ETN (Equestrian Trade News) – September 2021

September 2021

Volume 45, No 7

GALLOPING INTO A NEW ERA BETA International 2021 preview

Equestrian Trade News September 2021

READY FOR WINTER? Conditioning feeds and warm rugs

PLUS • EARN DOUBLE AMTRA CPD POINTS • RETAILER PROFILE • HOW TO AVOID BLOGGING BLUNDERS

ETN is the official media partner of BETA International

BETA INTERNATIONAL 9th - 11th September 2021

FIND OUT MORE INSIDE

2021

9 – 11 September NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

Main Sponsor

F I V E S TA R F O R T H E B E S T PERFORMANCE WORLDWIDE

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Contact Gallop Equestrian on 01902 454771, contact@gallopequestrian.com, www.gallopequestrian.com Visit us at BETA International 2021 on stand 228

1

In this issue...

NEWS

Editor’s comment T

he pandemic has prompted many businesses to ‘think outside the box’, as they say.

De Vere hotels is cleverly offering a dog sitting service to conference delegates and guests visiting its hotels for business meetings. It’s £15 per hour, by the way…

And for those who think life’s too short, tack cleaning probably ranks up there with other jobs you’ll happily pay someone else to do. So well done to ReignTree for launching a mobile tack cleaning service which visits yards to spit-and-polish everything from bridles to boots.

Cash-rich, time-starved owners prefer to reach for their wallets than clip their own horses; freelancers are reportedly stacked out with work. Job done; more hours freed up for riding…

And how about the horsey hair salon offering ‘equine shampoos, styling sessions and saunas’ – aka a hot shower, mane and tail tidy with solarium dry-off? Repeat monthly for stress-free grooming is their catch-line.

ETN readers who run rug washing operations are inundated just now. After all, who wants to wrestle with rank rugs coated in last winter’s muck when you could be going for a hack?

Putting time in a bottle and selling it has yet to be achieved. But it appears that offering time-saving services is the next best thing…

FRONT COVER:

This month’s eyecatching image GALLOPING is Resurgence INTO A NEW ERA by equestrian photographer Sue McIntosh. It features Fear Naught II (aka Bertie), a 17.1hh Irish Draught. Sue specialises in equestrian and canine photography and is available for business and private sessions. Visit www. suemcintoshphotography.com or call 07778 424 772.

September 2021

Volume 45, No 7

BETA International 2021 preview

READY FOR WINTER? Conditioning feeds and warm rugs

PLUS

• EARN DOUBLE AMTRA CPD POINTS • RETAILER PROFILE • HOW TO AVOID BLOGGING BLUNDERS

ETN is the official media partner of BETA International

BETA INTERNATIONAL 9th - 11th September 2021

FIND OUT MORE INSIDE

2021

9 – 11 September NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

Main Sponsor

What’s been happening?

4

PRODUCT NEWS

Latest launches and good ideas

8

RETAILER PROFILE Chelford Farm Supplies

12

PEOPLE

Who’s new, who’s moved?

We didn’t realise how much we loved rosettes until they were axed as a safety risk during Covid.

It’s lovely to come home from a horsey event with some ribbons on the dashboard (even if it was just for taking part).

They’re a great way for sponsors to gain recognition too.

Riders love to keep and display their hard-won rosettes. They become mementos of happy days, reminders of a horse or pony perhaps now long gone.

Let’s not lose this great British equestrian tradition. Bring on the rosettes the bigger, the better!

BETTER BUSINESS

How to avoid blogging blunders

16

WORMING FEATURE

News and new developments How being a RAMA can improve our career prospects

AMTRA ACCREDITED CPD FEATURE AND QUIZ

Winter parasite control in equines

RUGS AND CLIPPERS Get ready for winter

SPECIAL REPORT

A man on a footwear mission I’m delighted that Chelford Farm Supplies is the subject of the Retailer Profile in this issue of ETN. I tend to shop around for online horsey purchases. I like clear, well presented websites which give a good amount of product information.

At the check-out, I want ease and speed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve abandoned a basket because I’ve been confused by pop-up boxes and requests for passwords long forgotten. Once I’ve made my buying decision, I want out ASAP! But perhaps the most important thing – and the reason I take my business back to a retailer – is speed of delivery and good communication throughout the process.

You know how it is; you decide to try a new item of tack on your horse…and you want it ‘now’. However, you don’t mind waiting an extra day if the retailer keeps in touch Chelford Farm Supplies fulfil all of the above. I’ve just ordered a new numnah, and my spirits rose when they told me it was to be delivered (for free) within 48 hours by DPD. And talking of where to shop, I’m boycotting Amazon as a one-woman protest over how it’s eroding independent retailing.

14

FEEDING FEATURE Product review Nutrition for condition

AMTRA ACCREDITED CPD FEATURE AND QUIZ Nutrition module

18 20

22 25 28 30 33

36

TURNING BACK THE PAGES

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

38

BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH Meet this month’s winner

COUNTY COURT JUDGMENTS ETN’s exclusive listing

BETA INTERNATIONAL PREVIEW Your guide to the show

39

40 41

Liz Benwell Liz Benwell

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 3

News ETN | NEWS

Irish retailers lose out as wormer sales rules tighten Equine wormers are to be made veterinary prescription-only in Ireland from January 2022.

Horse owners will still be able to buy wormers from Irish licensed merchants – but only with a note from their vet.

The “significant business” which the dispensing and sale of wormers currently brings licensed retailers – and which is now under threat - has been acknowledged by an Irish Government Minister.

The four nations of the UK are unaffected. However, concerns about crossborder smuggling between the Republic and Northern Ireland have been raised.

Overuse and misuse The rules around horse wormers, and a range of other animal medicines which licensed merchants are allowed to supply, have been tightened after the Irish Department of Agriculture warned of overuse and misuse.

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

“Conclusive evidence of widespread anthelmintic [wormer] resistance” has been identified by Ireland’s Health Products Regulatory Authority.

As a result, Ireland can no longer use an exemption from EU regulations that depended on no evidence of resistance to antiparasitic medicines such as wormers.

It was this stipulation that historically allowed products to be sold without veterinary prescription through pharmacies and licensed merchants.

“Ireland has no national discretion on this issue,” Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue told the Irish Examiner.

Expressing a wish that farmers and horse breeders be protected from increasing costs of worming their animals under the new regime, he added: “It’s also important to recognise the role played by licensed merchants in this process and the significant business they have in this regard.”

Editor Liz Benwell Email: editor@equestriantradenews.com Advertising Manager Beth Crow Email: bethc@beta-int.com Tel: 01937 582111 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

www.carbonbalancedpape r.com CBP123456

4 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

UK stands alone After January 2022, Irish horse owners will not be obliged to buy wormers from their vet, and can still administer the drugs themselves. They can source products anywhere licensed to supply the products - but only if they have a veterinary prescription.

According to the Irish agricultural media, stakeholders are warning that the unlicensed cross-border trade in veterinary medicines will go from “a trickle to a torrent” in January.

Ireland and the UK are the only countries in Europe that still provide wormers without prescription. By 2022, the UK will stand alone.

Although the changes in Ireland do not affect the way the UK distributes wormers, it’s not the first time the rules have been challenged.

In 1988, BETA successfully campaigned to avert legislation which would have largely prevented retailers from prescribing and selling equine wormers.

A ‘Saddlers’ List’ of trained retailers was introduced to fulfil legal requirements.

Subsequently, the UK and Ireland used this structure to remain exempt under EU rules, a privilege Ireland is about to lose.

Resistance: “a huge issue” Commenting on the current Irish situation, Claire Shand of worming specialists Westgate Labs, said: “Resistance is undoubtedly a huge issue facing the whole

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Abbey England 50 Absorbine 57 Baileys Horse Feeds 31 Baillie Haylage 45 Battles 26 Bedmax 24 BETTALIFE 40 Bua Saddles 53 Charles Owen 59 Citrus Lime 47 Dodson & Horrell 11 Equetech 8 Falcon Equine OBC Gallop Equestrian IFC Henry Bell 15 & 17 Horslyx 29 Jenkinson 3 Jenkinson 9 JSC Rotational Ltd 49 L S Sales 21 Lister Shearing 27 Mollichaff (HorseHage) 35 MSFC 10 NAF 7 NFU Mutual 40 Perry Equestrian 61 Platinum Agencies 60 Poucher 32 Red Gorilla IBC Saddlery Brands International 55 SEIB 5 Topspec 51 TT Equestrian Agency 45 Virbac 19 Westgate 42 & 43 Westgate Labs 21

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

NEWS | ETN veterinary industry and these are the steps Ireland felt they needed to take to address the problem in their country.

“Wormers in the UK are classified as POM-VPS which means prescription only medicines that can be dispensed by a vet, vet pharmacist or Suitably Qualified Person – also From January 2022, Irish horse known as an SQP or Registered owners can still buy wormers from Animal Medicine Advisor licensed merchants – but only with (RAMA). a veterinary prescription.

“Wormers will still be available in UK stores where staff have attained the correct qualifications to prescribe and sell them.”

The merchants’ view “Irish retailers are up in arms about this situation,” says Ian Scott.

The former secretary general of AHDA (Animal Health Distributors Association) is now advising the recently formed Independent Licensed Merchants’ Association (ILMA) which represents retailers and is campaigning to get the new rules overturned.

“Licensed merchants stand to lose a valuable income stream from sales of these essential and frequently required medicines,” says Ian Scott.

Ireland has a system similar to the UK’s SQP/RAMA system. The equivalent Responsible Persons (RPs) must pass an exam - but have no regulator like AMTRA and no representative body like AHDA. ILMA has raised a fighting fund and mobilised retailers, cooperatives, vet pharmacists, farming associations and cross-party politicians in opposing the new rules.

