 European championships and the Paris Games in 2024. Lotus Romeo specialises in technical, lightweight jackets.

Dressage star Carl Hester is a fan.

OBITUARY DERRICK NAYLOR

Derrick Naylor – successful equestrian businessman, talented horseman and devoted family man – died peacefully at home on 9 June. He was 92.

Derrick founded Naylors Equestrian which went on to become one of the UK’s premier retailers with branches across the northwest of England.

Born in 1929, Derrick found school difficult and regularly played truant as he had dyslexia, a condition then not understood.

However, he was very fond of horses and his grandfather got him a job at a local hunting yard.

After some time there, he was spotted by a racehorse trainer and asked if he would like to work with Thoroughbreds. It was the beginning of Derrick’s lifelong love for and tremendous knowledge of the breed.

By the time he was 24, Derrick had rented a derelict mansion.

The house was boarded up, but the stables and paddocks enabled him to start a hunter hireling business. He also trained some point-to-pointers.

Derrick Naylor was a While involved with the superb horseman who bred racehorses, he’d begun taking Thoroughbreds and trained and orders for tack from trainers at raced point-to-pointers. the race meetings and sales. It was at Doncaster Bloodstock Sales that he met his future wife Kate, an equine physiotherapist. The couple lived near Rochdale for most of their long and happy married life, moving to Yorkshire in later years.

As well as taking orders for tack at the races, Derrick began attending the shows. Often his stand was a simple tent.

Then in 1950, he opened his first shop – and began what must have been one of the UK’s first equestrian mail order operations. “I did all the packing up of orders because no-one else wanted to and thought it was a strange thing to be doing,” said Kate.

8 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

By 1965, what was to become Naylors Equestrian began trading from a former Cooperative shop in Norden, near Rochdale. Over a period of 42 years, Derrick built a solid reputation for stocking good quality equestrian products and supplies.

Naylors was taken over in 2007 but continued to run as a family business, expanding to three large stores in Rochdale, The late Derrick Naylor, founder of Nantwich and Cannock.

Naylors Equestrian, on his 90th birthday.

During this time, the naylors.com website began to supply customers all over the world.

The retailer is now part of the Go Outdoors group.

Derrick also opened a van hire business, which was later run by his daughter Amanda who had also helped in the equestrian store.

Among his other enterprises was supporting Kate in her development of the equine therapy device which she named the Derryn Machine in a collaboration of their names.

The couple owned and bred Thoroughbreds too. They were regular race-goers and Derrick was particularly thrilled to have two home-bred winners on the Flat.

Derrick remained in good health until a year ago when his sight failed. But he and Kate continued to enjoy listening to music, often singing along to his favourite Frank Sinatra tracks.

“Everyone loved Derrick. He was honest and fair, and that’s why people did business with him,” Kate told ETN. “He was always active but he’d always have time to help someone with a horse or a child with a naughty pony.”

“We had a wonderful life together. We went all over the world on some lovely holidays. He worked hard, he kept working until he was 79, but he would always have a holiday or a day off and enjoy it. He was a lovely man.”

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

®

Soothing zinc oxide and herbal extracts support skin’s natural healing

85% The ultimate first aid cream for your tack box

of vet nurses reported improvement after just one application*

92% of vet nurses would recommend*

Suitable for use as a barrier cream on delicate areas, such as girth and muzzle Suitable for all stages of wound healing Suitable for use with or without dressings The one product no first aid kit should be without. Safe, gentle, effective.

www.vitaanimalhealth.com • info@vitaanimalhealth.com • +44 (0)1256 591032

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

Product News New for summer 2022

The Rhinegold Vegan faux fur-trimmed gel pad creates a comfortable, shock-absorbing layer between the horse's back and saddle.

The good-looking, non-slip pad is perforated for full air flow.

In one size, the RRP is £55.90.

Well wrapped Rhinegold 100% cotton diamond quilted leg wraps are supplied in a set of four. Beautifully soft and easy to use under bandages for extra protection when travelling or resting, they’re machine washable.

In one size, the RRP is £16.90 per set of four.

Smart and versatile The Rhinegold Comfey Collar Fleece Rug is a high-quality, suede fleece rug which is anti-pill for consistent smartness.

RECYCLED COMFORT

Ariat’s new Sunstopper 2.0 quarter zip is made from 94% recycled polyester and spandex.

The lightweight base layer (RRP £45) is part of the brand’s ecoconscious collection.

The fabric protects against UV with a UPF50 rating, while a mock collar shields the sun’s rays.

An odour resistant finish on the cooling fabric inhibits bacterial odours.

There are nine new colourways comprising seven prints and two block colours. Standout designs include this milky blue bridle print.

ALL DECKED OUT

Chatham has expanded its deck shoe range, and kindly sent me a pair to try and test, writes ETN editor Liz Benwell.

When the beautifully presented, British themed shoe box arrived, I opened it with a gasp… so attractive is this footwear.

The Pippa II G2 style, in tan with a jaunty turquoise trim, is new for S/S22.

The good-quality leather uppers are made using the Genesis manufacturing concept which aims to reduce the consumption of water, harmful chemicals and energy.

10 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Ideal for use in the stable, travelling and at shows, it features a single chest strap with a touch-tape closing chest skirt and elastic surcingle.

The snug, padded neckline adds comfort and reduces rubbing; while the hidden elastic surcingle fastens under the belly with no tension point.

The Rhinegold Comfey Collar Fleece Rug is finished with tricoloured rope binding and comes in sizes 4’6” to 7’3”. The RRP is £42.50 • See more new products in the 230-page glossy 2022 Snowhill catalogue sent free to retailers with this month’s ETN.

For saddles that slip forward

Passier has upgraded its leather girth designed for dressage saddles with a tendency to move forward.

Now with a larger contact area, it’s shaped for elbow freedom and has set-back buckles.

Overall, this short girth is aimed at keeping the saddle in position on horses with a naturally forward girth groove.

A D-ring has been added for attaching draw reins or a martingale.

Passier’s upgraded dressage girth comes in black or Havana and sizes 45 to 80cm (18” to 32”).

But my favourite aspect is Chatham’s SoleSpring comfort technology. Sinking ones feet into the natural latex foam is just the thing when kicking off your riding boots.

The tough, slip resistant sole is also in latex rubber, and well up to the job of summer walks and general outdoor wear.

A must for every boot room, and a stylish companion for jeans, jods or a dress, the RRP is around £110.

As Philip Marsh, managing director at Chatham, comments: “We feel there’s a product to suit everyone, whatever their adventures.”

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EW !

N M O FR

AVAILABLE TO ORDER

NOW!

FIBRE UP

A FULLY SUPPLEMENTED CONDITIONING FIBRE LOW STARCH & SUGAR FULLY BALANCED COOL CONDITION EXTRA FEATURES: CONDITION SUPPORT – ADDED LYSINE, B VITAMINS AND A HIGH OIL CONTENT DIGESTIVE SUPPORT – PREBIOTIC FOS, PROBIOTIC ACTISAF YEAST, MINT, BASIL HOOF & COAT SUPPORT – HIGH BIOTIN, ZINC, METHIONINE IMMUNE SUPPORT – VITAMIN E AND QLC NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT BLEND

For more information please contact your D&H Account Manager, call our orders team on 01270 782236 or email enquiries@dodsonandhorrell.com

www.dodsonandhorrell.com

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

TIMELESS TO WEAR

On the yard, catching up with friends or attending an equestrian event; there are many reasons your customers want a Cavallo Dagna jacket.

Available in black and storm blue, this timeless outer layer has a detachable hood.

With riders in mind, there’s a two-way concealed zip and adjustable waistband for draft control and a flattering, fitted look.

The Dagna is breathable and waterproof. It has two zipped front pockets and glitter piping, plus an inside security pocket. The RRP is from £199.

Cavallo is distributed in the UK by Zebra Products.

Supplements rebranded

The Pure Feed Company has rebranded its supplements range, changing the name from Pure Plus to Pure Supplements.

Revised packaging includes a QR code enabling the purchaser to access nutritional information and feeding recommendations.

The four existing Pure Feed Company supplements - for joint, respiratory, electrolytes and gut support - have been reformulated by the company’s head of nutrition Steph Mapletoft and senior nutritionist Sophie Brown.

FEEDING THE NEED FOR FIBRE

New Fibre Up from Dodson & Horrell’s Specialist range has been developed to meet consumers’ increased desire for fibre feeding solutions.

Fibre Up suits horses that are hot headed and stressy and/or thin, those prone to gastric ulcers, following periods of rest, those who bolt their feeds and youngsters coming into work.

Starch and sugar levels are low to help curb excitable behaviour.

Quality protein supports muscle and topline, while oil and B vitamins work together to build condition.

High levels of vitamin E and D&H’s QLC antioxidants combine to balance the oxidative effects of oils and support the immune system.

Fibre Up delivers a fully balanced suite of vitamins and chelated minerals when fed at the rate of 2.5kg/day for a 500kg horse.

Additional supplements provide digestive, joint, hoof, coat and immune support, including pre and probiotics, mint, basil, MSM and biotin.

Gloves use latest technology

Elico Adult Bradley Gloves make the most of the best fabric technology.

The extremely lightweight, yet warm riding gloves are made from an Italian Rubex material, which uses the latest polyester/spandex mix innovation.

The Bradley is luxuriously soft with four-way stretch to achieve the perfect fit. It’s also thermal, UV protective, breathable and sweat wicking, making it the perfect all-weather riding companion.

Other features include a snug cuff, touch screen compatibility and silicon grip with the Elico signature logo on the palm.

Elico Adult Bradley Gloves come in black or navy, and sizes small, medium, large and extra-large. The RRP is £16.50.

GREAT GIFT IDEA

Equestrian illustrator Emily Cole has added sticky notes to her stationery collection.

Bringing a horsey touch to the office or tackroom, each pack measures 75mm x 75mm and has 100 sheets.

There are now eight sticky note packs in the collection: Cow Pony, First Love, Believe In Yourself, Unicorn, Yard Royalty, Lunge Line, Feeling Fresh, and He Started It. “When we tested the idea with Cow Pony, the sticky notes just flew out the door and we had to reorder as soon as they came in, but that also gave me the opportunity to add more to the collection,” says Emily Cole.

The RRP per pack is £2.95.

Hanging in the balance

The Equiseat Aid helps riders achieve straightness in the saddle and harmony with their horses.

It’s made from heavy elastic which wraps around the lower thigh of the rider’s stronger, dominant leg. Two foam blocks, one on the middle of the hamstring and one on the inner thigh, are each encased in a Velcro-fastened pocket.

Equiseat (RRP £79) is designed to be worn when schooling, hacking out and jumping. It’s available in black, white or beige.

Its developer, event rider and coach Vickie Dennis, says virtually every rider has a dominant side which impacts their ability to be totally balanced in the saddle.

When foam blocks are placed on the lower thigh of a rider’s dominant leg, they must open the thigh and can’t ‘grip up’ which is what tips them off balance, she explained.

A bit of good value

Sprenger says its new Satinox bit range has an outstanding price:performance ratio.

The ergonomically shaped, stainless steel collection has Satin mouthpieces for a pleasant feeling in the horse’s mouth, while their shape allows for plenty of tongue room.

12 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Satinox bits come as single and double jointed or as mullen mouths with ports. For dressage, there are Weymouth bits and bradoons.

Sprenger is distributed in the UK by Zebra Products.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

SELECTED RETAILER BENEFITS

Easy Online Ordering

Forward Ordering Not Required

Expert Customer Service

Low Minimum Order

Apply for a trade account today! sales@premierequine.co.uk

Outstanding Quality Marketing Assets

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

35% off grooming products

Nettex Equine is offering a 35% trade discount on its grooming range during July and August.

Acknowledging that the grooming market suffered throughout the pandemic as horse shows ground to a halt, Nettex says it wants to kick start a new grooming season.

The brand’s “You don’t need a show to glow” campaign is set to encourage horse owners to re-instil their grooming habits and pamper their horses, even if they’re not out competing.

The Nettex grooming range includes Everyday Conditioning Shampoo, Coat Shine, Mane & Tail Detangler, Whitening Shampoo, Plaiting Spray and Quick Gloss Hoof Spray.

July and August will see Nettex advertising a 25% discount consumer offer alongside the trade promotion. Marketing support and POS is available too.

Nettex is available from Trilanco.

BEST VALUE WINNER

Nettex Equine Summer Fly Cream won the Horse&Rider 2022 Best Value Fly Creams and Gels award.

The product was put through its paces last summer. It’s now been recognised as offering effective protective from flies and midges, being easy to apply and excellent value for money.

The cream’s long-lasting effects are due to its DEET based formula, says Nettex. Although twice daily application is recommended, some testers found that once a day use still offered great results, making the tub last longer.

“We know that life is expensive at the moment, so having products which offer great value to horse owners is important to us,” said Ellie Cashmore, product manager at Nettex Equine.

Summer Fly Cream, which includes lanolin and glycerine, was also praised for its moisturising effects – as well as its non-drip consistency.

Helmet is riding/cycling hybrid

Pikeur has teamed up with Abus - a world leader in cycling safety and home security - to launch two new riding helmets.

The Pikeur branded Air Luxe and Air Duo, both meet all the main safety standards.

The Air Duo, designed for children and adults, is a hybrid helmet with a detachable visor. It complies with riding and cycling safety standards.

With a low-profile cut, it has a ratchet buckle, pony tail cutout and 18 ventilation channels.

The Air Luxe, aimed at professional riders, has 17 ventilation channels, a flattering low profile and magnetic buckle fastening for one-handed operation.

RRPs range from £169.95 to £549.95. The first deliveries are due in the autumn.

Pikeur is distributed in the UK by Shaws Equestrian.

14 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

NO SWEAT!

Activ Scrub from Robinson Animal Healthcare is usually associated with first aid kits.

But the diluted antibacterial formula also makes a great cleansing wash for removing sweat from horses after exercise.

In addition, Activ Scrub can be used as a general hand wash.

Supplied in 500ml pump bottles, it’s especially useful when away at competitions. The RRP is around £10.

Taking the temperature

A Digital Veterinary Thermometer is new from Lincoln Horse Care’s first aid range, available from Battles.

It’s a useful piece of kit as owners are often advised to take horses’ temperatures regularly to aid biosecurity.