“The political will to sort out this mess is getting stronger,” says Mr Scott.

“The consequences to rural voters of increased costs, red tape, loss of merchant outlets, rural unemployment, cross border movement and loss of credibility for Irish equine and agricultural exports are weighing heavily on the shoulders of the Minister of Agriculture and his department.”

Vet struck off over forged letter

The renowned equine vet Dr Sue Dyson has been struck off.

She invented a fictitious Home Office inspector and composed a bogus letter from him to get her study into the effects of heavy riders on horses published.

When the fraud was uncovered, Dr Dyson was clinical head of orthopaedics with the now defunct Animal Health Trust’s centre for equine studies.

She has since been working as a consultant and become a leading advocate for correct saddle fitting.

Dr Dyson has been removed from the register of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for ‘disgraceful conduct’.

The RCVS disciplinary committee heard that she enjoyed a “distinguished international career and reputation”.

But her downfall came after fraudulently attempting to secure the ethical approval needed to publish her research project Influence of rider: horse body weight ratios on equine welfare and performance - a pilot study.

In her defence when the bogus letter was exposed, Dr Dyson cited work and personal pressures, including the death of her dog.

“I can only claim temporary insanity, based on mitigating circumstances, because that is how it seemed,” she said.

SEIB were there to help!

SEIB Insurance Brokers cover my Saddle Fitting business, and I must say they are a very efficient company, I have a point of contact who I am able to speak to if I have any questions, which means I’m not passed around the company in painful circles as has been known with other companies.

When I had a query, the lady that dealt with it couldn’t have done more to help me and explain the scenario to me, finding a resolution. A truly fantastic service.

I can highly recommend SEIB, I honestly feel they have your best interests at heart!

I am a saddle fitter based in Kent, with a passion and obsession for horses having the best fitting saddle. I work with Bliss Of London who are excellent and offer me all the options required for the most tricky horses.

I have a personal love for PREs (Spanish) horses which I have owned and fitted saddles for over 20 years, and now fit many PREs for clients.

Jane Randall

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS

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ETN | NEWS

INDUSTRY TITAN STEPS BACK

Barry Fehler, who 58 years ago founded SEIB Insurance Brokers, is taking the non-executive role of deputy chairman.

Replacing him as chief executive Left to right: Barry Fehler new officer is current deputy chief SEIB Deputy Chairman, Bipin Thaker new SEIB COO and executive officer Suzy Middleton.

Suzy Middleton new SEIB CEO SEIB’s director of finance, Bipin Thaker becomes chief operations officer.

Barry Fehler started SEIB in 1963 as a broker for home, life and car insurance.

It was after he acquired top show horse Princes Street in the late ‘60s that he saw a need for what we now know as ‘loss of use’ equine insurance cover.

Barry says the lifestyles of horse owners have shifted over his years in the industry.

“Back in the ‘60s, most of our customers kept their horses at home; nowadays the vast majority keep them at livery,” he said.

“The number of veterinary fees claims we see has risen, possibly people are able to keep more of an eye on their horses at home rather than when they are at livery, just a thought from someone who has watched the trends change over the years.”

SEIB has a turnover of just under £50m.

BUSY AUTUMN SEASON AS SHOWS PLAY CATCH-UP

Show organisers have gone into over-drive to fulfil equestrians’ post-pandemic, pent-up demand for outings and activities.

One such is Sarah Harrison who’s running the STARS Champion of Champions Show at Aintree Equestrian Centre on 19/20 November in partnership with TopSpec.

Sarah, a show rider herself, created STARS to provide a championship event for riding club and Pony Club members. “The show’s purpose is to give competitors a prestigious event to aspire to, and to be proud of qualifying for and attending,” she said.

“The event provides the honour of competing against the best-of-the-best, and allows competitors to gain points for their individual clubs.”

Added Nicola Tyler of TopSpec: “Sarah and the team have quickly developed a fantastic show for riding club and Pony Club members interested in showing. We’re very pleased to be supporting the event.”

New shows spring up Bicton Arena in Devon is to host Britain’s only five-star horse trials this year, on September 2-5. The event replaces Burghley which was cancelled due to Covid.

The Royal Welsh showground is the setting for a new two-day Equine Event to take place on 18/19 September. It will be the first event to happen at the Builth Wells venue for 18 months.

Get snapping!

Calling all amateur photographers… you have until 17 September to enter BETA’s annual Calendar Competition.

The trade association is looking for 12 fabulous horsey pictures to be the stars of the 2022 BETA calendar. Images will be picked to represent each month, with the one judged Best in Show bagging the entrant a fantastic gift hamper.

All photographs submitted must have been taken by the person who enters them – they must not be a professional photographer.

Images should be supplied in a digital format, minimum size 150 x 115mm (1,722 x 1,358px), 300dpi or at least 2MB, and 6 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

IN BRIEF

The Equine Thesis of the Year Award, BETA’s initiative to recognise academic excellence in undergraduate equine-related study, has attracted a top-class field from universities and colleges across the UK and Ireland. Following a preliminary judging round, the shortlisted students will be called to present their work to a panel of equestrian experts chaired by Dr Georgina Crossman during a virtual finals and awards ceremony on Sunday, 31 October. The winner will receive a cash prize and trophy.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Musical Ride is to headline the displays at this year’s Horse of the Year Show. Derby House is the show’s official rug supplier, and TopSpec continues to support the showing arena. HOYS is scheduled for 6 – 10 October at the NEC, Birmingham.

A new master’s degree launched by Hartpury University is all about enhancing therapy and rehabilitation treatment for riders, while prioritising horse welfare. The MSc Horse Rider Musculoskeletal Therapy and Rehabilitation programme, said to be the first of its kind in the UK, is for qualified practitioners with a BSc or MSc degree in human musculoskeletal therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports therapy or chiropractic. The bespoke course is managed by chartered physiotherapist Dr Gillian Tabor.

Organisers of the PATS pet trade shows have announced upcoming dates. PATS Telford is on 26/27 September, and PATS Sandown runs on 27/28 March, 2022.

Interest in dressage is flourishing. British Dressage (BD) reports that within ten weeks of the sport restarting after Covid, membership numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels, growing by 14% since the end of February. BD reports plenty of new members and returners to the sport which it says bodes well for the future.

This autumn’s Osberton International Horse Trials is to waive admission charges to the public. The Nottinghamshire three-day event on 29 September to 3 October will instead make a “small” car park charge. The organisers say they can accommodate up to 70 trade stands. They expect in excess of 5,000 visitors.

A stash of unlicensed animal medicines was seized by officials at a Belfast courier depot in July. The parcel, addressed to residential premises in Ballymena, Co Antrim and shipped from Singapore, contains 20 sachets of AbPrazole - omeprazole granules for the treatment and prevention of equine gastric ulcers. The product is not an authorised veterinary medicine in the UK. must not be subject to copyright. They should be emailed to BETA, info@beta-uk.org, with the entrant’s name, address and a description of what is depicted. The deadline for submissions is Friday 17 September 2021.

Says BETA executive director Claire Williams: “The competition offers a great opportunity for riders, owners and equestrian enthusiasts to showcase their photos. With most of us having high-quality cameras on our mobile phones, we can capture some delightfully spontaneous shots as they happen.

“The images selected for the BETA calendar help to brighten up offices, stores and yards - and each month is printed with essential show dates too.”

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

NEWS | ETN

F I V E S TA R F O R T H E B E S T PERFORMANCE WORLDWIDE

THE BEST FEED

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN & GIO

CHARLOTTE FRY & EVERDALE

TOM MCEWEN & TOLEDO DE KERSER

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LAURA COLLETT & LONDON 52

HARRY CHARLES & ROMEO 88

created by the only official suppliers of supplements to the British Team Recommended for all horses showing signs of: • daily wear and tear • soundness issues • reduced joint movement

• shortened stride • concussion • jarring

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0800 373 106 WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

naf-equine.eu/uk EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 7

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS E S T. 1 9 9 2

Product News GRANT KICK-STARTS NEW PRODUCT

Silvermoor has launched a range of three flavoured 1kg dried grass forage blocks.

The Alnwick, Northumberland based company created Grassabix with the aid of a grant scheme from the North of Tyne Rural Business Growth Service.

Grassabix can be fed directly from the bag or soaked to make a delicious mash. The grass forage blocks are compressed for easy feeding, storage and handling – and come in attractive cardboard packaging.

They are available in three different flavours - TurmerAid, linseed, and magical minty unicorn. Each variety supports the health and wellbeing of horses and ponies.

“Each of the flavours has a unique benefit for horses from aiding digestion through to maintaining a healthy, shiny coat,” says Ralph Thompson, managing director of Silvermoor. “[Grassabix] complements the existing range of equine products we offer from haylage to Treatsies and Swingers.

“We would not have been able to get this exciting product off the ground by this point if it wasn’t for financial support from the North of Tyne Rural Business Growth Service.”

Silvermoor has produced haylage since 2005 and currently has 19 different products.

Boots love these spurs

New BootProtect spurs from Sprenger don’t damage riding boots – thanks to a rubber coating on the inside.

The rubber means these slim, stylish spurs stay in place too.

The spurs’ outer surface is stainlesssteel, making them ideal for sensitive horses or during coat change.

The Sprenger BootProtect Spur is guaranteed 100% breakproof and comes in four designs, 15mm flat neck, 20mm round neck, 25mm round neck and 20mm hammer neck. All have an RRP of £42.

Sprenger is distributed in the UK by Zebra Products.

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ABSORBENCY IS BEDDING BUYERS’ PRIORITY Absorbency tops the list when consumers are deciding which bedding to buy, according to Nedz.

Nearly half of the 300 people surveyed by the bedding brand ranked absorbency higher than ease of mucking out or price.

And over 70% preferred environmentally friendly bedding, with 93% seeking a biodegradable product.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

PRODUCT NEWS | ETN

Why shoppers love click-and-collect

Online shopping increased by 38% during the pandemic, according to research published by BETA earlier this year.

The data also reveals that two in three consumers are continuing their online shopping habit.

Click-and-collect is likewise gaining popularity with consumers. Data analytics company Global Data has forecast that click-and-collect will account for 12.9% of overall online spend by 2023.

Enabling customers to pick up their goods adds another layer of good customer service, says e-commerce specialist Citrus Lime.

Click-and-collect also encourages more spending when customers reach your store. As many as 85% of people buy additional items en-route through a store to the collection point, according to research by Barclaycard.

Citrus-Lime says retailers using its click-and-collect facility add 20% to their bottom line.

From a customer’s perspective, click-and-collect offers choice, convenience and avoids wasted journeys by guaranteeing stock will be available.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS The Irnham bridle from Cathedral Equine comes with a drop noseband.

It’s made from premium black leather with rose gold-coloured fittings and coordinated piping on the noseband. The throat-lash is adjustable at each side.

Available in sizes full, cob and pony, the RRP is £108.99.

A champion immortalised

Saddlebred champion Marc of Charm has become part of the Breyer series of model horses.

Owned by Gary and Carolyn Koch of Riverdreams in North Carolina, the stallion swept all before him in five-gaited championships. He was trained and shown by Lionel Ferreira.

“For our beloved champion to be immortalised as a Breyer model is an incredible honour,” said Carolyn. “We look forward to sharing the beauty and majesty that is Marc of Charm with Breyer fans and collectors worldwide.”

THE POWER OF HONEY

Silver Honey is a new wound care product from Absorbine.

It combines manuka honey with MicroSilver BG to provide a barrier against bacteria and support new skin cells by nourishing, moisturising and conditioning.

Silver Honey, which can be used on all animals, has a bitter taste to discourage licking or chewing.

The MicroSilver BG in the product is a powder of micro-sized, medical-grade silver particles.

The manuka honey comes from New Zealand.

Silver Honey comes as a spray or ointment.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 9

ETN | PRODUCT NEWS

THELWELL GOES DOWN A TREAT

Ponio’s treats, new from Battles’ Lincoln brand, feature official Thelwell illustrations.

The licensed range aims to epitomise the relationship between owners and their cheeky ponies.

The treats are light and crunchy, and contain carrot chips.

Low in sugar but high in taste, a single Ponio makes a tempting treat without compromising ponies’ waistlines.

“Thelwell Ponio’s are a special treat for very special ponies,” says brand manager Sally Howard.

“We created them to stand out from the other treats in our range in celebration of the partnership with Thelwell. It’s an honour to work with Thelwell and bring new life, humour and purpose to these classic illustrations for a new generation.”

Flip it, wear it

Passier has launched a reversible version of its FlexiPads saddle pads.

It comes in blue jeans denim on one side, and petrol two-tone on the other. Dressage and jumping styles are available.

Passier FlexiPads have been tested for pressure absorbance at the Technical University of Munich.

Control rats in 7 days

Selontra is a new rodenticide bait capable of controlling rodent infestations in seven days, says supplier BASF. It uses cholecalciferol to which rodents have no known resistance.

“Selontra is a new chapter in rodent control,” says Helen Ainsworth of BASF. “Cholecalciferol is fast acting and stops rodents feeding within 24 hours. This minimises feed losses and the bio-security risk of rodents being present.

“It’s highly palatable to compete with other food sources, and can control even large infestations in just seven days, using the new BASF speed baiting method.”

Speed baiting is said to reduce the time needed to control infestations. Seven blocks of Selontra placed on day one, and replenished on day two, can be sufficient to tackle rats effectively.

Concerns over resistance to anticoagulant rodenticide baits has prompted development of active ingredients to tackle so called super-rats.

Selontra works by the rodent having too much calcium in the blood. This results in fewer, less harmful residues to minimise the risk to non-target species.

TAKING A PULL?

The Nathe Pelham bit with a flexible mullen mouthpiece is suitable for strong horses.

It exerts pressure on the mouth, poll and lower jaw. Rein options allow adjustment of the leverage effect on the poll; bit guards protect the lips.

Made from Thermoplastic with a steel core, the bit has an RRP of £205. The UK distributor is Zebra Products.

Riders’ back protector has motorcycle standard

The Shadow – new from Airowear – is a discreet back protector for riders.

It’s designed for riders not currently wearing body protectors and who would prefer a lighter alternative. It’s likely to prove popular with show jumpers.

The discreet, slimline Shadow neatly hides under a show jacket or hunt coat; or it can be worn over a base layer or shirt.

It’s certified to motorcycle back protector standard EN1621-22014. The RRP is from £100.

The Shadow’s light weight is said to make it feel like an undergarment. It’s breathable and ventilated, while the outer cover is machine washable.

Although it meets motorcycle gear safety standards, the Shadow is a unique creation, designed for and trialled by equestrians.

10 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

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PRODUCT NEWS | ETN

Ultimate Balancer is one of the most important parts of my horses’ diet. It ensures that each horse receives sufficient vitamins and minerals to perform at their peak.

Harry Meade, Brand Ambassador of Dodson & Horrell

THE ULTIMATE BALANCER Packed with health supplements and suitable for all horses and ponies, we call it Ultimate Balancer for a reason!

Low Calorie

Digestive Support

Hoof Support

Recovery & Immune Support

For more information please contact your D&H UK Business Development Manager, call head office on 01270 782236 or email enquiries@dodsonandhorrell.com

www.dodsonandhorrell.com WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11

ETN | RETAILER PROFILE

Retailer with rural roots

Helen Beeson, of Chelford Farm Supplies in Cheshire, talks to Deborah Hayward about her family’s thriving business.

Theresa Welsh, Jules Humphreys-Peck, Gabriella Kent and company director Helen Beeson greet customers at Chelford Farm Supplies’ equestrian department.

H

elen Beeson belongs to a close-knit family who work, play and holiday together.

With her two brothers, Stephen and Jonathan Leech, she runs Chelford Farm Supplies, a booming equestrian, agricultural and country store outside Macclesfield, Cheshire, set up by their father, Gerald, and his business partner, Stan Holland, back in 1975.

THE HORSE SHOP

The equestrian department – or the Horse Shop, as it referred to – is Helen’s domain. Located in an old corn mill, it has been her baby since joining the family firm at 21 after a short career as a sales rep for a frozen food company.

“I set it up with Stephen’s wife, Kathryn, and we started by contacting all my favourite brands at the time,” explains Helen.

“Back then, it was Musto jackets with colourful linings, Caldene jodhpurs were staples and Harry Hall needlecord jodhpurs were all the rage.”

The pair soon developed a loyal following of customers, many of whom already bought their feed supplies from the business.

12 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

A PASSION FOR BRANDS

As the business grew, Helen continued to develop the equestrian side, catering for Cheshire’s wellheeled equestrians.

“Most of our customers are happy hackers, but we also have competition riders and people who love the country and dog walking, and don’t ride at all,” she says. “Because of this, we make sure we keep a wide range of clothing and footwear that is suitable for both sectors. After all, you The “Horse Shop” caters don’t need to have a horse to wear a for Cheshire’s well-heeled equestrians. pair of Ariat boots.”

Helen’s selection of brands to keep everyone happy includes Ariat, Horse Health, Le Chameau, Fairfax & Favor, Pikeur, Charles Owen, Shires and Weatherbeeta.

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RETAILER PROFILE | ETN FARMING AND FEED

The equestrian side of the business sits nicely alongside the farming, machinery and feed departments, which cater for a wide range of customers, including farmers and smallholders. “We have a huge range of product lines, which takes a lot of managing,” explains Helen.

The business also has an equally diverse customer base, with council farms, Liverpool and Manchester Universities, and tree surgeons on its books. On the feed side, there are products for everything from horses to sheep and chickens.

FAMILY BUSINESS Chelford Farm Supplies has its own fleet of wagons and vans delivering feed, bedding and timber across Cheshire and beyond.

THE STRENGTH OF IN-STORE SALES

Although online sales continue to grow, Helen feels that there are certain items that are easier and more effective to sell in-store.

“Some equestrian products are quite technical and the customer needs plenty of advice – you can’t always just click and buy,” she says.

“Our staff are amazing. I am so proud of them. They have done their AMTRA qualifications and manufacturer training, and have so much knowledge that they are able to pass on to customers.

“We’ve had a lot of people coming to see us after buying a new pony and we help fit them out and answer their questions. Before long, we have a built a relationship and that’s really important to us.

“That’s the thing about the job we love. We don’t want to just stand at the till scanning items – we provide our customers with a really great shopping experience.”

DELIVERING SERVICE

Helen is keen to develop the equestrian department in the future and is proud to belong to such a successful family enterprise.

“Obviously, we don’t all agree all of the time and we have different opinions,” she says, “but we’re a very close-knit family and have lots of family gatherings, and go on holiday together. It bonds us, really.”

ETN asks Helen…

Q: Do you offer any specialist services?

Yes, we do rug washing and repairs, sell wormers, repair electric fencing and do clipper blade sharpening on site.

Q: What frustrates you most about retailing at the moment?