The fast, accurate mercury-free thermometer is operated by touching a button. It bleeps when the animal’s core temperature has been measured, with the reading showing in degrees Celsius on a clear digital LCD display.

The lightweight device is durable and easily sanitised for reuse. It has an automatic shut-off button to save battery life and a clear cover for hygienic storage.

The RRP is £7.99

TOO HOT TO HANDLE?

Cavalor SoZen is a powdered supplement that may help alleviate stress in hot or nervous horses.

The product’s unique formula is based on a mixture of herbs combined with magnesium and tryptophan to support relaxation.

Cavalor SoZen has also been seen to promote concentration in the ridden horse.

UK distributor Zebra Products points out that, like people, some horses get more tense than others – and that not all tension is bad.

“Horses and humans both need a certain amount of tension to perform to the best of their abilities, but constant pressure or stress increases the likelihood of health problems,” says the company.

Ensuring a horse gets adequate exercise, lives in an appropriate environment and has a healthy diet has an enormous influence on behaviour, adds Zebra Products.

Cavalor SoZen has an RRP of £65 for 400g.

MADE FOR MUD

The Mudder from The Original Muck Boot Company loves mud and water.

Its clever sole has a special tread for grip while walking in mud, but without taking it with you.

This hard-working footwear secures the ankle into the back of the boot, too. The idea is to reduce heel slip and stop the mud from ‘eating’ your boots.

The durable rubber compound sole works equally well in dry conditions. While a dual-density footbed with memory foam ensures all-day comfort and support.

The RRP is £100.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

PRODUCT NEWS | ETN

New bits for better communication Neue Schule has launched two new bits.

The Verbindend American Dee-Lite clarifies and emphasises rein signals.

It incorporates the Verbindend which helps eradicate tongue evasions, encouraging the horse to relax through the jaw. The cleverly curved mouthpiece can also enhance the development of bend for lateral work.

The lightweight Hunter Dee element increases directional control and is popular for horses that go on the forehand as front lift and shoulder freedom are usually achieved.

The Verbindend American Dee-Lite retails at around £146.16.

Room for larger tongues Neue Schule’s new Turtle Tactio Half-Cheek reinforces the rein aid for turning and straightness.

Unlike the full cheek, noseband interference and upper cheek rubs are eradicated.

With a comfy mouthpiece taking up very little room between the bars, tongue and upper palate, this is a popular bit for young horses working towards a soft, consistent contact. The RRP is £185.75.

FAIR’S FAIR

The Fair Rider spur, new from Sprenger, is designed to get horses used to being ridden with spurs.

Thanks to an enlarged, smooth contact surface, it’s gentle on the skin – so it’s useful for desensitising horses that don’t react well to conventional spurs.

Its aluminium carrier with arched plastic neck is light and comfortable to wear. It comes in a choice of colours with varying neck end lengths.

The RRP is £69.90.

Promotional feed bags have feel-good factor

Baileys Horse Feeds has introduced promotional bags of its Lo-Cal Balancer to raise money for World Horse Welfare.

The company already provides feed and nutritional support for the equines at World Horse Welfare’s four rescue and rehoming centres.

This summer sees Baileys donating an extra 30p for every promotional bag of LoCal Balancer sold, while stocks last.

While malnourished horses may seem the most obvious candidates for the charity’s help, Sue Hodgkins, from World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm rescue and rehoming centre, explained that good doers also need support.

“We’re seeing increasing numbers of overweight horses,” she said. “And managing a horse prone to weight gain is not simply restricting the amount of food available. Careful planning must go into what food is given.”

Baileys Lo-Cal Balancer is perfect for providing essential nutrients, without unwanted calories, for those on a forage-only or calorie-controlled diet, she added.

Graham Rice, business development manager for Baileys Horse Feeds said the company was proud to support World Horse Welfare.

“Many people are surprised to learn that overweight horses benefit from carefully prepared balancers to ensure they get all the dietary support they need, whilst keeping the calories down.”

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Verbindend American Dee-Lite

Turtle Tactio Half-Cheek

Under the bonnet

The latest fly mask/bonnet from Covalliero comes in a selection of seasonal colours to match the brand’s saddle pads.

The classic design has elasticated ears and is suitable for competition, schooling or hacking.

The machine washable bonnet is available in dark navy, light greige, sand, avocado, dark rose and aqua, and in cob/full or pony sizes. The RRP is £10.50.

Covalliero is distributed by Zebra Products.

JUNIOR JUMP SADDLE CAN BE CUSTOMISED

The Junior Saddle from Pessoa has the smallest riders’ comfort, support and performance at its heart.

The simple, classic design incorporates a flat-shaped seat, narrow twist and moulded knee rolls.

The Junior Saddle is built on a lightweight carbon fibre tree with memory foam panels.

Customised options include a ‘help handle’ to assist young riders’ balance and smaller knee blocks. Pessoa can also change the flap length, as well as altering the shape using the brand’s X-Change system gullet bars.

The Junior Saddle comes in sizes 14”, 15” and 15.75” in black, brown or oakbark. The RRP is £1,900 Pessoa Saddles is looking for UK stockists and offers a minimum order of three, with a quick turnaround on special orders.

Breastplate is competition ‘legal’ A new breastplate from Elevator Equestrian has an integrated neckstrap.

The Elevator Elite Breastplate complies with FEI competition rules.

It has a padded chest pad and elastic inserts, and it clips onto the girth.

It comes in black or Havana Sedgwick’s leather and cob, full or extra full sizes. The RRP is £205.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 15

ETN | PEOPLE

People Dengie has recruited two new area sales managers. Jessica Toombs is representing the fibre feed specialist in the eastern region; Rebecca Opie is covering the southeast of England.

Jessica has five years’ retail sales experience. She owns a seven-year-old gypsy cob called Romeo, and together they compete in dressage and show jumping.

Before joining Dengie, Rebecca worked in the equine industry after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a master’s degree in equine health and welfare. As well as taking part in riding club activities with her Irish sports horse, Bobby, Rebecca helps on her partner’s family farm looking after their herd of Kent Romney sheep.

The Queen’s former resident artist Jeremy Houghton shared a laugh with the Princess Royal during the Platinum Jubilee as she was presented with a painting of the Queen’s champion racehorse Dunfermline at Epsom.

Standing in for the Queen, Princess Anne was tickled to hear that in his haste to transport the painting from his home in the Cotswolds, Jeremy had forgotten his tie. So he improvised with a Pony Club tie, found during a hasty search of his car boot and belonging to one of his daughters.

“This is the moment that finally gives grooms a voice at international competitions,” said Lucy Katan, founding director of the International Grooms Association (IGA), pictured with Ingmar De Vos, president of the FEI, the international horse sports body, at the IGA’s inauguration.

The IGA wants to improve grooms’ working conditions, especially at equestrian competitions where long hours are the norm.

Mel Newman, formerly head of marketing at Finest Brands International, home of Champion and Toggi, has moved to a similar role at Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian.

Aled Rhys Jones takes up his appointment as chief executive of The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society - organiser of the Royal Welsh Show - on 1 September. He succeeds Steve Hughson.

16 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Comedian and Strictly Come Dancing winner Bill Bailey was among the celebrities stepping back in time to mark 125 years of the Blue Cross by recreating images from pet charity’s archives.

Originally known as Our Dumb Friends League, Blue Cross was formed in 1897 to help the working horses of London.

Today, the charity supports pets (including equines) and people through its veterinary, rehoming, pet behaviour, education and bereavement services.

Jocelyn Danby, Lucy Evans, Issi Hodges, Kelly Jones, Amber Baughman-Markley and Jennifer Roy have become Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Qualified Bridle Fitters. They all passed the City & Guilds Qualification in Bridle Fitting & Measuring at the inaugural course held at Moulton College.

The course was led by Frances Roche with the lorinery aspect taken by Catherine Baker. Becoming an SMS Qualified Bridle Fitter requires experience with horses and at least three years’ training.

Team NAF’s supported dressage rider Gemma Owen was among the contestants on this year’s Love Island.

The 19-year-old daughter of former England footballer and racehorse owner Michael Owen featured prominently in the tabloids as she took part in the ITV2 reality show.

Gemma’s stay in the Love Island villa came as many were calling for the horse world to get more positive mainstream media exposure. “[Gemma’s appearance] should achieve some fantastic reach for equestrianism,” said NAF’s UK marketing manager Isla Boxall-Loomes.

Riding Sirius Black, Gemma represented Britain at the 2021 European Young Riders Dressage Championships.

Claire Davenport, who runs Davenport Saddlery covering Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, has been awarded a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) grant to further her craft skills training.

Claire worked in an educational charity before qualifying as a saddler. She specialises in bespoke bridles, and also makes other items of tack, dog collars and harness, and does repairs.

The QEST Scholarship will enable Claire to study at the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury. Here, she’ll receive tuition from Master Saddler, Harness and Bridle Maker Frances Roche, and heavy horse harness specialist Phil Goodchild. “I’m thrilled to have the chance to perfect my skills with two such masters of the trade,” said Claire.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

You don’t need a show to

35% OFF *

The Nettex tried and trusted grooming range has everything your customers need to give their horse the glow up they deserve any day, anywhere.

www.nettexequine.com Order via: www.trilanco.com

Show us your glow ups #glowupwithnettex *Terms and conditions apply. Whilst stocks last. Offer available from trade price between 1st July – 31st August 2022

ETN | OPINION

In the hot seat

With Peter Wilkes of Vale Brothers.

ETN: HOW DID YOU COME TO BE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF VALE BROTHERS, ORIGINALLY A WALSALL BASED BRUSHMAKER ESTABLISHED IN 1786?

Peter Wilkes: In 1997, I tried to persuade my employers, who owned Carr & Day & Martin, which I managed, to buy Vale Brothers. I failed.

I continued talking with Alan Tomkins, the then owner. We Peter Wilkes: “We’re all going to agreed a price, although I had have to run faster to stand still.” no money, and I joined Vale Brothers as general manager.

It’s always easier to borrow money to buy a company you work for than another similar company. By 1999, my bank and a private investor agreed to lend me the money.

WHICH BRANDS/COMPANIES ARE NOW IN THE VALE BROTHERS’ STABLE? Jeffries saddles and bridlework, Harry Dabbs saddles, EquiMat, KBF99, Equerry & Stablemates, Eldonian bits, Edward Goddard whips, Thermatex and NuuMed. Outside equestrian, we own Forcefield Body Armour (PPE for motorcyclists), Itshide shoe components for high-end shoe manufacturers and repairers, and a wide range of matting for farms, gyms, etc.

I also own DE Hoof Taps, and am managing director of Brady Bags, which we sold to a Japanese company. So, two and a half days a week, I have a boss again. How does anyone put up with them?!

YOU’RE A CHAMPION OF BRITISH MANUFACTURING. DO EQUESTRIAN CONSUMERS REALLY CARE ABOUT BUYING AND USING BRITISH MADE PRODUCTS – OR ARE THEY MORE INTERESTED IN WHAT’S FASHIONABLE? I enjoy manufacturing; creating products with a purpose from numerous raw materials that are of no obvious or individual use.

Having said that, I’ve never made anything myself that has actually been sold. However, I understand and can see the skills and imagination required and how, through those labours, high performance products - many of which could be described as art sculptures – are produced.

Britain is known around the world as the riding country. We are unique in that UK horse owners are not the wealthy or elite, it’s their lifestyle - however poor it makes them financially. But 18 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

they’re happy, well most of them; which is a huge positive in these troubled times.

Trouble is, we Brits take what’s around us for granted, so the UK is the only country that does not really value ‘British made’. And that’s why we have to work even harder to develop products that perform better and last longer, making them far better value than the majority of cheaper imports.

YOU CAME INTO THE TRADE AS A NON-RIDER WHO LATER FAMOUSLY TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE TO LEARN TO SHOW JUMP IN A MATTER OF WEEKS. DID THE EXPERIENCE MAKE YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS AND PRODUCTS FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE? Yes. I now know that half chaps are not worn inside your jodhpur boots. My initial thought after my first ride was: “Well these aren’t very comfortable. No wonder sales are poor.”

I now see our product consumers a little differently, and with subtle differences: owners, international competitors, happy hackers, grooms, support crews in endurance – they’re all different and have such different objectives.

And then there is the horse. Again, I learnt subtle differences.

Changing from riding a solid cob, Toby, to a pure-bred Arabian was like switching from driving a truck to a sports car. Both great fun, but the experience was so different.

Through riding, I gained a lot of new friends to whom I will remain close for the rest of my life, or theirs. I’m afraid my new four-legged friends may go first.

DO YOU BELIEVE THE TRADITIONAL EQUESTRIAN RETAILER WILL STILL BE VIABLE BY 2030?

I actually do. However, this depends on your definition of ‘viable’. If you mean break even, chat with your customers who are also your friends about your shared passion and help with the local Pony Club – then, yes, you can and should survive.

I fear most for the middle-sized retailer within a geographical area. Many of these will be squeezed out by perhaps 20 particularly large stores spread across the UK. Oh, and you’ll have to compete with factories in China selling direct to consumers in the UK. But with the kettle on, a smile, great service and your personal choice of great products… never forget that human interaction has a value. Anyway, what is a ‘traditional equestrian retailer’? Have they not always evolved with the needs of the day?

HOW SHOULD THE TRADE RESPOND TO THE CURRENT INCLEMENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE? That is a tough one. Luckily, we all put away tonnes of cash in our mattresses during the Covid cash boom, so what’s to worry about?

Ah yes… reality.

‘Inclement’ is not quite the word I would use. It’s more like we WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

OPINION | ETN But yes, yet again we’re all going to have to run faster to stand still.

And don’t hold off putting your prices up; no-one will thank you.

At Vale Brothers, we’ve identified the issues most important to our business and are putting all our energy into solutions, many of which are radical to our past.

So, it’s challenging times ahead. However, there are challenging times behind us too – and if you’re reading this, then you made it through those challenges, so why not this time?

There is always, always opportunity. And, yes, imagination and creativity are required again.

WHICH VALE BROTHERS’ BRAND OR PRODUCT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD? I don’t really do ‘pride’. I find many of the other seven deadly sins more fun.

The products from which I take most pleasure are those that, in my opinion, outperform any competing product in the world - Harry Dabbs saddles, Thermatex rugs and KBF99 grooming brushes.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ACHIEVED IN BUSINESS BY THE TIME YOU RETIRE?