Brexit and Covid have resulted in us not being able to get stock and it is very time-consuming having to chase up orders and suppliers, as you don’t do it once – you do it ten times over.

Although the business serves customers throughout Cheshire, it also delivers shavings, feed, bedding and a huge amount of timber to Wales, south Manchester, Staffordshire and Derbyshire in its fleet of liveried wagons and vans.

Q: Which is the most profitable sector within your department?

A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR BUSINESS

Customers are keen on anatomical bridles, getting the right bit – and technical stirrups, which have been a real biggie. I thought they were a gimmick at first, but they really work and make a big difference to riding and comfort.

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, Helen found an unexpected upturn in trade.

“We noticed a marked change in spending habits and the reps and suppliers I have spoken to agree that the equestrian industry seems to have had something of a boom, which is just what we needed,” she says. “Horse ownership has gone up and it’s great to see people enjoying horse sport again.”

A FAMILY HERITAGE

When the business was established almost 50 years ago, Gerald Leech owned the family dairy farm, which was run by a manager, and had worked for the agricultural company Dalgety, while Stan Holland came from the Wellcome Foundation. Together, they brought a wealth of experience from the feed and pharmaceutical sectors.

So successful were they in supplying local farmers that the business grew and Helen and her siblings eventually swelled the ranks, coming aboard after working elsewhere. “Dad always said it was important that we had a career first,” she says.

Stephen took over the farming department side after time in the Merchant Navy, while Jonathan took care of the machinery department after working on the farm. Helen and her brothers are all directors of Chelford Farm Supplies, along with Sarah Kranz, who is finance director.

Gerald remains a big part of the business. “Dad is now 87 and still loves coming into work to see the farmers,” says Helen. “He loves to chat to staff, too, has a keen interest in everything and is always here if we need any advice.”

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Footwear, with its good margins.

Q: What are the latest customer must-haves?

Q: How many days a week are you open?

Six days a week. I do two days on the shop floor, as I like to see customers and be part of what is going on, then I work from home the rest of the time.

Q: How many members of staff do you have working in the whole business?

We have 50.

Q: Do you have a horsey background?

I began with a Shetland pony when I was very young, then joined the Pony Club as I got older.

Q: Do you still ride?

No, but my eldest daughter, Daisy, 21, does and I love to go to equestrian events with her. She stopped when she went to university but is now back at home, as she’s doing a master’s degree, and we’re looking for an eventer.

Q: Tell us a bit about your family

I am married to Angus and, in addition to Daisy, we have a son Charlie, 17, and daughter Poppy, who is 13. We live on a smallholding with sheep and a golden Labrador called Ted.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 13

ETN | PEOPLE

People

SHANE MEHARG (left) has joined Horseware Ireland as chief commercial officer; while LOUIS O’NEILL (right) is its new chief financial officer. Horseware Ireland CEO Mark Saunders (centre) says the appointments are instrumental in driving international growth.

Shane Meharg is the former Europe, Middle East and Africa commercial director of sports equipment brand Under Armour and previously a manager with Nike. Louis O’Neill was head of financial services provider EY’s mergers and acquisitions team in Ireland.

Horseware Ireland was the subject of “significant investment” by private equity firm Lonsdale Capital Partners earlier this year.

The company has annual turnover of over €40m and employs 500 people.

“I welcome Shane Meharg and Louis O’Neill to our senior management team,” said Mr Saunders. “Both are highly skilled and experienced executives in areas of essential strategic importance to Horseware Ireland where they will contribute to our continuing growth and our further development in key markets including Europe, North America and Asia.

“Shane brings immense commercial acumen on a multi-market basis and Louis will drive our investment strategies and governance as we target further global expansion.”

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has recruited RACHEL MEDILL MBE as the charity’s new chair of trustees.

Rachel evented as a young rider, and finished 14th at Burghley, before working in the City of London in PR, marketing and communications. Since 2000, she has held various consultancy and board positions, including five years as an independent director of British Equestrian (BEF).

In 2008, Rachel founded Ride High. The charity using horses to support vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged young people. In 2016 she received an MBE for services to children.

HRH, THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL has joined Horseback UK as the charity’s patron. Horseback UK uses equines to provide help, education and recovery tools to veterans and others needing mental health support.

14 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Cambridgeshire based saddler CAROLYN TRUSS wants to save the secrets of making traditional straw-filled collars for heavy horse harness. Now she’s been awarded funding by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to pursue her goal.

“Horse collar making [in general] is listed as a ‘critically endangered’ skill”, says Katherine Boyle of QEST. “And there are only around five specialists in the UK able to make strawfilled collars.”

Carolyn plans to use her QEST funding to train with John McDonald, a harness and collar-maker based in Somerset. She’ll then extend her workshop to make room for an apprentice to ensure these skills are passed on to the next generation.

Her passion for heavy horses began when Carolyn worked for the National Trust. She’s now a Master Saddler and Harness-maker, and member of the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS).

CAITRINA OAKES, the managing director of Vetoquinol UK and Ireland, has been elected as the new chairman of NOAH, the body which represents the UK animal health industry.

She says her priorities include the consultation and review of the UK Veterinary Medicines Regulation, due later this year.

“We look forward to providing any help we can to ensure our new Regulation enables our members, and the benefits their products and innovation bring, to thrive – and continue to protect the health and welfare of our nation’s animals.”

All’s well with a couple of terriers and a cuppa… BETA International 2021 organiser CLAIRE THOMAS takes a break before the show scheduled for 9 – 11 September at its new Stoneleigh venue. Pictured left is Henry, and on the right, Basil.

A driving donkey is always a head-turner. This splendid turnout belongs to carriage driving enthusiast JOANNE PARRETT of online retailer Take The Reins.

The photo of Rikita Du Bocage in her 1911 Norfolk cart was taken at a parade for the Worshipful Company of Cartmakers’ 500th anniversary in London. Lady Riki, as she’s known at home, is a rare breed Cotentin donkey from the Cotentin region of Normandy in northern France.

Take The Reins, founded and owned by Joanne, specialises in driving and endurance equipment and is an official Zilco stockist.

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ETN | BETTER BUSINESS

Blogging: why it’s a powerful tool

If the term ‘blog’ makes your toes curl, think again, says Becky Wardle.

So, moral of the story, keep your blog regularly updated. It doesn’t have to be every week, but at a consistent frequency that works for you.

4. NOT OPTIMISING FOR SEARCH ENGINES

SEO means optimising your website to rank well in the results on search engines like Google. And blogs are amazing for this.

Search engines use many measures to quantify where they should rank webpages in their results. They also want to provide the very best results for their users.

One way they do this is by looking for keywords that are relevant to the search terms their users are entering. So, if your blog is packed with relevant keywords, the chances are it will rank well for certain similar terms. There are other aspects in play, but that’s basically how it works.

B

log is short for ‘weblog’, meaning an online journal.

Used correctly, a blog can transform your website from a ghost town into a thriving community. It can help potential customers find you online too.

To make it work for your business, avoid these blogging blunders.

1. NOT HAVING A BLOG

A huge mistake! Some companies believe blogging isn’t for them, but it can be tailored to enhance any business or brand.

The blog area on your website is where you can share the information your customers are craving; tips and tricks on how to use your products, horse care advice, or the latest news in your business.

If that last one came as a surprise, yes, your customers are interested in following your updates and this is where it can be tailored. You don’t even have to call it a blog. You can call it anything you like, so get creative.

2. OUT-OF-DATE CONTENT

‘Evergreen content’ is a marketing term that often gets thrown around. It refers to words and pictures can be used repeatedly without the need for much regular updating. An example might be advice about feeding horses which remains correct until new research comes out.

Other content - such as events that come and go, or limited time offers - has an expiry date. Be mindful of product-based articles, too, if you plan to update or discontinue the items.

It’s good practice to archive old articles so that readers are not wasting their time with outdated information.

3. NOT UPDATING THE BLOG

This is a big one! Have you ever been on a website, browsed through and saw that their blog hasn’t been updated for the last two years? What springs to mind? Well, for me, it’s that they’re no longer trading. Imagine if that happened to your business…you’d be mortified!

16 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

5. ARTICLES THAT ARE TOO LONG

Search engines want to show good quality content, but an article that’s too long will deter readers.

Many business bloggers fall at this hurdle because they see a need to write War and Peace. In fact, people often get bored while reading lengthy articles and give up before finishing.

Keep articles concise and to the point to grab and retain readers’ attention. Bullet points and numbered articles (like this one) work well.

6. NOT SHARING IT WITH THE WORLD

You’ve written a well-worded, useful article that you know your audience will love. But unless you share it out on your social media and through your email marketing, how will they know it’s there?

Shout about your article when you have posted it. That’s the way to get eyes on it and hopefully create more shares across your online community.

AND FINALLY…

Blogging is a powerful but often underused business tool; it’s not something to shy away from.

Pack in as much value, advice and information as you can, while using a variety of language and keywords that the search engines will love.

Publish at a regular consistency that’s do-able for you. That way, you won’t be overwhelmed and your customers know when they’ll hear from you.

And don’t rely solely on Google to share your article. Promote it through all your marketing channels too.

About the author: Becky Wardle owns digital marketing and design agency Marketing Buddie. www.marketingbuddie.co.uk

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 17

ETN | WORMING

Applying the science to help your customers

‘Evidence based’ is the modern watchword across a wide variety of disciplines from medicine and criminology to public policymaking, social work and management.

The concept promotes decision-making using a combination of critical thinking and the best available evidence. It pushes us to follow a process and gather information to help us make informed choices rather than rely on a guess-work and a ‘we’ve always done it this way’ policy.

Information is power, as they say. It’s certainly a concept close to the heart of award-winning postal laboratory Westgate Labs which has been championing this cause for the last 22 years.

Profit from best practice

Westgate Labs provides a range of easy-to-use lab tests to help horse owners and Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) make informed decisions about health interventions for the animals in their care.

Testing can help illuminate whether treatment is required whether it’s time to worm, you’re trying to determine the cause of an itchy horse or you have clients who keep horses on sandy soil or over grazed paddocks that might make them at higher risk of sand colic.

There are two different ways that merchants and saddlers can offer these testing services to their customers and profit from best practice.

The first is a range of the most popular tests, packaged in attractive compostable retail pouches, which are simple to sell with the results going directly back to the customer.

The second is a more bespoke service, joint branded with the store name, where the results go back to the shop’s RAMA to disseminate to the client.

take and send a sample for testing with the re-sealable pouch becoming the prepaid return envelope.

There’s no need to be AMTRA registered to sell these products. Westgate Labs don’t sell wormers as they prefer to be independent with their advice and will refer customers back to the shop if they require anthelmintics or sand-expelling supplements.

Bespoke merchant service

For RAMAs, the bespoke service offers a flexible approach and allows retailers to become more involved with customers by disseminating test results directly.

As well as worm egg counts, pinworm and faecal sand tests, lungworm and liver fluke tests are available, all provided with compostable return envelopes. There are also packs available for farm animals and poultry.

Westgate tests all samples on the day they’re received in its purpose- built laboratory; results are speedily reported in the way you choose.

By using Westgate Labs, can help your customers make evidence-based horse care decisions rather than guessing.

Retail pouches are available from Westgate Labs or Trilanco.

Westgate Labs’ test kits come in compostable retail pouches.

Retail pouches

Westgate Labs offers worm egg counts for horses and poultry, plus a pinworm test and a faecal sand test kit for horses (to help monitor the risk of sand colic). The kits contain everything to

Don’t let your customers forget encysted small redworm

Equest and Equest Pramox are the only products available to treat for encysted small redworm in a single dose.

Equest is an oral gel containing moxidectin for single dose control of roundworms - including encysted larval stages of small redworms, and bots.

Equest Pramox is an oral gel containing moxidectin and praziquantel for single dose control of all three species of tapeworm, roundworms - including encysted larval stages of small redworms, and bots.

Equest and Equest Pramox are licensed for use in breeding, pregnant and

Strategic choice

lactating mares and have been shown not to adversely affect the fertility of mares.

Equest and Equest Pramox are available in syringes to treat up to 700kg horses and have the longest expected egg suppression period (13 weeks) for small strongyles of any equine wormer currently available.

Speak to your Zoetis account manager to find out more.

18 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Equimax and Eraquell equine wormers provide proven and trusted efficacy.

Equimax is the ideal choice for strategic spring and autumn worming, treating roundworms, bots and all three species of tapeworm in a single dose, says manufacturer Virbac.

Eraquell is suitable when summer worming for roundworm is required.

Both are available in ergonomic syringes to treat up to 700kg bodyweight.

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WORMING | ETN

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 19

ETN | WORMING

“I love helping people and their animals” How the AMTRA RAMA qualification can boost your business and career prospects.

F

ollowing a career in an industry that’s also your true passion is the aim for many in the equestrian sector.

But combining this with delivering expert and qualified animal health advice is providing an added benefit to three successful AMTRA Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs).

The AMTRA equine-RAMA qualification enables animal health professionals to advise, prescribe and supply certain animal medicines, including many wormers.

It also helps provide a structured career path, supported by ongoing CPD that also provides commercial advantages. ETN publishes regular AMTRA accredited CPD features to help enable RAMAs accrue the CPD points they need to maintain their qualifications.

Former school teacher and now a RAMA, Alex Bradley was hungry for new skills.

THE INDEPENDENT RETAILER

Alex Bradley, store supervisor at the independent TFM Countrystore in Whisby, Lincolnshire, followed a slightly unconventional route to her role as a RAMA. She was a primary school teacher for ten years prior to taking up her current position.

“I was looking for a complete change of direction, and animals and rural life have always been close to my heart,” she said. “The opportunity to undertake a qualification in animal medicines was a particular attraction, along with the ongoing training and CPD as I’m always hungry to learn new skills.

Alex says she didn’t realise until she started training how involved the course was, and how rewarding becoming a qualified RAMA would be. “I love the high standards of professionalism, the regular CPD and the ability to help people and their animals,” she adds.

Alex is one of a wider team of RAMAs at TFM, with seven currently registered covering companion animal, equine and avian categories, with another staff member awaiting exam results and another one currently training.

“This means we generally have at least two RAMAs on the shop floor at any given time, despite long opening hours,” continues Alex. “As a company we do proactively encourage staff development and feel that it improves job satisfaction.”

Although qualified as an equine, companion animal and avian RAMA, it’s issues surrounding equine worming that Alex feels is particularly pressing now, given the serious issues with resistance.

“We urgently need to protect our remaining anthelmintics from losing efficacy by ensuring we only use them when necessary. But I feel we are still some way off successfully communicating the importance of targeted worming, and the use of worm counts, to the wider equine community,” she says.

“Many horse owners are still working on the old system of worming every three months, and I’ve even heard of one owner being advised to worm both horses, despite one having a low worm count, as they share grazing. This totally undermines the purpose of worm counting.

“I would like to see more horse owners, and in particular yard owners, engaging with us and taking advice on suitable worming programmes for their horses,” she adds.

20 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Sandy Robertson believes education is the most important aspect of her role as a RAMA.

THE MOBILE SERVICE

In this commitment, Alex regularly works alongside another independent RAMA in Sandy Robertson, who provides a science led approach to equine healthcare through her mobile clinic, Equine Endo.

Having worked in equine welfare for over ten years before becoming self-employed and qualifying as a RAMA, Sandy had already gained a close insight into the detrimental effects a lack of knowledge, and having an incorrect worming programme, can have on horses.

“I saw the fatal outcome of many horses, so I trained to get a better understanding of parasitology and faecal egg counts,” explains Sandy.

“Being a mobile laboratory, I can gain a better insight into different yard practices, and have a better understanding of individual needs of both client and horse.

Following that process, I can prescribe the correct wormers, and give in-depth advice.”

Sandy believes the most important part of her role is education, helping her clients understand about parasites and the wormers used, in terms they understand.

“I advise on how resistance happens, and how to slow-down the process with pasture management, alongside an effective worming programme,” she adds.

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WORMING | ETN RAMA status has boosted Charlotte ForkesRees’ role at the store where she works.

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THE RETAIL CHAIN

It’s not just independent businesses that benefit from the additional commercial advantage of having fully qualified and highly trained animal medicines advisors to support retail and trading operations.

Charlotte Forkes-Rees of Mole Country Stores has found both personal and professional benefits of qualifying as a RAMA. Having worked with horses in the UK and USA before gaining a first-class honours degree in bioveterinary science, Charlotte explains her RAMA status has boosted her role as equine specialist at her store in Berkeley, Gloucestershire.

“Prior to qualifying as a RAMA, I often felt like I was only able to have half the conversation with customers, as I would need to pass them over to a qualified colleague to discuss medicines needs.

Since qualifying, I now feel that I can offer best practice advice for our equine customers for all their needs,” explains Charlotte.

In a wide-ranging role, including helping customers with nutritional enquiries and animal health needs, Charlotte also believes the role of the RAMA requires effective communication.

“It’s about striking the right balance. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but you must apply it to real-world situations and understand your customer’s unique position and the individual requirements of their horse or horses. It’s essential to convey the information effectively, without ostracising them,” she adds.

Charlotte concludes: “As a RAMA, we’re not trying to be awkward by asking questions about your horse, such as its weight or when it was last wormed. We are more than happy to prescribe an appropriate product, but we can only do so when we have gathered that information, to be able to make a qualified and informed decision.”

To find out more about becoming a RAMA, visit www.amtra.org. uk

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 21

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

Winter parasite control in equines

By Dr Alex Allen BVM&S MRCVS, technical director at Virbac.

P

arasite control in horses differs over winter from other times of the year. This is due to the lifecycle of the worms and the effect that climatic conditions can have on their development. Winter is the time to think specifically about bots and small strongyles in addition to the year-round threat of tapeworm and roundworms.

Adult large and small strongyles are detected by faecal egg counts (FECs), however FECs do not detect larval stages of bots and small strongyles (also known as Cyathostomins) or tapeworm.

BOTS

Stomach bots are larvae of flies from Gasterophilus species. The flies lay their eggs on the haircoat of the horse in late spring through to the autumn.

The horse grooming itself stimulates the eggs to hatch into larvae which are then ingested by the horse.

Eventually the larvae reach the stomach and attach to the Bot fly larvae in a horse’s stomach stomach lining, where they are frequently seen during gastroscopy. As fly activity ceases after regular frosts, bots overwinter as larvae inside the horse. Worming at this time with an effective wormer such as ivermectin or moxidectin should allow bots to be eliminated, without the chance of reinfection from flies in the environment.

The Bot Lifecycle

22 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

TAPEWORM

Tapeworm have a 6-month lifecycle, therefore horses are traditionally treated for these worms in the spring, prior to the grazing season and again in the autumn. Tapeworm are not reliably detected with faecal egg counts, although tests have recently been developed to measure antibodies to tapeworm to diagnose exposure.

These tests can be performed on saliva or blood samples. If a horse has not been treated or tested for tapeworm in the last 6 months, this should be incorporated into the winter worming regime.

The Tapeworm Lifecycle

SMALL STRONGYLES

Small strongyle larvae are ingested from the pasture by the horse and some of these larvae undergo arrested development within the wall of the intestines, particularly during the winter months.