Peter Wilkes says he sees consumers “a little differently” after learning to ride.

survived two years of hurricanes and floods, and now we realise a tsunami is headed our way. Yes, the climate is certainly ‘inclement’.

Or a total mess.

Governments have spent their spare cash, consumers have seen utility bills double, food prices (both human and horse) are rising rapidly if affected by Russia’s war. Metal prices are increasing by 30 to 60%, plastic by 10 to 30%, and timber by 50 to 100%.

And if you’re an importer, your import shipping costs have spent 12 months at four times normal. The result; Poundland isn’t £1.

We’re in a trade driven by a passion for horses. That will remain.

Who would want to retire with all the fun going on in business these days? World peace? Oh no, that’s the answer pageant queens give, and guess what…?

If you’d asked me this before Covid, my answers would have been very different. Ask me in a while, and if I actually know my retirement age then maybe I’ll have that final goal.

Meanwhile, plenty of new products and services being worked on.

Would you like to sit in the hot seat and answer ETN’s questions? If so, email editor@equestriantradenews.com

NE EST. 1981

1

CLEANSE

2

3

CONDITION

W

CLIMATISE

SUPERIOR

LEATHER CARE 3 STEP SYSTEM GLYCERINE

FOR COMPLETE LEATHER CARE

FREE

Lincoln Superior Leather Cleansing Gel

Lincoln Superior Leather Balsam+

FAR SUPERIOR RESULTS TO ANYTHING YOU HAVE USED BEFORE! Become a stockist today

01522 529 206

www.battles.co.uk

GLYCERINE

FREE

Lincoln Superior All-Weather Leather Oil

ETN | BENCH SADDLER

Celebrating

the best bench saddlers...

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

Richard Godden and his wife Sheila have been married for 62 years.

ETN BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH: RICHARD GODDEN

NOMINATED BY: Laura Dempsey, who says: “Almost every saddler in the UK and overseas who specialises in side saddles has benefited from this great man’s teaching.

“Richard Godden is one of the very few remaining links with the past, and his passion for passing on his knowledge to future generations of saddlers is unlimited, even though he’s in his 80s. He’s a wonderful man and he’s certainly inspired me.”

ABOUT Richard Richard Godden – now 84 and in his 70th year working in the trade - had a boyhood dream to become a cartoonist. “I don’t really think I had a gift for craftsmanship,” he says modestly.

Richard’s father, also called Richard, worked as what was then known as a sewer man in London. No-one in his family had any equestrian interests.

It was Richard’s uncle, London based saddler Les Coker, who inspired him to get a job in the industry. “It was only down to his encouragement and the opportunity that he provided that I started in the trade,” he said.

Richard left school about a month before he turned 15. “Dyslexia was not something that was known about back then, even

today my reading is very poor,” he says.

“However, it hasn’t really affected my career.”

Richard’s first job was at Champion & Wilton as a saddlery apprentice. “In those days, it wasn’t really about a career as such, it was about just getting a job to earn money and get a start in life,” he explained.

At the time, it took five years to train as a saddler and saddle fitter. And two weeks before he joined the Army aged 21 to do his National Service, Richard qualified as a Master Saddler.

“Over the years, I’ve often been asked how I can craft and make saddles when I’ve never ridden,” he says. “But, in those days, saddle fitting was all part of the training process and not separated out.”

LEATHER WORK

Richard counts himself fortunate to work at Champion & Wilton, one of the leading saddlers of its day. “We did a lot of leather work for the Royal family,” he added.

He had always lived in London, and there were a number of other well-known saddlery businesses based in the city. After completing his National Service, Richard worked for Giddens and then Turner and Bridger.

“While there, I made leather goods for the Shah of Persia, a real highlight in my career,” he recalls. “Also, around this time, I worked on a lot of saddlery for the Royal family with many pieces coming from Buckingham Palace.”

and you meet great people from all walks of life. I still enjoy helping riders and horses, especially those with a keen interest in side saddle.”

STILL AT THE BENCH

Richard teaches at The Saddlery Training Centre, run by Mark and Dawn Romain in Salisbury. “It’s just fantastic, they make it work for me and it’s an aspect of my life today I thoroughly enjoy,” he explains.

“The trade still provides fantastic opportunities for those with practical skills who want to be creative.”

In 2005, Richard was made a Fellow of the SMS. Then in 2017, he was presented with a lifetime achievement award by HRH the Princess Royal, something he describes as “totally unexpected and a very special occasion.”

Richard still has his workshop at home in Somerset and likes to keep his hand in on the practical side. “It’s wonderful still to be helping people,” he adds.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

By his own admission, Richard has enjoyed a fantastic career.

“I’ve worked for four companies who held the Royal Warrant,” he says. “But the one person who has supported me throughout and without whom I would not be here today is my wife, Sheila.

“We have been married 62 years and I would like to thank her for enabling me to have such an enjoyable career.”

NEVER BORED

After Turner’s, Richard returned to Giddens for a while before moving to Swaine Adeney Brigg – and in doing so added roles with all the major names in the saddlery industry to his CV. “Without doubt, the industry has changed over the years. But it’s a trade I absolutely love and remain passionate about,” says Richard.

“I’ve never become bored with it as there are so many interesting aspects to the trade,

20 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Side saddle specialist Richard Godden, who has inspired so many young saddlers, receives a lifetime achievement award from The Princess Royal.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | ETN

Equilibrium Products:

a new era

With over 20 years’ experience, find out why Equilibrium Products continues to be a brand to be reckoned with.

E

quilibrium Products has been manufacturing and developing quality equestrian products for over 20 years. In recent times the company has been forging forwards, sales have soared, and with two new directors joining the company as part of an internal restructure, combined with adding new members to the team 2022 has been a year full of change – with more to come!

Laura Szuca, UK Sales Director bringing change to the UK trade.

The Equilibrium team will once again be exhibiting at BETA International.

Modern moves

Earliest memories

It all started with one horse, Timmy, when he started frantically shaking his head during ridden work shortly after he turned five years old. This led to his owner, Margaret Donnelly – Founder and Managing Director of Equilibrium – designing the Net Relief Muzzle Net to help him.

Margaret Donnelly founded the company, and to this day is at the head of Product Development. Margaret continues to create innovative products, and her passion for horses is clear for anyone to see.

In 2021, Laura Szuca joined Equilibrium as the UK Sales Director, with a background in sales and marketing spanning over 15 years. As a horse owner herself, Laura has been working with customers to ensure Equilibrium offer retailers not only quality products to offer their customers, but the sales and marketing support to ensure the range performs. Since the start of 2022 digital product training has also been implemented offering retailers 10 minute bite size sessions they can access at a time convenient to them.

Just this month Equilibrium has moved logistics companies, having outgrown their current provider it was time for a move. Verity Beaton, Commercial Director, said of the move: “We have enjoyed huge growth over the last few years, and it is important we provide an efficient and effective service when it comes to delivering our products. We had simply outgrown our previous provider and so the move is another piece of the jigsaw for our plans to continue to grow as we head in to 2023 and beyond”.

Supply and demand

Equilibrium Products have also appointed Trilanco as their exclusive wholesaler for

the trade, in the UK including Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Laura Szuca, UK Sales Director at Equilibrium Products, says of the change: “In recent years we have enjoyed huge growth and we are working more closely than ever with our retail partners. Our direct sales team has seen a significant investment in people and as a result we are seeing fantastic results from our retailers growing the sales they generate from us as a brand. It is vital that we continue to look for ways to make it even easier to work with us. We want to offer the best service to our retailers, providing the full product range quickly and efficiently.”

Make a connection

Since that very first product, Equilibrium Products have developed many products and ranges that help both the physical and mental wellbeing of horses the world over.

These include fly masks, leg protection, massage pads, headcollars and more.

Equilibrium Products will be exhibiting at BETA this year and welcome the opportunity to talk to retailers about how the brand might fit within their current offering and how they can support sales in store and online.

Equilibrium Products now exclusively available at Trilanco To speak to a member of the team or to book a meeting at BETA, contact Equilibrium Products on 01442 934041 or email sales@equilibriumproducts.com.

www.trilanco.com

ETN | RETAILER PROFILE

Becoming a somebody in the world of retail Jennifer Edwards, owner of North Wales Horse Tack, tells Deborah Hayward how she is building a business to be proud of.

J

ennifer Edwards had a light-bulb moment at the 2022 BETA Business Awards ceremony. Her store, North Wales Horse Tack, had made it through to the finals of the Zebra Products Retailer of the Year category when reality struck.

“This was a big deal and a fantastic achievement just to be there,” she explains.

“I thought how proud my grandad would have been of me and how I should be proud of myself, too.”

Eddie Watt, Jennifer’s grandfather, a retired divisional officer in the Clwyd Fire Service, died last year and she was still grieving his loss while working hard at her shop and taking care of her two sons, Callum and Ethan.

“Grandad was like a dad to me, a role model and a major part of my life,” she says. “I didn’t really feel much after his death, so hadn’t really grasped how important the awards were.

“We hadn’t done anything at Christmas because of Covid, so I took a few of my team along to the BETA Business Awards and, as we sat around the table, it began to dawn on me what a huge deal this all was.

Grandad always told me what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger – and that is so true.”

DETERMINATION AND DRIVE

Life has certainly not been easy for Jennifer.

Her parents divorced and she grew up on Anglesey with her mother and two brothers, although she and her siblings would spend a great deal of time being cared for by their grandparents in Abergele.

Jennifer left school as soon as she could and moved away from home to groom at showjumping yards in the south of England before returning to North Wales years later with her boys following the break-up of two relationships.

“I came back to Anglesey to create a better environment for my family,” she says.

“I did quite a bit of utility sales for power companies and then started playing around on Facebook, selling a bit of horsey stuff online.”

Jennifer Edwards started her career in retail by selling equestrian items on Facebook.

“Customers benefit from our sound product knowledge and all our staff have a background with horses.”

She was so successful at this that a friend suggested she should open a shop – and she did. In 2016, Jennifer threw open the doors to North Wales Horse Tack, her first retail premises, in a small auction centre in Gaerwen.

“I started off in a small room with a few things on the wall and, as it grew, I went on to open a second store at Llandudno Junction – about 25 miles away and one month before Covid hit.”

In light of the challenges that followed, the launch of an additional shop proved rather fortuitous, as Jennifer’s original store could not continue to trade in the pandemic

22 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

because of its small rooms and lack of space for social distancing.

Instead, Jennifer and her life partner, John, got a van and took feed and bedding from Llandudno Junction out to customers across Anglesey without charging them any extra for delivery.

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION

This large store on the Tremarl Industrial Estate sells a wide range of equine feed and bedding, and a small selection for birds, chickens and dogs.

“This site is predominantly about the horse,” explains Jennifer. “We sell a great WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

RETAILER PROFILE | ETN selection of products for both horse and rider, and a fantastic collection of clothing, with brands such as Cavallo, Kingsland and Covalliero, as well as Shires – and I am also a member of the Bridleway group.

“We try to cater for everyone and get all sorts of riders visiting the store from across the region, even as far as Warrington and the Wigan areas. They’re a big mix of customers. We have riders from RDA, para-riders, hobby riders, those into their dressage, showjumpers and eventers.”

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

It is thanks to Jennifer’s loyal customers that she made it through to the finals of the BETA Business Awards – they sent in nomination forms singing her praises.

“We do not run a boring shop!” she says.

“We are happy people and service with a smile is a definite. Customers benefit from our sound product knowledge and all our staff have a background with horses.

“Harriet Williams is a showjumper and really good jockey, Matty Hall has grown up in a horsey family and Carl Owen is a sponsored rider who also does some days in the shop for me. If anyone from the showing world comes in, he’s on it. As a show rider, producer and judge, he is a real asset, as well as a great friend.

“We are genuinely keen to help our customers and avoid pressure-selling at all costs. I don’t agree with it. The store has everything under one roof and, if I haven’t got something that a customer wants, I will go out of my way to find it for them.”

North Wales Horse Tack Shop, in Llandudno Junction, is packed with items for horse and rider, including a wide range of feed and bedding.

of the extra size, we are able to make something really special – it even has its own dedicated dog area with a groomer.

“This is a fantastic one-stop shop where customers can get what they need at a really competitive price.”

Jennifer is thrilled to be bringing such a well-equipped retail store to serve the horse owners on Anglesey.

“There are a lot of people with horses here, some lovely family-run yards and an awful lot of equestrian disciplines,” she says. “There is a local RDA group and the Anglesey Show, which is a massive event here.”

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Jennifer relies on reps for most of her stock and help and advice. “Zebra Products is probably my biggest supplier and we have a really good relationship with them,” she says.

“In fact, I get on with all the reps we deal with. Of course, they are there to sell to you, but they are also there to guide you.

Jennifer’s new store in Llangefni, on Anglesey, is set to service the many horse owners and yards on the island.

EXCITING EXPANSION

Jennifer’s winning formula now underpins a new business she is opening on Anglesey.

A large, purpose-built store in Llangefni, called North Wales Horse Tack and Country Store, is replacing her smaller original shop on the island.

“It’s pretty much in the centre of the island and easy for people to get to,” she explains. “It’s big and we have taken on more space below for storage.

“We are carrying similar stock to the shop in Llandudno Junction but, because

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

ETN asks Jennifer…

Q: Do you offer any additional services at the Llandudno store?

Yes, we deliver feed and bedding, and act as a drop-off point for a rug-washing company.

Q: Does your partner, John, work at the shop?

After all, they want to see your business grow, too.”

FULL STEAM AHEAD

With her new store now opening, Jennifer says: “People often ask me if I am going to open another after this one. Let’s just see.

For now, all my energy is going into the opening and making sure that we run the two stores really well.

“It’s all about keeping the footfall and consistency. We also need to focus on our online sales, as we stopped that during Covid.

“We are having an office and I will approach local colleges when they return in September after the summer holidays to offer a placement to someone who is doing IT. There is a great opportunity for them to come into the business to help us with social media and the website.

“I sometimes have to remind myself how well I am doing. Just because things have been difficult for me, it doesn’t mean I can’t become a somebody.”

Q: Where did your love of horses come from?

My mum and auntie both enjoyed horses from a young age when my grandfather bought them one. I got my own horse when I was 18. I would buy them, bring them on and sell them.