The risk of larvae encysting within the intestinal wall is greater in horses grazing heavily infected pastures throughout the year, where there is a high stocking density or short grazing. Encysted larvae can remain in the intestinal wall for 2 years but they often emerge in the spring.

Encysted larvae are a normal part of the lifecycle of the small strongyles, but when large numbers of encysted larvae emerge simultaneously from the intestinal wall, this can lead to intestinal damage and a condition known as larval cyathostominosis. This is characterised by diarrhoea and weight loss. Younger horses less than 5 years of age are most susceptible.

It is recommended that at risk horses receive a treatment for encysted small strongyles once a year. Traditionally this has WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

CPD FEATURE | ETN been performed over winter.

Two drugs treat encysted small strongyles, these are moxidectin and fenbendazole.

However, resistance to fenbendazole is widespread.

If fenbendazole is used, it is recommended to perform a faecal egg count reduction test to confirm that treatment has been effective.

As moxidectin remains the only effective treatment for Small redworm can occasionally encysted strongyles in many be seen in the droppings. areas, many experts recommend that this drug should be reserved for this use and only given once a year to minimise the development of small redworm resistance to this vital product (Coles, 2009). Throughout the rest of the year other wormer drugs should be used.

The colder weather can make it more challenging to maintain good paddock care during the winter months, but it remains important to stay on top of poo-picking and pasture management during this time.

PICK YOUR WEAPON

All available horse wormers can be grouped into 4 different classes, according on the type of active ingredient in them that kills the worms. If there is resistance to a wormer in one category, there is a good chance the worms will be resistant to other products in that class too.

This is why, with only 4 classes of wormers available and no new types of wormer on the horizon, it is very important that we do everything we can to maintain their effectiveness and delay the spread of resistance.

Worming becomes complicated because there isn’t one type of wormer that kills all the different worms that infect horses.

Each group of wormer has a different spectrum of activity against different types of worms. This means that when a parasite infection is identified, the appropriate wormer to treat that type of worm must be selected.

Also, not all wormers have equal levels of control, plus some have levels of resistance that compromise their efficacy. This means that despite your best intentions, you may not be protecting the horse from the ill effects of a parasite infection if an inappropriate treatment is used.

As moxidectin is the only effective treatment for encysted small redworm in many areas, using this product sparingly is recommended by experts (Rendle et al., 2019).

Treating different parasites at different times of the year is the key to strategic worming. When it comes to worming, remember the 3D worming approach – Direction, Dosage & Delivery:

Direction

Develop a structured worming programme for each horse that uses a combination of testing and treatment whilst taking into account the specific parasite threats during the year. Select the right wormer for the specific parasite threat.

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Wormer spectrum of activity

Dosage

Regardless of the wormer used, ensure that the correct dose is given for the horse’s bodyweight. As bodyweight can fluctuate throughout the year, use a weigh tape or scales to determine this accurately. A winter coat can make visual estimation even harder and most people under rather than over-estimate their horse’s bodyweight, by up to 20% (Asquith et al., 1990). Remember that not all syringes contain the same amount of drug, for larger horses make sure there is enough drug in the syringe.

Delivery

It is imperative that a horse receives the full dose of wormer to be administered. Most wormer syringes contain approximately a teaspoon of wormer treatment. Therefore any ‘spit-out’ can represent a significant amount of the total dose and will result in under-dosing. This has several consequences; firstly, the product will not work as it should and secondly, it can contribute to the rapid development of resistant worms.

References • Asquith et al (1990). Erroneous weight estimation of horses.

Proceedings of the annual convention of the American Association of equine practitioners. 599-607 • Coles, G. (2009) Anthelmintic resistance in equine worms. Vet Times.

• Rendle et al. (2019). J. Equine De-worming: A consensus on current best practice. UK Vet Equine 3 Suppl 1 3-14.

About the author: Dr Alex Allen BVM&S MRCVS qualified from Edinburgh University in 1998 before working in clinical practice for several years. He now works for Virbac, a leading animal health company, as technical director. In this role, he oversees and provides technical support to animal health professionals and owners on the use of Virbac products.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 23

ETN | CPD FEATURE RAMA CPD Questions September 2021 ETN

RAMA CPD QUIZ

9. Studies have shown that owners usually underestimate their horse’s bodyweight by up to what percentage? a. 20% 35% c. b. 5% d. 7%

SELECT YOUR ANSWERS AND TICK THE BOXES. Please note: some of the questions below have more than one correct answer.

1. Faecal egg counts (FECs) can be used to detect the larval stages of bots and small strongyles? a. True b. False 2. Which two parasites are considered to be a year-round threat? a. Roundworm b. Bots c.

Tapeworm d. Small Strongyles 3. Which active ingredient is the only effective treatment for encysted small redworm and therefore recommended to be used sparingly? a. Ivermectin b. Pyrantel c.

Praziquantel d. Moxidectin 4. Encysted larvae of small strongyles can remain in the intestinal but usually emerge during which season? a. Winter Spring c. b. Summer d. Autumn

5. The lifecycle of the tapeworm is approximately how long? a. 6 Months 3 Months c. b. 12 Months d. 1 Month 6. How many classes of equine wormer are currently available? a. 10 5 c. b. 2 d. 4 7. Which active ingredient used to treat encysted small strongyles is reported to have widespread resistance? a. Moxidectin b. Fenbendazole c.

Ivermectin d. Pyrantel 8. Encysted larvae of small strongyles can remain in the intestinal wall for how long? a. 6 Months b. 1 Year c.

2 Years d. 5 Years

10. How do horses become infected with bots? a. Grazing b. Grooming themselves c.

Through an intermediate host d. Contact with other horses

SEPTEMBER 2021

FIND IT ONLINE: ETN’s CPD features are also available at www.equestriantradenews.com If you submit answers to the quiz on-line, please do not submit them by filling out the printed form as well - and vice versa.

Full name Company name/ address Email Telephone number AMTRA number

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

T H E

2 CPD POINTS

Send your completed answers to: ETN/CPD Feature, Equestrian Trade News, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorks, LS22 4AW.

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

B E S T

O F

B R I T I S H

COME AND SEE US AT BETA Talk to our team about our new products and our new sustainable packaging and get your orders in early to beat the rush...

NEW NEW NEW

Please call us to find out more or to talk to your Regional BEDMAX Sales Manager.

Or visit our Retailer Portal to order PoS materials, online staff training and to check your listing.

bedmaxshavings.com/retailers

24 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

01668 213467

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RUGS AND CLIPPERS | ETN

Getting ready for winter It’s the season for clipping out and rugging up.

LOOKS LIKE LUXURY

A timeless quilt design has been used to create a new range of stable rugs from Snowhill.

Faux fur collars further enhance the luxurious collection which is launched for A/W21.

High quality fittings and multi-adjustable chest buckles feature across the range.

• The Rhinegold Michigan Quilt has a 350g fill, distinctive hexagon quilting and faux fur collar. In sizes 5’3 to 7’3, the RRP is £59.50.

• Rhinegold Texas Quilt with 300g fill has eye-catching diamond quilting and comes with a fixed full neck. Sizes are 5’6 to 7’3 with an RRP of £79.50.

• Stand-out chevron quilting adorns the Rhinegold Dallas Quilt. With 200g fill, it has an optional neck cover. In sizes 5’3 to 7’3, the RRP is £59.50.

Rhinegold is available exclusively from Snowhill Ltd.

Rhinegold Michigan Quilt

TREATING HORSES LIKE ROYALTY…

Gallop Equestrian has expanded its collection of Monarch prints for A/W21 – while keeping its prices competitive.

All season product With 100g insulated fill, the Trojan Monarch 100 Turnout is truly a rug for all seasons. The purple background adds a regal air to the gold crown pattern.

With an RRP at £52.99, this robust rug features a waterproof, 600 denier breathable outer with shoulder pleats, nylon lining, crossed surcingles, elasticated leg straps, tail flap and double buckle front fastenings. Sizes are 5’3” to 7’0”.

Rhinegold Texas Quilt

Rhinegold Dallas Quilt

“I could wear it myself!”

Eskadron’s UK and Irish distributor is so impressed with the Zeta stable rug, he’s thinking of wearing one himself.

“This fur-lined rug has sold so well - and no wonder, it’s a cracker,” says said Monty Stuart-Monteith of Shaws Equestrian. “I’m thinking of adapting one for my own coat this winter!”

With its breathable 840 denier Oxford outer fabric and cuddly faux fur collar, the Zeta comes with a choice of a 200g filling with cotton lining or a full fur lining plus 100g filling.

Adjustable double breast closures and cross surcingles, a shoulder gusset and protective tail flap complete the design.

There’s even a faux fur extension for the chest.

The Zeta comes in sizes S – XXL, in navy with the 200g filling and black with the full fur lining. The RRP is £149.

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Medium weight choice New for autumn/winter 21, the Trojan Monarch 200 Combo Turnout, with its striking rouge crown design, is an ideal medium weight choice. The RRP is £67.99.

With an all-in-one fixed neck, 600 denier ripstop outer and nylon lining, this waterproof, breathable rug has 200g insulated fill. It also offers cross surcingles, elasticated, detachable leg straps, tail flap, pleats at the neck and shoulders to reduce running and double buckle front fastenings. Sizes are 5’6” to 7’0”.

For winter chills When the winter weather really bites, your customers can reach for the seriously warm Trojan Monarch 350 Turnout (RRP £72.99).

This rug highlights the crown design against a dramatic black background.