Q: Do you still ride today?

Yes, I have a three-year-old mare called B, who I keep at Carl’s yard.

No, he works in construction, although he helps with deliveries and has been pretty busy sorting out all the slat walling for the new shop.

Q: Do you have any other pets?

Yes, I have a collie called Max and a malamute called Hunter.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 23

ETN | COVER STORY

Back to the future As Equetech celebrates its 30th anniversary, the British equestrian fashion brand’s owner and head designer Liz Hayman shares a retrospective view with ETN. THE WAY WE WERE

Equetech owner and head designer Liz Hayman: “Being a horse owner and rider constantly inspires me.”

ETN: WHAT’S CHANGED MOST IN RIDER CLOTHING SINCE 1992?

30 years ago, Equetech’s print catalogue was a key marketing tool.

LIZ HAYMAN:

Fit. Just as catwalk fashion trends change, so does its impact on sportswear. Look at ski wear from the 1990s compared to nowadays, and the transformation is obvious. Rider clothing used to favour big and baggy. These days, there’s more emphasis on shape and closer-fitting garments.

Technical fabrics. The shift from baggy to fitted isn’t purely about fashion trends, it also marks the revolution in fabric technology that we have witnessed over the decades. Intelligent fabrics boasting incredible four-way stretch and shape retention, breathable, waterproof and fast wicking properties enable us to create garments that are both on trend and meet the physical demands of the modern equestrian.

Colour choice. Once upon a time, a riding wardrobe was a uniform of black and navy with a sprinkling of classic countryside wear inspired colours, but nothing particularly fashion led. These days, equestrian clothing is inspired by colour trends in fashion and sportswear in general.

EQUETECH IS VERY MUCH A BRITISH BRAND. DOES THIS REMAIN IMPORTANT TO YOU? Absolutely. As a family-run business, we’re

Equetech’s distinctive 1990s fleeces.

passionate about supporting British trade.

Our service providers, from our marketing team and photography sources to website developers, are UK based.

We’re incredibly proud of our UK factory, which supports the local community and still produces all our underwear, crosscountry colours and accessories. These items are shipped worldwide and fly the flag for British design and manufacturing.

We’re also distinctly British in our design principles which our customers love. For example, our tweed competition jackets are particularly popular with our US and Australian customers who love the quality, cut and design which embodies classical British equestrian styling with a contemporary twist.

24 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Equetech riding tights from 1995.

WHAT DO YOU DO DIFFERENTLY FROM THE BIG EUROPEAN EQUESTRIAN FASHION LABELS? The beauty of being a smaller operation is that we work closer to the seasons so we can be more agile when it comes to delivering on emerging trends.

Yet our retailers don’t have to commit years in advance. Given the turbulence they’ve experienced over the past few years, it gives our trade customers the flexibility to manage their stock efficiently.

We offer a strong line of core products, to provide retailers with consistency, and the opportunity for re-ordering mid-season.

We understand what British consumers like and want - because we are British!

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

COVER STORY | ETN THE 2022/23 COLLECTION

Perfect performer: Equetech Signature thermal base layer

Styled with technology: Aquashield Winter Riding Tights.

WHEN EQUETECH LAUNCHED IN 1992, THE UK WAS EMERGING FROM A RECESSION. EQUETECH GARMENTS STILL WASH AND WEAR WELL, AND MANY STYLES ARE TIMELESS. IS VALUE FOR MONEY ONCE AGAIN BECOMING SIGNIFICANT IN 2022 - WHEN THE COST OF LIVING IS RISING?

Thank you so much for your lovely comments… Equetech has always stood for quality and value for money, which is synonymous with the brand’s ethos.

When I create and design garments, I always consider the function and practical aspects. As a rider myself, I demand a lot from my riding clothing, so I create stylish garments that are easy to care for and wash. I don’t follow fickle trends.

As for the cost of living, value for money is paramount; savvy consumers are looking for garments that perform and last. We know our garments stand the test of time and wear because we often have customers commenting that they have had a coat, a pair of breeches or a competition jacket for ten-plus years, and it’s still going strong!

That’s not something many brands out there today can shout about.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Equetech makes it easy for riders to stay smart: Rosalia Competition Shirt.

IN THIS DIGITAL AGE, IS IT STILL VALUABLE FOR RETAILERS TO BE IN PHYSICAL SHOPS WITH CHANGING ROOMS TO ENABLE RIDERS TO TRY ON CLOTHING? OR IS EVERYONE HAPPY TO BUY ONLINE? Even with the very best photography and video content, consumers’ ability to visualise how a garment will feel and look only truly comes with having a product in their hands and trying it on.

Developments in virtual reality technology are evolving but as we all know, looking and feeling good in what we wear is a full sensory experience, and not onedimensional.

Online offers an easy shopping solution, but physically setting foot in a tack shop and trying clothes without first having to buy them is another way to shop.

Let’s not forget the customer service experience when you go into a shop. That physical human interaction is a powerful selling tool far beyond most online stores’ capacity, even with bots and live chat facilities. The value of both sales funnels is significant. For most stores post-pandemic, their online shops are just as important as their bricks and mortar.

WHAT’S THE NEXT ‘BIG THING’ FOR EQUETECH AND THE WORLD OF EQUESTRIAN FASHION?

We’re always looking to push the realms of equestrian wear and design. Developments in fabric technology, sportswear trends, fashion and my personal experiences as a horse owner and rider constantly inspire me.

We’re very aware of our eco-footprint, and over the past three years have continued to look at ways we can be more sustainable. Alongside supporting a British workforce and factory, we continue to incorporate recycled materials into our collections.

For example, we created our own ethical, cruelty-free, recycled material alternative to duck and goose down, called BioDown. This technical fill is unbelievable in performance, both in warmth and weight, making it an attractive alternative for our animal-loving customers.

We’re always looking to source recycled fabrics to create stylish, practical, quality clothing with a long lifespan, less landfill, and more value to the customer. As a business owner, it’s important to be forward-thinking; but as a mother, I want to do what I can for our younger generations, therefore I’m proud to be part of Ecology, whereby for every sale, we pledge to plant one tree.

As for equestrian fashion, expect to see more brands upping their green credentials and fabric technology leading a design revolution.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 25

Technical Tested Trusted

YOUR SPORT. YOUR PASSION.

Shady Baseball Cap

Sleeveless

Reflector Icon

Reflector

Sculptor Full Seat

Sculptor Icon

Bringing you technical design, ultimate comfort, impeccable performance and beautiful athleisure clothing you will want to wear in and out of the saddle.

TOGGI.COM

DIAL UP YOUR LOOK WITH

I adore my Air-Tech Deluxe.

It’s light, airy, and looks stunning. I love that it comes in my favourite colour now too, the perfect dial fit helmet that’s completely up to standard!”

SASKIA DAVIES, TEAM GBR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME MEMBER @SASSYSASKS

Saskia Proudly wears: Air-Tech Deluxe in NEW Rose Gold PAS 015 2011; VG1; ASTM F1163-15

Also available in NEW Metallic Cobalt, Black Silk, Metallic Black, Metallic Navy, Metallic Oyster, Metallic Ruby and as the Air-Tech Sport in Peacock and Dragonfly DIAL UP YOUR LOOK, NEW COLOURS!

For more information visit: CHAMPIONHUB.COM

To find your nearest stockist please call: 0113 270 7007

Equestrian Equestrian Equestrian Helmets Helmets Helmets

Equestrian Helmets Equestrian Equestrian Helmets Helmets

TM TM TM KITEMARK KITEMARK KITEMARK

TM TM TM KITEMARK KITEMARK KITEMARK

PAS 015:2011 PAS PAS 015:2011 015:2011

CERTIFIED CERTIFIED CERTIFIED

PAS 015:2011 PAS PAS 015:2011 015:2011

PROUDLY HANDMADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

ETN | EQUESTRIAN SAFETY

Safety first with BETA BETA is a world authority on equestrian safety. The trade association works with UK and international regulatory bodies, the sporting disciplines, manufacturers and retailers to maximise horse and rider safety while giving the trade every commercial opportunity to thrive. This month, BETA executive director Claire Williams delivers the latest equestrian safety news.

PAS015 2011 STILL VALID FOR COMPETITION

To keep its members up to speed with the latest rules for hats across the sporting disciplines, BETA has produced and issued a useful guide.

Indeed, judging by some questions regarding the PAS015 standard, there seems to have been some confusion caused by the wording used in the rules.

Riding Clubs and the Pony Club have been pushing out messaging highlighting that the older version of two standards, the PAS015 1998 and the Snell E2001, are being removed from the rules from 1 January 2023. Several other bodies - including BE, BHS and RDA - are doing the same.

This has been interpreted by some that the PAS015 standard as a whole is being changed for next year.

Please rest assured that the PAS015 2011 will continue to be a valid standard for competition; and if riders are using the 1998 version for hacking or unaffiliated competition, there is NO compulsion to change.

That’s only necessary when competing or riding under one of the organisations shown on the guide issues to BETA members.

British Showjumping (BS) changed its rules without notice, so this applies now. However, BS is not as vigorous in hat checking as some others.

Also note that the colour of hat tags will be changed next year - so there will be a big tagging exercise taking place.

28 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN SAFETY | ETN

Supporting a good cause

BETA is delighted is support the Horses4Health campaign again this year.

With a strong safety focus running through much of the activity, the campaign encourages people to enjoy spending time with an equine friend, explore their beautiful countryside and meet like-minded people all while raising money for charity.

There are opportunities for businesses local to organised rides to get involved.

Further details at www.horses4health.co.uk/

STANDARDS UPDATE

The EN1384 Hat standard has been revised and is about to enter the last step of the standardisation process which is being published for the formal vote.

The time-frame remains uncertain due to the unavailability of a health and safety consultant who would normally need to give their approval of the final draft before voting. Assuming a final positive assessment is obtained, the formal vote opens two months after the final draft document is submitted.

The ballot is open for two months and although the deadline for submission to voting is 1 July, it is likely to miss this deadline due to consultant availability and the backlog of standards.

Although publication could therefore be as early as January 2023, this is felt to be optimistic at best and unlikely at worse. After publication, the standard is then passed to the EC as a candidate for harmonisation.

If they agree with the health and safety consultant’s assessment, they can publish the standard in the Official Journal of the EU. This last step is out of our control and has no set timeline or deadline.

Airvest standard on the way

BETA sits alongside several of our members on the working group creating the new Equestrian Airvest standard.

This will be incorporated into the EN13158 with the body protector standard becoming Part 1, the Airvest standard being Part 2 and the hybrid (incorporating a body protector and airvest into one garment) forming Part 3.

While Part 2 has been completed, the standard will not move forward to the next stage until part 3 is completed. The work which started in 2020 is not expected to be completed until 2023.

At this stage, Part 1 will also be due to start the process of revision, although this process normally takes up to four years.

WHIP RULES

Retailers should be aware that the Pony Club and British Riding Clubs have adopted the British Showjumping rule regarding whip dimensions this year.

British Eventing plans to introduce the same rule – illustrated here - in 2023.

Overall length min 45cm max 70cm

Con ta

ct a re

Min diameter of shaft is 1cm and should run through the entirety of the whip

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

a/Pa

d

SUMMER OF SAFETY

By the time you read this, BETA’s Summer of Safety will be up and running, going through until September.

Once again, the campaign involves giveaways, competitions and promotions via social media as well as in store and involvement at several summer events.

BETA’s Summer of Safety puts the emphasis on ensuring equipment is upto-date and fitted correctly. Therefore, BETA Retail Members have plenty of opportunity to get involved and promote safety in store in conjunction with the campaign.

Register your interest with Tina Hustler at email tina@beta-uk.org.

Stirrup rule revision

The Pony Club revised its rules pertaining to stirrups earlier this year.

It no longer allows stirrups which connect with the boot magnetically, or those which incorporate an interlocking boot sole with the stirrup tread.

The move reinforces the rule recommendation which states that all stirrups used should allow the foot to be released easily in the event of a rider fall.

ACCIDENT RECORDING: AS IMPORTANT AS EVER

The Rider Accident & Equipment Reporting Form, launched last year to collect and record information relating to accidents and injuries around horses - whether riding or handling, is still very much available.

Please remind customers and riders about using it. Collecting as much data as possible will help shape the future of equestrian safety, including product development.

The form can be accessed via a web link or by QR code, which we encourage retailers to display in store and draw to the attention of anyone requiring safety equipment as a result of an accident.

We also have been distributing credit card sized cards (pictured) through competitions; they’re also available to retailers for distribution in store. These are free of charge with BETA branding but can be customised with your own logo at cost.

If you would like to have these in-store to provide to anyone buying hats or body protectors, please contact the BETA office.

The QR code is quick to scan from a phone, helping to make it more accessible to busy riders. The form is also easy to fill in and allows BETA to collect additional information surrounding accidents to help inform design and protection development of safety equipment moving forward.

A better understanding of what happens to hats and body protectors during an accident is key to being able to both design better and safer equipment as well as feeding into the safety standards that determine how these garments perform.

The data collected through this questionnaire will provide invaluable insights contributing to this understanding, and help us, along with our manufacturing trade members, continue to innovative to help keep riders across all sports safer.

To find out more about BETA, contact the BETA office on 01937 587062, email info@beta-uk.org or visit www.beta-uk.org EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 29

ETN | SAFETY PRODUCTS

Staying safe Reducing the risk of an accident doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

Traditional or bling

New this year from Shires, Karben riding hats are tested to PAS015:2011 and BSI Kitemarked.

Four styles are available; from a traditional velvet look through to full bling.

The flattering, lightweight designs have flexible peaks and use a bespoke micro-adjusted dial fit system borrowed from the cycling market. Conveniently for stockists, just three sizes span 53cm to 61cm.

Front and rear air vents ensure good ventilation; while a CoolDry headband assists comfort. Other features include a four-point harness with leather-look side panels and removable anti-rub chin guard.

Karben hats come packaged in reusable storage bags within a branded outer carton. RRPs range from £89.99 to £119.99.

As worn by eventing superstars

The uvex perfexxion II xc is worn by Laura Collett and Michael Jung in competition.

With a stylish, sparkling panel, its slim, lightweight and ergonomic design makes it ideal for active riders.

The outer shell extends over the back of the head for maximum safety, while the ponytail cut-out is a convenient feature for riders with long hair.