This super-cosy, all-in-one fixed neck rug has 350g insulated fill and a tough waterproof, breathable outer – plus all the usual Gallop features and fittings. Sizes are 5’6” to 7’0”.

Gallop Equestrian offer special deals for BETA member retailers.

Celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Gallop will be offering a limited-edition colour version of the Monarch print to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

To be previewed at BETA International 2021, the exclusive rugs will be available in February for Spring/summer 2022.

“Our Queen has given 70 years’ loyal service to her country and its people.

And of course, she’s also a brilliant horsewoman,” says Bobby Taak of Gallop Equestrian.

“We wanted to mark this special occasion and give our customers a chance to share in the celebrations.”

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 25

ETN | RUGS AND CLIPPERS

Wild at heart

Country Walks and Born to be Wild are two new rug patterns for autumn/winter 2021 from Hy Equestrian’s StormX Original range.

The StormX Original Country Walks 100 Turnout Rug has a 100g fill, 600 denier waterproof outer fabric, fleece-lined wither area, tail flap and buckle chest straps. Adjustable cross surcingles and leg straps secure the rug.

As well as a fun zebra themed design, The StormX Original Born to be Wild 200 Combi Turnout Rug has 200g fill and a 600 denier ripstop, waterproof outer. The integrated contoured neck cover has touch tape closures. Twin buckle chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles and leg straps keep it in place.

Hy Equestrian is developing a DefenceX System range to comprise 1,200 denier turnouts, 600 denier stable rugs, layering system rugs and new fly, cooler and fleece sheets. These are due to arrive in time for winter, says brand owner Battles.

CUT AND DRIED

with some fantastic new cordless, lightweight and quiet clippers appearing.

Once the preserve of hunters, clipping is now done across the board.

More than ever, owners want their horses to have smart haircuts because shows and events are playing catch-up after early season cancellations.

Indeed, clipping has become something of a fashion statement.

Note the number of snazzy designs clipped into horses’ bottoms and posted on social media…

Retailers often shy away from stocking clippers because they’re electrical (and complicated if you’re not that way inclined), therefore don’t fit in with the store’s usual stock.

However, even if you don’t want to sell the big-ticket powerful machines, stocking a range of trimmers and related products is less risky.

A good starting point is to select a couple of brands who offer reliable advice, helpful merchandising and proper after-sales back-up. Good suppliers will do more than half the job for you.

This is a market most retailers can’t afford to ignore - especially

Add-on sales Whether or not you decide that stocking clippers is right for your store, definitely consider all the associated extras such as blades, oil and overalls.

And investigate where you can send clipper blades away for resharpening on customers’ behalf.

Becoming a trusted clipper blade drop-off/collection point may only reap a few pence per transaction, but it’s a great way to cultivate repeat business and extra store visits.

Other useful lines to stock are shampoos, coat conditioning spray and grooming tools – because customers who clip their horses care about their equines’ appearance.

IN T RO DU C IN G

Dotty Fleece Collection

CREATE A WINNING LOOK WITH THE ULTIMATE MATC HY MATC H Y S E T T H E CHOICE OF CHA MPIONS F OR OVER 25 YEARS 26 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Become a stockist today

Collection includes set shown above plus Saddle Pad, Ride on Saddle Cover, Head Collar & Lead Rope. In sizes Small Pony to Full.

01522 529 206

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www.battles.co.uk

RUGS AND CLIPPERS | ETN

A question of rugs ETN quizzes Simon Middleton, managing director of Zebra Products, the UK distributor of Bucas rugs, about what the best dressed horses will be wearing this season.

What do you predict will be the most sought-after types of rugs this season?

Bucas turnout and stable rugs with Staydry linings will be popular. Designed to be put on a wet horse after exercise or washing, the Stay-dry lining wicks away the moisture and dries the horse, yet the lining remains dry next the horse’s skin.

These rugs are so time and costefficient during the winter months as the rider/owner doesn’t need to stand around waiting for their horse to dry.

How should retailers help ensure customers order the correct size of rug?

Bucas offers an extensive rug measuring guide with a video demonstrating how to measure a horse, along with a size guide in cm and feet.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

What are the biggest mistakes horse owners make when buying/using rugs?

Owners often over-rug their horses because they think the rugs aren’t keeping the horses warm enough.

To make it easy for consumers to select the correct rugs, Bucas has developed the Bucas Rug Selector. It uses colours blue for too cold, red for too warm and green for recommended usage range. It also identifies minimum and maximum temperatures under and above which the product is not recommended for use.

The guide also shows how the temperature range can be expanded by using high-performance materials such as heat reflective aluminium coatings and Stay-dry wicking fabrics.

Rug Selector guides are printed on swing tags attached to Bucas products and also appear in brochures.

Apart from the temperature, other factors to take into account when selecting a rug include breed of horse, clipped or unclipped, humidity, wind exposure and duration of exposure.

It’s important to ensure that a horse is comfortable 24/7, and to be aware that conditions may vary in a short time-span Bucas rugs aren’t the cheapest, but their fans say they’re the best!

What makes them unique?

Thanks to the rug selector guide and Stay-dry linings, Bucas rugs cover a range of temperatures. So owners often find they don’t need as many rugs. The Stay-dry lining really improves riders’ time efficiency too.

What are the best Bucas autumn/winter rugs for…?

• A thin-skinned, older horse who spends lots of time outside all year round?

Power Turnout Light • A trace-clipped native type who lives on fresh air and rarely feels the cold?

Irish Turnout 50g • A fit competition horse who is turned out for a couple of hours each day in winter? Atlantic 400g

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 27

ETN | SPECIAL REPORT

A man on a footwear mission

Stephan Krueckemeyer, product manager for leathergoods at Cavallo, tells ETN about designing riding boots, going for walks with an Olympic horse, and why he loves his job.

I

’m the sixth generation of my family to work with shoes. My grandfather made riding boots by hand, and I spent many hours in the workshop watching him.

I was six-years-old when I took up riding – and I was desperate to have my own boots. Luckily my grandfather made me a pair.

I continued to ride, and had my own horse which I kept at my best friend’s farm, until my mid-twenties when work and family life took over.

Recently, however, I began to miss the horses, so turned to Cavallo brand ambassador, the legendary Ingrid Klimke. She kindly offered me the chance to take her Olympic ride Abraxxus, who’s now 24, out for walks.

I’m really enjoying being around horses again. It’s good to spend time on the yard - surrounded by a team wearing Cavallo boots getting their feedback on the range in a real life environment.

WHAT’S YOUR JOB AT CAVALLO?

I’m responsible for the development and production of all our boots. Cavallo bespoke boots are made in Germany, and we also have factories in Romania and Portugal so there’s quite a bit of travelling involved.

There’s also plenty of variety in the role I’ve been in for three years now. I love thinking outside the box when it comes to styling and finishing touches.

28 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

HOW DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK?

I work from our headquarters in Löhne; and live in the Münster area of Westfalia, a very horsey area.

My days are always different. If I’m in Germany, I walk through the factory and catch up with the team before checking in with our other offices and production units.

One of my favourite parts of the day is going into our design and creative space for time to think and come up with new ideas. If I need inspiration, I inhale the fantastic smell of leather.

I’m always looking for innovation and fresh ways to test our boots. However, the equestrian footwear sector is very different from my days in fashion when we had to design seven collections for three countries.

I feel a big responsibility when it comes to leather, and wanting to do the very best we can by the material. Fortunately, designing equestrian boots doesn’t bring the same level of urgency [as the fashion industry] so we can wait to introduce them to market only when we know the boots are perfect.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DESIGNING BOOTS?

For me, it’s all about quality. We buy leather from the best tanneries in Germany and France and constantly monitor the quality.

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SPECIAL REPORT | ETN

Cavallo boots are built on a very elegant last and this, coupled with the team’s craftsmanship, makes them outstanding. With my background in fashion, I like to add a touch of sparkle.

The all-leather, Goodyear-welted Cambridge boot is my favourite model. It’s a classical field boot with a capped toe and brogue perforation in the front. It’s been around for three years now, and is a boot I’m proud of.

When it comes to Cavallo boots’ famous bespoke tops, I try to picture the whole leg and then come up with adornments that enhance the overall look. Fortunately, today there’s a wide choice of materials allowing us to make our boots unique.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I most enjoy working and collaborating with so many different people with whom I share a passion for footwear and making the best boots possible.

We have fantastic relationships with our many customers around the world, and it’s wonderful to live this journey with so many people.

• Cavallo is distributed in the UK by Zebra Products.

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 29

ETN | FEEDING GALLERY

Well nourished

Consumers keen to keep their horses and ponies in optimum condition like to review their animals’ diets as autumn approaches.

POOR CONDITION ISN’T JUST A WINTER PROBLEM…

Horses can lose weight at any time of year, a lack of grass being a common reason, say nutritionists at Dengie.

Cold, late Springs – like the Beast from the East - have affected the UK in recent years. Delayed grass growth then sets up other issues for the rest of the year.

For instance, hay yield is compromised or, if cut later, tends to be of lower nutritional value.

Good quality fibre feeds are a great way to top up on fibre and provide additional calories to help with weight gain when needed.

Dengie Alfa-A Oil combines nutrient rich alfalfa with a rapeseed oil coating to create a cereal-free feed with a calorie level equivalent to a conditioning mix or cube, but with ten times less starch.

Higher calorie products based on fibre and oil, and free from cereals, also provide horses with slow-release energy and reduce the risk of over-excitable behaviour.

Dengie Alfa-Beet is another suitable option for promoting weight gain. It can be used alongside or instead of Alfa-A Oil. Made from alfalfa and sugar beet, Alfa-Beet is a highly digestible soaked fibre, also beneficial for aiding hydration or for older horses with poor dentition.