In matt black and sizes extra-extra small to large, the RRP is from £216.

Light up your life The uvex exxential II LED has integrated spotlights - white at the side, red at the rear - activated at the touch of a button.

This helmet meets standards for both riding and cycling helmets, affording riders protection when pedalling to the stables.

There are three lighting modes: constant, flashing and pulsating.

A plug-in LED with a magnetic holder at the rear controls the system. This functions as an additional rear light and contains the battery level display. Depending on the mode, one charge lasts between six and 12 hours In black matt and sizes extra-extra small to large, the RRP is from £136. uvex is distributed in the UK by Zebra Products.

Summer essentials

Equisafety’s Plain Air Waistcoat and Plain Mesh Quarter Sheet are perfect for riding out on warm summer days.

The stylish hi-viz waistcoat has a flattering cut and is fastened by a front zip. Its adjustable sides allow for various layers to be worn underneath. Two hidden zipped pockets are large enough to store valuables.

Available in pink, yellow and red-orange in children’s and adults’ sizes, the RRP is around £32.99.

Quarter sheet Equisafety’s Plain Mesh Quarter Sheet is a technical, lightweight, breathable mesh rug with an extra-large tail flap for additional visibility.

Available in seven colours, it reflects sunlight and helps to deter flies from biting.

Complete with a fillet string, there’s also a strap attached under the tummy using the saddle’s two forward D-rings to stop the quarter sheet from blowing up on windy days. Front Velcro straps secure it to the front of the saddle.

Available in sizes extra-small to extra-full, the RRP is around £44.99.

Best foot forward

Grub’s – best known for neoprene boots - also does a leather range including the Fury Safety boot.

The dealer-boot style, in water resistant, full grain Iberian leather is ideal for on the yard, for farriers and farmers.

With a ballistic nylon, antipenetration midsole, composite toe and an oil/acid resistant sole, the Fury has breathable linings and is fungus and rot-proof too.

A 4mm footbed with a million microscopic nitrogen bubbles insulates the wearer from cold surfaces such as concrete.

The Fury’s toe and sole conform to relevant safety standards. In mahogany and tan, and sizes 4 to 12, the RRP is £105.95.

Toe the line

The Heritage IV Steel Toe Zip Paddock boot from Ariat (RRP £135) offers extra protection when working around horses or doing heavy lifting.

The outsole has good traction while the leather uppers are waterproof with sealed seams. A mesh lining and sole cushioning boost the boot’s comfort factor.

The steel toe meets EN ISO 20345 SB level requirements for safety footwear.

30 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

SAFETY PRODUCTS | ETN Quick release

The Safe-on safety stirrup from FlexOn has an outer branch designed to open and release the foot as the rider’s weight acts against it in a fall.

Previously, the opened branch had to be re-fastened with a small tool. This new design allows the rider to push it back by hand.

The Safe-on shares Flex-on stirrups’ shock absorbing features, elastomer ‘springs’ relieving pressure on the riders’ joints.

With a wide footbed for support, and off-set stirrup leather slot to help regain lost stirrups, Safe-ons can be customised with a choice of colours, footbed angle and tread grip.

The RRP is £244.95 or £165 for Junior Safe-on (for riders under 40kg). The UK distributor is Shaws Equestrian.

A rein revolution

Free Reins is a new safety rein system designed to help prevent entanglement.

The traditional rein buckle is replaced with a quick release connector which unclips automatically when sufficient force is applied, allowing the reins to come apart and release the horse or rider.

Once the connector has activated, and the reins separated, they can simply be reassembled and are safe to ride in again.

Laurie Williams founded Free Reins after witnessing a fall in which a child became caught in their reins. The product was three years in development.

“It’s really important to me to make riding as safe as possible for both the rider and the horse without compromising on style,” she said. “The Free Reins connector is helping make riding safer, and adding a little style.”

UK made Free Reins are supplied as a complete English leather rein, in black or Havana, with bio-grip covers. Connectors are available in three sizes according to rider weight; and the reins come in pony, cob or full lengths.

During development, Free Reins partnered with AMRC Cymru, part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. Prototypes were tested at its manufacturing facility in Broughton, North Wales.

Dr James Allum, senior manufacturing research engineer at AMRC Cymru, said bespoke benchmarking and testing methodologies had been created to inform product development.

“Working alongside our manufacturing partners, this enabled us to develop an innovative clip design which could be fine-tuned to adjust the mechanical performance to accommodate specific riding needs,” he said.

“It’s been a privilege to be involved in the development of a device with ambitions to improve horse riding safety.”

Former international show jumper and current coach Mark McCourt endorses Free Reins.

“Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of accidents of riders falling off, they keep hold of the reins or pull off the bridle,” he said. “It’s really important that we have safety devices, like Free Reins, which will help protect riders and prevent accidents.”

Free Reins RRPs are pony £159.99, cob £169.99 and full £179.99.

Helmets on sparkling form

Premier Equine reports that its new range of riding helmets is flying off the shelves. Launched this Spring, it was the first time the brand had branched out into rider safety equipment.

A core collection of three low-profile, lightweight helmets is available to the trade.

Each has an RRP of around £100.

The Odyssey, Centauri and Endeavour are kitemarked to PAS 015:2011 and VG1 01040 2014-12.

The Odyssey has a glitter panel and chrome inset, the Centauri has a carbon tech panel with chrome inset, while the Endeavour boasts a matt panel with tonal gloss inset.

Premier Equine’s helmets are built on injection moulded ABS shells with ventilation ducts for breathability. They have removeable, padded, moisture-wicking and antibacterial liners for comfort.

Each helmet has a dial precision-fitting system; small, medium and large sizes are available. The four-point adjustable eco-leather and webbing harness has a quick release buckle.

In case of a crash…

The Tocsen Crash Sensor Button is the ultimate companion for those who go out riding alone.

The device easily attaches to a riding hat. In the case of a fall, it asks how the user is doing and, if it receives no response, sends an emergency call (including location GPS data) to selected contacts.

The Tocsen Button has a three-month battery life, and is rechargeable.

Before using it, riders launch the free Tocsen app, fill in the required information, then activate the sensor by shaking the head.

The RRP is £95. Zebra Products is the UK distributor.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 31

ETN | SAFETY PRODUCTS Feel the air flow

Champion’s Revolve Vent-Air MIPS Jockey Sport has a lightweight shell with a durable, painted acrylic and sand finish.

It offers superior ventilation thanks to a central ventilation strip; and has removable crown comfort padding in breathable microfibre.

A four-point soft leather harness, with rear lacing adjustment, is lined with a brushed fabric for ear comfort.

With an RRP from £222, it comes in cobalt, purple, rose gold or teal and sizes 51 to 63cm.

Making a style statement

Charles Owen says its Halo with MIPS technology is the next generation performance riding helmet.

Its distinctive design features 360° ventilation, metallic ring detail and three international safety standards including PAS015.

Halo makes a style statement in the show ring. The RRP is £400.50.

Neat and discreet

The Safefit air vest from French company Seaver triggers quickly and quietly when needed.

It’s neat and discrete, for wearing over a jacket, lightweight and breathable.

The Safefit is supported by YouTube films demonstrating its fitting and use. Each air vest comes with one year’s free subscription to Seaver’s Saferide App, which offers fall detection and geolocation.

The RRP of £449.95 includes gas cartridge, arming key, connecting strap and connecting cord.

The UK distributor is Shaws Equestrian.

HOW TO DISPLAY HI-VIZ

Nicky Fletcher of Equisafety has more than 20 years’ experience of dressing trade stands with hi-viz products. Her tips work in-store too.

H

igh visibility (hi-viz) clothing is, by definition, eye-catching.

Therefore, it gives stores a fantastic opportunity to develop themed displays throughout the year to grab shoppers’ attention.

Obviously, the larger the display, the more you will sell.

On the show circuit, I used to have a medium-sized trade stand, and did alright.

But when I increased the size by 50%, sales rocketed – yet I still had roughly the same amount of stock.

Well co-ordinated hi-viz makes a fantastic in-store display.

Window dressing Years ago, when I did freelance window displays, we always put the bright red coat in the shop window to attract customers to come in and buy. It makes sense to do the same with hi-viz.

When dressing the rails with stock in the shop, put the larger products on the bottom, then fill the top spaces with hat

bands, leg boots, nose bands and so on.

Customers shop by colour. So put all your yellow garments together, pink items together and so on. It makes a visual feast for the eyes; and when shoppers come in for a jacket and see a matching hat band and leg boots, that goes into their basket too.

Don’t preach Educating customers about the benefits of wearing hi-viz – rather than telling them to wear it - is the best way to sell such clothing, rugs and accessories.

Provide plenty of information covering both the technical side of hi-viz performance wear - and to help customers buy into the safety aspects of wearing it every day.

The whole picture When it comes to the display, think about the whole picture. A mannequin dressed in a hi-viz waistcoat, and with a hat band on their helmet, standing alongside a model horse wearing a matching-coloured mesh quarter sheet, leg boots and neck band will really catch the attention.

You could add a riding hat and body protector to get more safety products promoted.

Change your display at least each season. Promote the lighter, mesh fabrics in the warmer months and the heavier wrap-around rugs, quilted garments and jackets in winter.

32 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Move your stock around. It might be a pain, but if supermarkets do it, then there’s clearly a financial reason for doing so.

Plus, it keeps your shop looking fresh and interesting.

Grab attention Raise awareness by offering hi-viz customer freebies and prizes on social media and in the shop. The idea is to get people thinking and talking about it…

Customers may then ask your advice about what hi-viz to buy and use. This is when it’s very helpful to use a supplier who can train your staff.

In general, recommend riders wear big blocks of hi-viz colour. As a minimum, a hat band, waistcoat and equine leg boots make a horse and rider look super-tall and unusual enough to catch drivers’ eyes.

Providing information encourages riders to buy into the idea of wearing hi-viz.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

NATURAL PROTECTION l

Flies l Itching l Rubbing l Hair-loss

NEW STOCKISTS

W H I P C O L L E C T I O N 2 02 2

quote

NEWSTETN

for special discount

SIGN UP VIA OUR WEBSITE FOR INSTANT TRADE ACCESS W W W .C O U N T R Y - D I R E C T.C O M

Using top quality Neem off your first oil, Pro-Equine’s Alternative order.

Fly Spray offers a natural solution to flies, itching, rubbing and hair-loss. Uniquely, Alternative Fly Spray can be used on open wounds. Available in a 500ml spray bottle with 1 litre and 5 litre refills.

All bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are recyclable.

Caring for your horse naturally www.pro-equine.com

info@pro-equine.com

ETN | BEDDING AND STABLES

Making stable management easy A stable yard is a bit like a kitchen – well thought-out equipment makes everything run smoothly with minimum effort.

O

ften, the best pieces of kit are those your customers never knew they needed… until they tried them and got hooked.

Stubbs has been manufacturing in England since 1836 and started making stable equipment in 1960 when horsey members of this family business couldn’t find what they needed.

ETN raids Stubbs’ catalogue to pick out some time, labour and money saving ideas for modern horse owners

SUITS MODERN FEEDING TRENDS There’s currently lots of interest in ground-level feeding being more beneficial for horses’ musculature and dental health than giving forage at shoulder or head height.

Meanwhile slow feeders are sought-after to keep horses supplied with a constant source of fibre for good gastric health but without overfeeding.

Nevertheless, if hay or haylage is fed from the floor, bedding can become mixed and messy, incurring extra mucking out and expense.

Stubbs Horse Munch Station provides the ideal solution to all these conundrums. Closely spaced (55mm gaps and reinforced at mid-height) create an effective slow feeder. It can be mounted at floor level or 50mm above.

The hot dipped, galvanised heavy steel product is augmented with a Stubbythene Corner Manger – available in red, blue, green or pink - which removes to add hay or for cleaning.

TIDY UP THOSE TOOLS Tools left lying around on a yard are unsightly and potentially dangerous.

The Stubbs Quad Tool Holder keeps them safely and neatly tucked away.

This space saving product has three rear hooks for forks, shovels and rakes, while the larger front position also takes a broom. In black only, it’s Stubbyfine coated.

34 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

HOSE HAZARDS SOLVED Hosing horses is the ideal way to cool them after work, bath them or, occasionally, apply cold water for therapy. But hosepipes have a nasty habit of getting caught round equine legs, or being trodden on.

The Stubbs Hose Boom cuts out these hazards. A favourite on professional yards, its sturdy steel construction is hinged on brackets allowing the boom to be folded back to the wall when not in use.

It comes in four main parts which are simple to join together using the included bolts.

LOCK ‘EM UP Tools get ‘borrowed’ on every DIY livery yard.

And your customers can stop theirs ‘walking’ with this handy Stubbs Tool Locker.

Simply lean tools against wall within the Tool Locker, and lock the door when finished. The lock is included and the screws covered when it’s closed.

Guaranteed to save squabbles on the yard, it comes in black Stubbyfine coated steel.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

BEDDING AND STABLES | ETN NICE AND NEAT The Stubbs Stable Tidy is a must-have for outside the stable and in the tack room.

By keeping brushes, scrapers, hoof oil, bandages, plaiting kit, phone etc safely off the ground, horses have a clear walkway and sweeping up is easy. It saves grooms’ and owners’ backs too by reducing constant bending to reach items on the ground.

This clever product with its gently rounded corners and drain hole suits indoor or outdoor stables and tack rooms. It’s especially good for biosecurity; by keeping grooming kit separate, there’s less chance of cross infection.

This robust Stubbythene product, with a thickened rim for rigidity, comes with steel washers for fixing in a host of colour choices.

NET PROFITS Filling haynets has never been easier. Make everybody’s least favourite task a pleasurable one with the Stubbs Nets So Easy.

Heavy enough for stability yet light enough to move to the bale, its robust ring is mounted on strong tubular legs with surefooted rubber feet. The legs attach with just one bolt each.

NAME IN THE FRAME Whether it’s a big livery yard or two ponies at home, how lovely to have horses’ names displayed on their stable doors.

The Stubbs Horseshoe Nameplate does this beautifully, and makes a great gift idea too. It also well works as a house number sign to guide posties and visitors to the right address.

Smart and easy, you can write on the water-resistant label using a permanent marker. The horseshoe is in heavy steel plate, Stubbyfine coated and available in seven different colours.

STOP PRESS A number of Stubbs innovations are due for launch this autumn, including two items of hay related hardware. Watch this space…

See nearly 400 quality products at

STUBBSENGLAND.com Available through:Abbey England | Battles | Jenkinson | Mackey Equestrian Saddlery Trade Services | Stockshop | Trilanco

Made in England Since 1836 Still Family Owned

See many more products at

STUBBSENGLAND.com

ETN | BEDDING AND STABLES

Bedding for the 21st century As the price of straw soars, will this winter season prove to be a watershed moment for suppliers and retailers of bedding? ETN discusses this – and more – with the UK’s largest bedding manufacturer, Bedmax.

THE LAST STRAW? ETN: Thanks to rising fuel and fertilizer prices, straw is going to be expensive this year. So, will 2022 see a further shift away from traditional straw beds to modern alternatives – and more owners buying bedding from equestrian retailers instead of farmers?

BEDMAX: Straw is currently around £50 to £60 per tonne and, with increasing input costs, this is likely to continue to rise. We are already seeing a growth in demand for alternatives to straw, including our Bedmax and Littlemax shavings and our recently launched straw pellet bedding, Strawmax.

BIO-SECURITY Surely bedding has a role in respiratory health and disease prevention?

Poor quality bedding is often the biggest source of airborne dust and spores in the stable, which in turn is the biggest cause of equine respiratory disease.

In fact, stabled horses are exposed to 50 times more dust in their breathing zone than those that live outside. Minimising airborne dust in the stable is therefore fundamental to every horse’s health and wellbeing.

During manufacture, every Bedmax bedding product is screened and vacuum dust-extracted to reduce the presence of potentially breathable dust particles to the lowest physically achievable levels.

Aside from respiratory issues, bedding plays a critical role in maintaining stable hygiene. Bedmax and Littlemax shavings are made predominantly from Scots pine which has natural antibacterial properties.

Our shavings are dried at sterilising temperatures to help owners create an hygienic environment in the stable that promotes hoof health and helps prevent infection and disease.

SAFEGUARDING Protecting competition horses against positive dope tests has become a big issue in feed… but what about bedding?

Earlier this year, Bedmax became the first equine bedding company to achieve BETA NOPS accreditation, certifying that every stage of the production of all our products is managed to prevent the possibility of contamination by a naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS).

Anti-doping testing is now carried out at affiliated events at every level of competition, and even a trace of a prohibited substance will result in a failed test, disqualification and penalties.

Bedding can be a source of contamination, and the BETA NOPS Bedding badge on all Bedmax equine beddings gives owners an assurance that they are taking all possible precautions to avoid the possibility of NOPS contamination.

36 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

A Bedmax bed: Minimising airborne dust in the stable is fundamental to every horse’s health and wellbeing.

PUTTING SOMETHING BACK Bedmax was the official bedding supplier at Badminton. How does this filter through to benefit retailers?

Bedmax is the trusted choice of bedding at many of the UK’s top events again this year, including Badminton, Bramham, Burnham Market, Gatcombe, Houghton and Burghley. It was the 16th Badminton and will be the 15th Burghley where Bedmax has supplied bedding.

One thing almost all horse owners have in common is the desire to do the best they can for their horses. Badminton attracts 250,000 spectators, most of them horse owners, and seeing these world class events choosing the best bedding for the best horses encourages those consumers to look at why and how it might benefit their own horses.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

BEDDING AND STABLES | ETN AFFORDABILITY Bedmax shavings represents the gold standard; but what can retailers offer owners who want the best for their horses but are constrained by budget?

Used properly, Bedmax is a highly cost-effective bedding product. Retailers can help customers understand how to use it efficiently, and explain why using a top quality, healthy bedding can help save them the far greater costs of treating health problems either caused or exacerbated by poor bedding.

Last year, Bedmax launched Strawmax straw pellets to offer a low-cost alternative bedding with many of the Bedmax health benefits for horses, and major benefits for hard pressed owners.

Straw pellets outperform wood pellets on absorbency and sustainability, traditional straw on equine health and consistency and are also extremely easy to use, time saving and odour suppressing.

For those that prefer shavings but have particularly wet or dirty horses, Strawmax can be used as a base with Bedmax on top to provide extra absorbency. It comes with the reputation of the Bedmax brand behind it, and with the assurance of the BETA NOPS badge.

SALES TIPS Please can you share some ideas for in-store display?

A tank to display an open bale of Bedmax in store is an excellent way to show the structure of a Bedmax bed and the layers it forms.

It may also be useful for owners to see exactly how far a small amount of Bedmax goes and smell the difference between a pine bedding and a generic wood shaving.

PERFECT PACKAGING Surely the presentation and cleanliness of bales is important,

especially when many customers collect the odd bale in their cars. And does attractive packaging encourage retailers who might not usually stock bedding to do so?

Presentation is very important. Bedmax products are of the highest quality and our brand and image is part of that.

Our distinctive yellow packaging is made using 30% recycled plastics and completely recyclable. It needs to be strong to avoid ripping when handled, especially as many individual horse owners buy bedding in small amounts (and transport in their cars).

Alongside this, Bedmax makes sure nothing is wasted during production. Over 3,000 tonnes of dust and particles extracted during the making of Bedmax, Littlemax and Stockmax shavings is collected and compacted to make Hotmax fuel logs.

We also encourage owners to compost their used bedding and return it to the soil. Often, local farmers are happy to remove muck heaps to use as natural fertiliser.

SUPPLY CHAIN 2022 is proving to be the year of supply shortages and commodity price hikes. Will Bedmax be able to maintain consistency of supply to the trade over the autumn/winter of 2022/23? And are prices expected to rise?

Bedmax has a dedicated timber buyer securing a dependable supply of sustainable UK timber, and we are continuing to invest in raising our production quality and quantity as we did throughout the pandemic. We expect our supply not to be affected over the winter of 2022/23.

As with every other business, our commodity prices are rising quite drastically, along with energy, transport and employment costs. However, our aim remains to keep our prices as low as possible to minimise the impact on our retailers and their customers.

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturer of Horse Bedding Bedmax Limited, Northumberland

By Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales Manufacturer of Horse Bedding Bedmax Limited, Northumberland

MAKING BEDDING EVEN BETTER MORE CHOICE. MORE BENEFITS. MORE SUPPORT. This winter you can offer your customers an even wider range of Bedmax products and an even longer list of major benefits, including:  Low cost Strawmax pellets  BETA NOPS Bedding accreditation  30% recycled plastic packaging

Find out more on our website or call us and our Regional Sales Manager will call you

bedmaxshavings.com/retailers

01668 213467

ETN | EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTORS

Who’d like some Italian style,

German precision or French flair?

International distributors have battled Brexit and are now gripped by global supply chain issues. Nevertheless, ETN finds them upbeat about delivering the best brands to UK retailers.

Zebra Products’ Simon Middleton delivering an Amerigo saddle to Irish international event rider Cathal Daniels

Zebra Products distributes famous brands for horse and rider from a host of European equestrian power-houses.

The North Wales based company supplies UK retailers with Amerigo saddles (from Italy), Bucas rugs (Ireland), Cavalleria Toscana clothing (Italy), Cavallo clothing and boots (Germany), Cavalor supplements and care products (Belgium), Covalliero clothing (Germany), EGO7 boots (Italy), Equipe saddles (Italy), Fleck whips (Germany), Konig boots (Germany), Mattes saddlecloths (Germany), Nathe bits (Germany), Sprenger bits, spurs and stirrups (Germany), Tucci boots (Italy), Uvex helmets and gloves (Germany) and Veredus horse boots (Italy).

Pandemic changed things Before Covid, Zebra Products’ managing director Simon Middleton was a prolific traveller to Europe, making perhaps two trips per month. But the pandemic has changed things.

“Nowadays, I meet with our suppliers more frequently but ordinarily virtually,” he says.

“However, things are starting to change a little, and face-to-face meetings are beginning to take place again.”

The internet has also been harnessed by Zebra Products to share with UK retailers the vast array of knowledge and expertise its brands have to offer via seminars and teach-ins.

More recently, the online seminars have morphed into live events with three held for retailers already so far this year – all with the brands’ specialists joining in.

Supply chain issues We’ve been hearing a great deal about Brexit and other world events causing supply chain issues. But has this affected Zebra Products’ ability to get stock to UK retailers?

38 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

“Stock does take longer to come through than in the past, for sure,” says Simon, who’s been quick to respond.

“We’ve increased our stock holding significantly post-Brexit in order to facilitate this delay. For example, we used to keep around 100 saddles in stock, nowadays we hold more than 250.”

New products What is it about leading European brands that particularly appeals to British riders?

“On the whole, Europe sets the trends nowadays for all equestrian products,” explains Simon. “And British riders want to look like top European riders; with attention paid in terms of design, function and technology.”

Three new products Zebra Products is distributing certainly fulfil these criteria, making them well worth looking out for…

1. The Sprenger Statinox range of bits are classic Sprenger bits but are made in a more affordable way to enable all riders to purchase them. There’s strictly no compromise on quality, though.

2. The uvex perfexxion II cross country helmet – as worn by this year’s 5* international eventing winners Michael Jung and Laura Collett.

3. The new EGO7 Contact boot. “It’s a revolutionary boot concept; there’s nothing quite like it,” says Simon. “You will be impressed.”

So, is Zebra Products always seeking new European companies and products to work with?

“To be quite honest, we’re very happy with our current portfolio of brands,” Simon told ETN. After all, they all fit Zebra Products’ criteria of being of high quality, innovative – and highly saleable.

Zebra Products distributes uvex helmets: this is the perfexxion XC.

Cavallo clothing is a favourite brand available from Zebra Products.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTORS | ETN “WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT TO ADVISE RETAILERS HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF EACH BRAND” Shaws Equestrian has long specialised in global brands such as Pikeur, Eskadron and Roeckl.

The distributor’s current portfolio includes Pikeur (competition and fashion), Eskadron (horse clothing and the creator of ‘matchymatchy’), Roeckl (gloves), Flex-on (stirrups and spurs), Erreplus (Italian saddles), Tredstep (boots and half chaps), Sabbot (faux fur knit hats and accessories), Caballo Oscuro (Iberian wines), Tech 1 (Italian-designed saddles), Döbert (bridlework and whips) and Seaver (digital monitors and air vests).

Shaws Equestrian’s headquarters in Derbyshire functions as the UK sales office for all its brands.

Explains Monty Stuart-Monteith, managing director: “We liaise with the brands to ensure products are relevant and suitable to the UK market.

“We ensure we have an in-depth understanding of all technical features and training needs. We manage all UK marketing, and we provide a comprehensive customer service to retailers.”

“It’s a win-win” Monty, who’s distributed Pikeur in the UK for more than 25 years, describes Shaws’ role in distributing world leading brands as “rewarding” and a “complete win-win.”

“We have the experience and insight to advise retailers how to get the best out of each brand and we have developed a close relationship with all our manufacturers, who trust us to work with the best retailers and to identify and address any particular issues affecting sales in the UK,” he adds.

“We’re in it for the long-term, and know that real success is mutual and takes time to build.”

Shaws Equestrian and its predecessor Belstane have introduced many new brands to the UK, something Monty finds particularly satisfying.

Innovative ideas “Sometimes there’s a gap in the market for a reason” he observes wryly.

“But when somebody has a really innovative idea The beautiful Christian Ahlmann jump model is among the range of Italian Erreplus saddles and the ability and distributed by Shaws Equestrian. determination to bring it to the marketplace, it’s fantastic to work with them and make that vision a reality, giving retailers a new product which consumers then enjoy and benefit from.

“It’s hard enough for a domestic manufacturer to bring a new product to market, but an overseas brand really needs inside help.”

Brexit and paperwork Monty admits that Brexit has made things more complicated.

“The first few months of 2021 were pretty dire for anybody moving products in or out of mainland Europe,” he says.

“We were able to make good contacts with the main freight companies which helped us and our customers; and suppliers solved many of the inevitable problems which arose.

“It’s still not perfect, with lots of new paperwork and VAT regulations - but much better than it was last year.”

Even so, there are new challenges facing global distributors.

“We’re now plagued by the worldwide manufacturing and distribution problems arising from Covid, and from problems arising from the war in Ukraine,” explains Monty.

“Everyone’s in the same boat and, however frustrating, most people seem to understand that it’s no-one’s fault.”

Shaws Equestrian brings Pikeur’s stunning competition and equestrian fashion clothing to the UK.

THE SMART WAY TO SELL TO IRELAND Smart Equine is on a mission to help good quality brands supply the Irish equestrian market.

Co-founded by Irish international event rider Ciaran Glynn and Jenny Doran, a marketing professional with 20 years’ experience in the equestrian industry, Smart Equine already distributes Rumanns Showjumps and Heritage Dressage Arenas in Ireland.

The company has a display and distribution centre in one of

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Ireland’s most popular equestrian competition venues, Killossery Lodge Stud. Located just 15 minutes from Dublin airport, it’s the ideal venue for showcasing and demonstrating high value equestrian goods.

“Ireland has a long history with horses, presenting an enormous opportunity for ambitious organisations,” says Jenny Doran.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 39

BETA International 2022 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

11-13 September 2022

NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

BETA International features a packed programme of events across three days of business

New location only 30 minutes from the airport

‘‘

New exhibitors and exclusive show

only offers

Our exhibitors say...

From start to finish, getting here, dealing with the venue and the organising team has been very easy and the NAEC really works. The industry now needs to support the trade fair and get the halls full in future years. We are 100 per cent pleased we came and business has been good.

David Wright | PLATINUM AGENCIES

New Product Showcase sponsored

by Shires Equestrian

‘‘

FREE and informative

seminar programme

Our visitors say...

I have been here all three days and it has been great to see so many people. The layout is very spacious and it is good to see major brands as well as the smaller ones just starting out in the industry.”

Georgina Chapman | RIMELL SADDLERS, SHIPSTON IN STOUR

The first day was excellent, very very busy and we had a steady stream throughout. The show really has exceeded our expectations.

I always come to BETA International and the location of Stoneleigh is superb. There is so much to look at and as ever we have made new contacts and relationships that we can build on.

Monty Stuart-Monteith | SHAWS EQUESTRIAN

Liam Payne | LP EQUESTRIAN, WOLVERHAMPTON

‘‘

‘‘

FREE parking and FREE to attend | Register to visit www.beta-int.com

BOOK YOUR STAND NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Fiona Dagger | fiona.dagger@impact-exhibitions.com | or call 01892 862848

BETA International 2022 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

11-13 September 2022

NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

A selection of leading brands already confirmed

FREE parking and FREE to attend | Register to visit www.beta-int.com Correct at time of going to press

BOOK YOUR STAND NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Fiona Dagger | fiona.dagger@impact-exhibitions.com | or call 01892 862848

ETN | CPD FEATURE 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

UNDERSTANDING CUSHING’S SYNDROME (PPID)

By Dr Andy Richardson BVSc CertAVP(ESM) MRCVS - Veterinary Director, NAF; and Kate Hore RNutr(Animal) R.Anim.Technol - Head Nutritionist, NAF.

T

he discovery of Cushing’s Syndrome dates back to 1932 when neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing described a link between typical physical characteristics and a tumour of the pituitary gland.

First recognised in people, Cushing’s Syndrome can also affect pets (dogs more so than cats), but it is most usually with our equine customers where we find ourselves discussing Cushing’s.

The clinical name is Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), which describes a disruption in normal function of the pituitary, at the base of the brain, whose predominant role relates to hormone control throughout the body.

Photo: Frank Fennema/Shutterstock.com

Age-related With an ageing equine population, care of the older horse and pony is an ever-growing area of welfare. Knowledge of PPID is useful in store, to allow us to advise owners of older equines correctly.

Age is a clear risk factor for Cushing’s. While its prevalence in the general equine population is less than 3%, estimates for incidence in equines above 15 years are around 21%. However, a recent mortality study in the Netherlands found nearly half of older equines (>15yrs) had PPID. Signs and diagnosis Often the signs of Cushing’s can be confused with general ageing, and this may, at least in part, explain why owner-reported prevalence of PPID in older horses is much lower than veterinary diagnosed rates.

Therefore, when advising owners with older horses, it is useful to recognise the signs so we can discuss PPID and suggest they consult their vet.

Signs of Cushing’s Syndrome in equines • Hair coat abnormalities, particularly Hirsutism (excessive hair growth) • Laminitis • Abnormal fat deposits, particularly around the eyes • Muscle wastage and atrophy 42 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

• Polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyuria (increased urination) • Lethargy and depression • Increased susceptibility to disease Changes to coat condition are often what the owner associates with Cushing’s, though mild changes in the early stages can be mistaken for general ageing.

Muscle wastage and atrophy (shrinkage) of the neck, back and hindquarters is positively associated with increasing age, which could be due a number of reasons including simply a change in their exercise regimes. However, we also see muscle changes as linked to PPID, and so a change in topline might not be due to old age alone.

Improving owners’ ability to recognise those early signs will help early diagnosis and welfare, as often it is the more severe signs, such as laminitis, where owners are first aware.

Development of a scoring system for muscle atrophy, similar to body condition scoring, is currently ongoing, and is encouraging as a potentially reliable, easy to use, method for owner assessment of older horses.

Further to clinical signs, veterinary diagnosis is usually via a basal adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) blood test, often repeated for confirmation and monitoring. However, variability in test results, particularly seasonally, is recognised, with normal references ranges being higher in the autumn.

A thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test can be more accurate, though not routinely done due to increased costs and potential for transient side effects noted with intravenous TRH administration. For this reason, the TRH stimulation test is usually reserved for horses with borderline results, where the owner is wanting further clarity.

Veterinary treatment Once diagnosed, veterinary treatment of clinical signs is through daily oral administration of the dopaminergic agonist, Pergolide, and is life-long. However, owner compliance is poor, with a recent study showing administration compliance in less than half of PPID cases studied.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

CPD FEATURE | ETN

Age is a clear risk factor for Cushing’s

Compliance was lowest in owners of geriatric horses (26yrs+), and generally closely associated with age, reflecting an unwillingness of owners to give long-term medication to older horses and ponies. Poor compliance is not unusual in equine medicine, with owners often preferring to look for natural or dietary approaches.

For PPID, that may be compounded by the fact that posttreatment tests show Pergolide only returns horses to normal parameters in 24% of cases. Poor palatability of Pergolide and behavioural changes, such as lethargy, inappetance and behavioural changes, are also commonly reported, and likely to impact owner compliance.

Dietary advice Targeted dietary support may be recommended, and can be advised alongside veterinary approaches.

Gut support is useful as weight loss is a relatively common sign, reported in approximately one third of veterinary examinations. Additionally, as knowledge of the vital role of the microbiome and gut-brain axis in both behavioural and neurological disorders across species grows, then it makes sense to support the hindgut with prebiotics and live probiotics in all older animals, but particularly where dysfunction, such as PPID, has been recognised.

The clinical sign of depression is often one of the most upsetting signs for owners, and being able to support that through the diet, the author personally finds very rewarding.

Adaptogenic herbs, such as Siberian Ginseng and Omicha

Gynostemma, appropriately also known as ‘immortality herb’, is of particular interest for equine PPID.

can also be useful in this respect, as adaptogens literally help the body adapt, and are particularly interesting in age related changes.

One such herb, Gynostemma, appropriately also known as ‘immortality herb’, is of particular interest for equine PPID, as its actives combine adaptogenic roles with insulin regulation, which itself is often linked to laminitis and PPID. Perhaps the best-known herb for Cushing’s is Chasteberry, or Vitex agnus castus, recognised for its endocrine actives, CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 43

ETN | CPD FEATURE particularly dopamine related compounds, of relevance to PPID as it is a dopaminergic neurodegenerative disease.

However, results are contradictory, with a trial of 38 horses reporting an improvement in signs, particularly coat and behaviour, while another trial (n=14) showed no improvement.

Further research is needed to fully understand which actives are the clinically important compounds, at what levels, and how they are best given.

As with so many physiological conditions, PPID is complex and it is the authors’ opinion that a combined approach, which provides key herbs, alongside other dietary approaches, such as gut support, adaptogens and antioxidants, is generally more effective than any single ingredient strategy.

Conclusion In conclusion, we can see PPID is an important condition of ageing horses and ponies, and knowledge of the condition will help you better advise owners of older equines.

The horse owner should always be advised to consult their vet if Cushing’s is suspected, but suitable dietary support can prove a useful adjunct to pharmacological approaches.

Selected references (fuller list available on request) • Hague N, Durham AE, Menzies-Gow NJ. (2021) Pergolide dosing compliance and factors affecting the laboratory control of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Veterinary Record. Jul;189(1) • Ireland J.L & McGowan C.M (2018) Epidemiology of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: A systematic literature review of

RAMA CPD QUIZ SELECT YOUR ANSWERS AND SUBMIT THEM AT WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM UNDER THE CPD SECTION

Chasteberry, or Vitex agnus castus, is recognised for its endocrine actives.

clinical presentation, disease prevalence and risk factors. The Veterinary Journal. 235, p.22-33 • Proosdij R van & Frietman S (2022) Retrospective analysis of cause-of-death at an equine retirement center in the Netherlands over an eight-year period. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 110: 103824

RAMA CP Questio D (nutritio ns n) August July/ 2022 ETN

7. Which veterinary drug is usually prescribed for Cushing’s management?

Pergolide a. b.

Prednisone c.

Phenylbutazone d.

Pyrantel

1. Which gland is affected in Cushing’s Syndrome? a.

Thyroid b.

Parotid c.

Pituitary d.

Salivary

4. What does Hirsutism refer to? a.

Hoof expansion b.

Increased sweating c.

Curly hair growth d.

Excess hair growth

8. Weight loss is seen in approximately how many PPID examinations?: a.

Quarter b.

Third c.

Half d.

Three quarters

2. Which of these animals can be affected

by Cushing’s Syndrome? a.

Horses b.

Dogs c.

Cats d.

All of the above

5. What term describes the common Cushing’s sign of increased thirst? a.

Polymyositis b.

Polyuria c.

Polycystic d.

Polydipsia.

9. Siberian Ginseng and Gynostemma are both herbal examples of what? a.

Anti-depressive b.

Antiemetic c.

Alterative d.

Adaptogens

3. What is the approximate incidence of PPID in horses over 15yrs? a.

3% b.

21% c.

33% d.

71%

6. In veterinary diagnoses, what does TRH refer to? a.

Testosterone raised hormone b.

Thyrotropin releasing hormone c.

Tertiary reactive hormone d.

Trophic releasing hormone

10. Which neurotransmitter does Vitex agnus castus act on? a.

Seratonin b.

Glutamate c.

Dopamine d.

Acetylcholine

SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS ONLINE AT WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM UNDER THE CPD SECTION.

44 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS | ETN

Traditional v digital v social:

which side are you on?

When it comes to advertising, there’s a lot of talk about traditional v digital v social media. But do you have to pick a side? Or can they all work together, asks Rhea Freeman.

T

here’s no denying that many magazines’ circulation figures have decreased over the last few years.

It’s happened in line with the continued rise of social media and the development of websites, online ‘experiences’ and media that allows consumers to shop, learn, engage and more with ease.

A look at how few equestrian magazines still have ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulation monitored) circulation figures reinforces this point. Of course, there are some that have bucked the trend, but what does this all really mean when it comes to advertising?

Let’s be honest, it is far easier to track the results of an online advert or campaign compared with one in a magazine. The data we can all draw from our analytics makes it easy to see how many people saw what, when, how old they were, how they saw it, what action they took, and lots more too.

You can also test, tweak and try again, whilst committing only a relatively small amount of money to the experiment as you hone your offering.

This makes advertising in this way really useful, particularly when ads are run that require some action from the customer; like a click to shop, filling in a form, or watching a video. And this can then be tracked.

That’s not to say that printed media can’t be traced, far from it.

With clever thinking, the use of QR codes, other codes, limited or exclusive offers, and more, it’s possible to see what has worked in print and work out your ROI based on this.

It does take a little more work, granted, and it’s not always as accurate. How do you tell if someone bought a jacket as a direct result of your advert if they decided against using a QR code to get to your site, for example? But it’s a very different experience from online.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Now, let’s talk about brand awareness. Many brands run print adverts as part of their brand awareness campaigns.

When someone turns the page in a magazine and your ad is staring them in the face, it has the potential to make an impact.

Ads online can make a serious impact too. Both can have merit depending on several factors.

Does this mean that one’s better than the other? To see where you and your brand are going to get the value, you need to be crystal clear on your audience and your objective, as well as how the creative will perform in your placement.

Consider too what ‘success’ looks like for you and your advert and how you can measure it.

One last thought. Remember that it doesn’t have to be ‘just’ an ad when you’re dealing with printed media. Many have incredible digital and social channels, so you could well be able to enjoy, try and test everything to an audience that you know is entirely aligned to what you do.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

About the author: Rhea Freeman is an award winning PR adviser and social media expert who is a Meta Certified Lead Trainer and accredited #SheMeansBusiness trainer. She provides one to one mentoring for brands and also runs a free Facebook group, a membership group, and produces a weekly podcast with the Small & Supercharged prefix. Find out more at www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk Rhea is also running a webinar series with BETA which includes FREE sessions for all BETA members who wish to participate and paid for sessions that are open to BETA members and non-BETA members, although BETA members enjoy preferential rates. Find out more by contacting the BETA office tel 01937 587062.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 45

ETN | FEEDING VETERANS

The old ones are the best…

Owners take great pride in keeping their older horses and ponies in tip-top condition. These products help those venerable veterans enjoy life to the full.

Photo: Alexia Khruscheva/Shutterstock.com

Age is just a number…

Some horses struggle with their weight and have dental problems in their late teens. Others are still going strong into their mid-twenties.

That’s why it’s hard to determine exactly when a horse should be considered a senior, say the experts at Dengie.

The key is to look for changes in the individual. If differences are noted, special attention is needed. Yet if a veteran horse remains in good health, your customers should simply choose a ration best suited to their bodyweight and workload.

Feeding horses with poor dentition in winter is particularly challenging as the reliance on conserved, long stem forage increases.

Monitoring bodyweight by regular use of a weigh tape and body condition scoring is good practice for any horse owner. But it’s especially important with older horses - and provides the opportunity to alter their feed before weight changes progress too far.

The underweight veteran Old horses are not necessarily thin. However, for those that really are underweight, it’s important to find out why and not just to put it down to “old age”.

Dental, vet and worming checks should be made, and the diet reviewed. Are they eating as much hay as they used to? Is it time to move onto a senior specific, higher energy feed or a hay replacer product if they’re struggling to chew long forages?

Proceed with caution, especially for horses with problems like laminitis or PPID that require a low sugar and starch diet.

Alfa-A Oil is Dengie’s highest calorie fibre feed with a calorie level equivalent to a conditioning mix or cube, but without high sugar and starch levels.

Poor teeth Ensuring the older horse has a high fibre diet which is easy for them to chew is vital to ensure they don’t lose condition.

Dengie Hi-Fi Senior combines nutrient rich alfalfa with soft grasses, making it ideal for veterans with poor teeth. It can be used as part of the bucket feed or as a forage replacer.

Soaked fibre feeds such as Dengie Alfa-Beet can be fed alongside or instead of a chopped fibre feed. Made from alfalfa and unmolassed sugar beet, two highly digestible fibres, it helps promote weight gain and condition even for those with no teeth.

When the end is nigh

It’s great that retailers get into conversations about customers’ horses.

And, inevitably, when it comes to old horses, the talk may turn from what to feed them to end-of-life decisions.

Often, it’s best to listen, sympathise and, if appropriate, suggest the owner talks to

Veteran friendly fibre

EquiGlo Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet’s fibrous nature and easy-to-chew texture make it an ideal partial hay replacer for older horses with poor dentition.

It also contains highly fermentable fibre, which boosts beneficial gut microbes and helps to maintain good stomach and digestive tract health.

This quick-soaking feed is made from micronised, unmolassed beet flakes and can safely be fed to all horses and ponies, including those prone to, or at risk from, laminitis.

Created from British-grown, non-GM sugar beet, EquiGlo 10 Minute Beet is low in sugar and starch, providing an excellent supply of non-heating, steady energy. The RRP is £9.95 for 18kg.

It’s approved by the BETA feed assurance scheme highlighting products best suited to horses and ponies prone to equine gastric ulcers when fed as part of a balanced diet.

When condition is needed

Equerry Veteran Mix is for elderly horses and ponies that need to gain weight.

Formulated with high levels of protein to promote muscle tone and topline, it contains oil and linseed to improve condition and ensure a shiny coat.

Equerry Veteran Mix is made from highly digestible cereals to improve digestive efficiency. There’s yeast for a healthy digestive system, and raised levels of vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

Added vitamins and minerals include magnesium.

Formulated for support

Blue Chip Senior Feed Balancer is ideal for good doers.

It’s formulated with pre and probiotics, plus glucosamine and rosehip extract, to support joint mobility. There’s also chaste tree berry for hormonal support.

Meanwhile Blue Chip Joint Care Feed Balancer is formulated with turmeric, black pepper and natural oils.

their vet to discuss their horse’s condition and care.

Deciding to end an old horse’s life by euthanasia is hard. But it’s often the kindest thing to do before a trauma such as severe condition loss or collapse occurs.

Better a month too early than a day too late.

46 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

FEEDING VETERANS | ETN Keeping them active

In the Pink Senior from NAF is formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements of the older horse - to give him the support he needs to stay active and feeling forever young.

In the Pink Senior helps balance the diet and the digestive system, enabling the horse to maximise the value of his feed intake.

With pre and probiotics, plus all the vitamins and minerals required by the older horse for all-round health, In the Pink Senior also supplies a unique combination of naturally sourced antioxidant ingredients to flush excess free radicals from the system.

There are also nutrients to support joint health. The RRP is from £26.25 for 900g Joint support Five Star Superflex Senior is a unique formulation providing NAF’s highest specification of the key joint support nutrients.

These work in synergy with rich natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants to support healthy, flexible joints in hard working horses and older horses and ponies still leading active lives.

The RRP is from £32.55 for 660g

The lighter diet

TopSpec Senior Lite Feed Balancer is for elderly horses that do not need extra condition.

It combines the benefits of a non-conditioning feed balancer - tailored to the needs of elderly horses - with a joint supplement.

This palatable, non-heating feed contains several supplements providing the levels of micronutrients and digestive aids normally only found in high quality, specialised supplements. But it has low levels of sugar and starch.

It’s important to keep the starch intake of elderly horses low when fibre intake is compromised to maintain healthy hindgut function and avoid loose droppings, advises TopSpec.

Senior Lite Feed Balancer includes the scientifically recommended rate of glucosamine in a daily quantity of feed to help maintain mobility.

There are also yeast probiotics which are particularly beneficial for elderly horses feeling anxious, say during changes in routine, given less than ideal turnout time, losing a companion, recovering from illness, after worming or during or after a course of antibiotics.

Sweet sixteen

Dodson & Horrell Sixteen Plus Mix and Cubes provide calories in a non-heating format with high quality protein included to maintain muscle mass and support condition.

Supplements such as natural antioxidants, vitamin E, probiotics and MSM are included to support general health, immunity, digestion and joints.

Highly palatable and soakable for horses who struggle to chew, the RRP is £16.90 for 20kg mix and £15.20 for 20kg cubes.

Still working For the older horse who’s competing or in light work, D&H’s Senior Support balancer provides quality protein and all the vitamins and minerals a veteran horse or pony requires in a low intake, low calorie way.

Ideal for those that hold their weight well, it offers natural antioxidants, hindgut, hoof and joint support - including MSM, glucosamine and turmeric.

The RRP is £29.68 for 15Kg. WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Independently veterinary approved

Spillers’ Senior range is independently veterinary approved for nutritional peace of mind.

Spillers Senior Complete Care Mix includes glucosamine and MSM to support joint health and pre and probiotics to help support gut health, plus an appetising blend of herbs to encourage fussy feeders to tuck in.

Spillers Senior Super-Mash is for condition and gut health. Ideal for those with dental issues, it soaks in less than two minutes. High in fibre and molasses free, it also contains live yeast alongside prebiotic MOS and FOS to support digestive health.

Spillers Supple & Senior Balancer contains glucosamine, MSM & Omega 3 for joint support and is a great choice for older horses that maintain condition well on forage alone. It provides a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, quality protein and antioxidants to support immune health. With pre and probiotics, a low starch and sugar content makes it suitable for the laminitis prone. Look out for new packaging coming soon.

Spillers Senior Conditioning Mix is for active seniors who have trouble keeping weight on. It contains a blend of steam flaked cereals and oil for condition while small-sized particles make for easy chewing. It includes glucosamine and live yeast, as well as chelated minerals to aid absorption and antioxidants.

Several Spillers products carry the brand’s Senior Friendly logo to help horse owners identify other senior suitable products within its portfolio.

Simply soaked

Soaked Lucie Nuts can work well as a manger feed for elderly horses, says supplier Simple System.

Made from pure lucerne (alfalfa), they are naturally low in sugar and starch and great for putting on muscle and top line.

Once soaked, this feed looks big.

However, since most of it is water, there’s no limit to meal size as Simple System feeds are digested in the hind gut in the same way as hay and grass.

Highly digestible energy

Saracen Veteran Mix is highly digestible with emphasis on super-fibres and oil for energy sources.

The formula enables the cereal portion of the ration to be reduced to help maintain a calm, even temperament.

Live yeast support optimum digestion and fibre utilisation, while antioxidants such as vitamin E support immune and muscle function.

This highly palatable formula includes four herbs to tempt the fussiest of veteran horses. The RRP is £18.90 for 20kg.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 47

JOINT SUPPLEMENT l

Fast-acting l FEI legal l 100% natural

NEW STOCKISTS quote

NEWSTETN

for special discount

Activgait helps off your first order. suppleness and elasticity in horses young and old.

Customers love it because they see results very quickly. Activgait is also great value for money.

As with all Pro-Equine supplements, there are no fillers just high quality, natural ingredients.

Caring for your horse naturally www.pro-equine.com

info@pro-equine.com

Coming soon

in ETN… OCTOBER ISSUE • Supplements and feed balancers – what to stock • AMTRA accredited RAMA/SQP CPD feature and quiz – boost your nutritional knowledge • Christmas is coming – great gift ideas • Winter care – get ready for winter with useful products for the tack room, grooming box and first aid kit • Working dogs – food, training and treats Editorial for consideration should be received by 23 August 2022. Email editor@equestriantradenews.com For more information, contact Abi Cannon on tel 01428 601028 Evie Edgar on tel 01428 601031 email etn@djmurphy.co.uk

ETN REPORTING | ETN

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 this month five, ten, 20 and 30 years ago.

In July/August 2017, ETN reported:

In July/August 2012, ETN reported:

l Online retailer Equestrian Clearance Warehouse Ltd went into administration.

Administrators said the Halifax based company, founded 20 years previously

by Lorraine Meadowcroft, had suffered cash flow issues and falling sale volume. l Michelle Worrall joined Trilanco as marketing FIVE manager; and Abi Cannon YEARS moved to Horse&Hound as AGO... senior media advisor after 18 years with publisher D J Murphy on Horse&Rider and Pony magazines. l Harry Hall International agreed an exclusive UK trade sales and distribution deal with wholesaler Trilanco. The deal covered Harry Hall’s principal brands including Harry Hall, Caldene, Masta, Cottage Craft and Tottie. l BETA extended its Helmet Bounty Scheme – under which concussed riders were given vouchers towards new hats – to riding club competitors.

l As excitement built ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, Westgate EFI gave its annual trade list a patriotic theme with a Union Flag front cover. The tabloids TEN applauded Zara Phillips being YEARS selected for the British eventing AGO... team in what was also The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. l Bramham Horse Trials was one of few big shows to remain intact in a washed-out summer season. Wet and windy weather forced the Suffolk Show to cancel on day two; and show jumping classes were abandoned at the Royal Cornwall and South of England. As the summer progressed, Gatcombe was cancelled and The Game Fair at Belvoir Castle was called off. The Great Yorkshire went ahead with a park-andride system for visitors as its car parks were water-logged.

Meanwhile, IV Horse’s West Yorkshire factory was flooded. l Liz Hayman, managing director of clothing label Equetech, told ETN she was sporting a sore back and ribs “in a palette of colours interesting enough to inspire my next collection” following a fall from a young horse. Needless to say, she was already back at work.

In July/August 2002, ETN reported:

In July/August 1992, ETN reported:

l CAM Equestrian and its parent company Mazedraw Ltd went into liquidation to the tune of £3.7 million and £4.8 million respectively. l Tricia Nassau was appointed BETA field officer for the Midlands and south-west. She had previously run her own saddlery business and lectured in lorinery at Capel 20 Manor College.

YEARS l Bedmax acquired AGO...

Caunton Grass Driers, the maker of Sherwood Shavings. Bedmax said it intended to use Caunton’s Nottinghamshire site to expand its bedding manufacturing operation. l In high-profile sponsorship deals, everyone’s favourite eventer Mary King signed for Ariat and world champion event rider Blyth Tait renewed his contract with Toggi. l Sussex based wholesaler All Time Equestrian was expanding with the appointments of Jack Cooper, previously with Snowhill Trade Saddlery, and Jane Price who joined from Matchmakers International.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

l Horse care product manufacturer Carr & Day & Martin purchased W H Cowie, the producer of Cornucrescine hoof paste and Killitch Sweet Itch lotion. “The acquisition demonstrates our commitment to strong branded products,” said 30 Carr & Day & Martin’s YEARS sales and marketing AGO... manager Peter Wilkes. l BETA announced five UK wide venues and dates for its upcoming Mobile Christmas Trade Fair. l The Rural Development Commission was promoting saddlery and leatherwork courses led by Mark Romain at its Salisbury workshops. l Thanks to an arrangement with a large mill, Shires slashed the price of its pure wool striped blankets, day rugs and exercise sheets by 17.5%. And Charles Owen launched the first polo helmet to pass the BS4472 safety standard. l The Worshipful Company of Saddlers pledged £250,000 to help establish the long-awaited British Horse Database.

The aim was to revolutionise non-Thoroughbred breeding in the UK with a verifiable system of equine identification and performance.

EQUESTRIAN NEWS APRIL 2022 | 49 EQUESTRIAN TRADETRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST

ETN | PROFILE

A synthetic revolution From humble beginnings in a small factory in Sydney, Australia, Zilco is now developing and exporting synthetic equestrian products worldwide.

I

t all started in 1962 with lightweight, synthetic racing products.

But the team at Zilco soon realised the widerreaching potential across the equestrian world for these revolutionary synthetic materials.

This year, the company celebrates 60 years of manufacturing products for a broad range of disciplines including carriage driving, endurance riding, racing and harness racing.

“The design of our products is guided by the Zilco started in a small factory in expertise of our international Sydney, Australia 60 years ago. team of staff - many of whom are horse owners themselves - top riders and drivers such as Boyd Exell, stockists and brand ambassadors,” says Elena Wilson at Zilco Europe.

Over the years, the demand for Zilco products has increased as more equestrian consumers have embraced the benefits of synthetic materials. To name a few:

TOP PRODUCTS PICK

DURABILITY:

Flower hackamore: this useful bitless bridle has a unique cheek design for multiple adjustment to increase or decrease poll pressure.

The webbing is designed and weaved in-house, the resulting synthetic products having a long lifespan.

STRENGTH AND STABILITY:

Synthetic materials do not degrade as quickly as leather which can break if poorly maintained. Zilco’s synthetic polymer has a high tensile strength plus good flexibility and adaptability in cold and hot weather. The webbing has a thick weft which means it won’t tear when holes are punched in it.

WEIGHT AND STYLING:

Synthetic is lighter than leather, an important factor when training horses. The PVC coating adds a leather look and feel for those who prefer a more traditional look.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE:

No saddle soap is required. Synthetic tack can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Less time cleaning means more time riding or driving!

BIOSECURITY:

Zilco products can be disinfected in a mild solution of multipurpose disinfectant. The PVC coating protects the harness or bridlework from abrasions and cuts; while it’s also water, sweat and bacteria resistant.

50 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2022

Some Zilco products with across-the-board appeal Deluxe bridle: A two-part model that allows quick removal of the bridle part to leave the halter in place – all done by simply releasing two snaps.

Both parts are available in various colours for matchy-matchy preferences. An ideal bridle for riders who want to remove the hassle – and potential for the horse to get loose - while tacking and un-tacking.

3-in-1 bridle: One of Zilco’s most popular products with a matt finish, leather look and feel. Great for the budget conscious, this bridle easily converts to a Scawbrig, Sidepull or Standard style.

Hanoverian bridle: New to the Zilco range, this is suitable for eventing and show jumping as well as leisure riding. It’s strong, extremely flexible and easy to clean. Available in various colours in pony, cob and full sizes, it’s often coupled with a pair of colour contrasting Zilco S-grip reins; perfect to make tack a bit more fun.

Puffer pad with pockets: Popular for long distance riding, the cotton outer and polyester fibre fill inner offer quick-drying comfort for horse. A pocket on each side enables a hoof pick, string, snacks and other necessities to be carried.

Pommel saddle bag: Ideal for carrying snacks or other personal items during long hacks.

Zilco’s Hanoverian bridle is strong, flexible - and makes tack more fun.

The Zilco Deluxe bridle quickly converts to a headcollar; while the Puffer Pad has handy pockets.

Double drink bottle bag: This popular accessory comes with two plastic bottles on one side and two insulated zip-up pockets on the other.

Zilco Europe supplies the trade and is keen to contact new stockists.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

GORILLA PLAS

®

STRONGER, TOUGHER, CLEANER!

Pre-order our new UK-manufactured Gorilla Plas® Hanging Manger, Feed Bucket, Tidee™ Tray & Feed Skips. | HEAVY DUTY | HIGH-QUALITY | ECO-FRIENDLY | RECYCLABLE | STRONG | WEATHER RESISTANT |

01455 848 184

www.redgorilla.red

sales@redgorilla.red

Donate with LO-CAL BALANCER For every promotional bag of Lo-Cal Balancer sold we’ll donate to World Horse Welfare

Mrs Potts is thriving on 2 mugs of Lo-Cal Balancer per day all year round - alongside the careful management of World Horse Wel fare, Hall Farm

LOW CALORIE LOW STARCH LOW SUGAR LOW ENERGY

For your free sample: Baileys Horse Feeds Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 3) MADE IN OUR OWN info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk UK MILL www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

World Horse Welfare Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384