Indeed, veterans with poor teeth are a key group that may need additional support all year round as they often can’t graze efficiently. Dengie Hi-Fi Senior or Pure Grass are ideal forage replacers.

Weight loss can be caused by a number of factors such as poor dentition, worm burden, ulcers or stress.

Advise customers to discuss unexplained weight loss with a vet.

Unless the underlying cause is determined, poor condition can’t be addressed - no matter how good the diet.

Good development

Dodson & Horrell Build Up Conditioning Cubes and Mix are high calorie feeds that support weight gain, muscle condition and topline development.

Providing performance-level nutrition that’s fully fortified with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals, Build Up Conditioning Cubes and Mix are also high in oil for condition, slow-release energy and coat shine.

Added mint and basil make these highly palatable feeds. Digestive support is included to promote gut health and efficiency.

The cubes have an RRP of £12.50 for 20kg, and the mix £14.65 for 20kg.

30 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Calories without the fizz

TopSpec CoolCondition Cubes provide nonheating but conditioning calories.

They’re ideal for horses that need condition without fizz.

CoolCondition Cubes are designed to be added to a TopSpec Feed Balancer or supplement and therefore contain no added vitamins or trace-elements. Adjusting the rate at which they’re fed has no effect on vitamin and trace-element intake as these are supplied by the balancer used.

CoolCondition Cubes are a blend of straight raw materials, rather than a complete feed. One way in which they’re superior to most straights, however, is that they are supplemented with the major minerals - calcium, sodium and magnesium.

So, for example, feeding these cubes instead of cooked barley/sugar beet/alfalfa to working horses reduces or eliminates the need to add salt.

CoolCondition Cubes are seriously cool and seriously conditioning, a rare combination. They are also highly palatable.

Formulated without cereals, they are not just ‘oat-free’ or ‘barley-free’ but completely cereal-grain-free. They have a good conditioning index of 12.5MJ/kg, equivalent to most cerealcontaining conditioning compound feeds.

CONDITIONING RANGE

SPILLERS Digest+ Conditioning Cubes bring digestive support to a conditioning feed – negating the need to feed a digestive supplement.

The cubes are rich in highly digestible fibre and oil to provide slow-release energy.

Free from molasses and with no added sugar, high quality protein sources support good muscle tone and topline development.

As well as pre and pro-biotics, there are added vitamins and minerals.

SPILLERS Shine+ Conditioning Mix is a reduced starch, high oil mix formulated to promote condition and topline in horses prone to weight loss.

Added oil enhances coat condition, while energy sources build condition effectively and safely. This mix also contains probiotics.

SPILLERS Conditioning Fibre is a short chop fibre designed to complement conditioning feeds.

It contains protein to support muscle tone and topline, plus oil for non-heating calories and coat shine. It’s enriched with vitamins and minerals.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

FEEDING GALLERY | ETN

tried & trusted

low starch

CONDITION

ulcers

fussy

stressy

poor

 Low starch & sugar, high fibre, high oi, with superfibres  Promote outstanding condition, top line & shine Baileys Horse Feeds

Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 1) www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk

MADE IN OUR OWN

UK MILL

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS JULY/AUGUST 2021 | 31

ETN | FEEDING GALLERY

Quick-soaking choice

Equerry Conditioning Mash is a quick-soaking mash for horses that need to gain weight and condition.

The non-heating formula has low levels of starch and a good level of protein for muscle development and topline.

Highly-digestible fibre sources include sugar beet; while oil and linseed promote condition and a shiny coat.

Added yeast promotes a healthy digestive system. There are also added vitamins and minerals including magnesium.

WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Autumn often delivers a late but lethal flush of Dr Green.

EquiGlo Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet is low in sugar and starch, making it perfect for customers concerned about fresh grass growth.

A British-grown, premium-quality, high-fibre feed, EquiGlo helps to maintain condition and naturally supports healthy gut function.

It’s made from micronized, unmolassed, pure beet flakes, which can be soaked and ready to go in only ten minutes – and in five if hot water is used.

The feed supplies non-heating energy for all horses and ponies, including those prone to, or at risk from, laminitis. EquiGlo can be used as a direct replacement for cereal-based feeds or as a partial forage replacement.

Approved by BETA NOPS and the BETA feed assurance scheme flagging up products suitable for horses prone to equine gastric ulcers, the RRP is £9.95 for 18kg.

Completing the picture

Mollichaff Condition Complete is a highly digestible, high fibre, high oil and low starch complete feed.

It contains alfalfa, dried grass, oat straw, fibre pellets, barley, soya flakes, soya oil and mint, Yea-sacc and a prebiotic, plus vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Mollichaff Condition Complete is suitable for encouraging weight gain in all horses and ponies. It can be used as the sole concentrate feed when fed at recommended levels alongside good quality forage.

Adding chaff If your customers require a chaff to add extra fibre to hard feeds, cherry-flavoured Mollichaff ShowShine is high in oil and very palatable.

Made from chopped, dust-extracted oat straw, it’s coated with soya oil and low sugar molasses. Limestone is added to provide additional calcium.

High Quality Low in Starch & High in Fibre From Vitamin A to Zinc Fully Traceable Slow Release Energy Interested in stocking? Call 01526 398236

32 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

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FEED FEATURE | ETN

Nutrition for condition Nutrition plays a key role in the condition and performance of all horses and ponies. Sarah Nelson, nutritionist at Mars Horsecare UK, home of the SPILLERS brand, delivers the facts to help you advise your customers accurately.

WHAT IS THE ‘IDEAL’ CONDITION?

Bodyweight alone is just a number and what is ‘ideal’ varies between individuals. Body condition scoring, which is an assessment of body fat, is equally if not more important than the horse’s actual weight.

On a 1-9 scale, a body condition score (BCS) of 1 is extremely poor or emaciated, 5 (moderate) is generally considered ideal and a score of 7 or above is considered obese.

However, what is considered a ‘healthy’ or ‘acceptable’ body condition may also vary. A BCS of 4-4.5 may be acceptable for a racehorse in full training, whilst a BCS of 6 prior to foaling can help to buffer excess weight loss during lactation.

Seasonal fluctuations in weight are natural, especially for natives. Provided they are otherwise healthy, a BCS of 5.5 at the end of summer is generally considered acceptable for most leisure horses, whilst allowing good doers to slim down to a leaner score of 4.5 over winter months can help to prevent excess weight gain in the spring.

KEEPING TRACK OF WEIGHT AND BODY CONDITION

Your customers should monitor their horses’ weight and body condition. Ideally, weight and belly-girth should be checked weekly and BCS fortnightly.

Body condition scoring: areas where fat is commonly laid down are assessed by eye and touch, and scored using a numerical grading system, most commonly a 1-9 or 0-5 scale. Whichever system is used, it should be applied consistently. It can take several weeks for changes in BCS to occur, especially in very overweight horses.

Weigh tapes: although they may under or over-estimate the horse’s actual bodyweight, weigh tapes can be a useful way of tracking gradual changes. For consistency, recommend customers use the same tape at the same time of day – gut fill can affect the result!

Belly Girth: measured around the widest point of the trunk (belly), belly-girth can be a very sensitive indicator of generalised fat loss in response to changes in diet. This perhaps makes it one of the most useful weight monitoring tools in overweight horses and ponies.

Customers could also try monitoring heart girth and rump width (measured from the point of one hip to the point of the other).

Although it’s very difficult accurately to assess condition by eye alone, taking pictures can also help to track changes over time.

TIPS FOR GOOD DOERS If the horse in question is carrying a few extra pounds, the key is to cut calories, not nutrients.

RECOMMEND A BALANCER

Balancers are small, nutrient dense feeds providing a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and protein. With their low feeding rate, balancers contribute negligible levels of calories, starch and sugar to the diet.

Balancers high in lysine may be of particular benefit for horses and ponies on calorie restricted diets. If protein and in particular lysine requirements are not met, the body will need to break down lean tissue (muscle) to meet requirements. In addition to compromising the horse’s topline, burning muscle instead of fat slows metabolism.

DISCUSS FORAGE

Forage is the largest source of calories in the diet and the hardest for owners to control. Ad lib forage isn’t always practical for good doers and to achieve weight loss, some level of restriction may be necessary. Total daily forage intake should not be restricted to less than 1.5% of current bodyweight (dry matter).

EXPLAIN THE BENEFITS OF LOW-CALORIE CHAFFS

Adding low calorie chaff/ short chopped fibre to meals helps bulk out the bucket and extend eating time without impacting on the waistline. Thanks to increased volume after soaking, a token ration of low-calorie mash or even unmolassed sugar beet can be useful option.

CONSIDER SMALL-HOLED HAYNETS

Splitting forage between multiple, double-layered, small-holed haylage nets can help to make restricted rations last longer.

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 33

ETN | FEED FEATURE A GRAZING MUZZLE MAY BE AN OPTION

Grass can continue to grow for most of the year which means for some horses and ponies, a grazing muzzle might be an effective strategy in winter as well as summer - provided the grass is long enough to be accessed through the base of the muzzle.

Recommend customers speak to a nutritionist for advice on how to use a grazing muzzle safely.

SOAKING HAY CAN HELP

Soaking hay helps to reduce the sugar (water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content and less sugar means fewer calories! Just remember that sugar losses are highly variable which means soaking doesn’t guarantee suitability for laminitics. Also be aware that due to the loss of nutrients (and therefore dry matter) into the water, each haynet will also contain less ‘hay’ and more water post soaking. As a guide, increase the amount of hay soaked by 20% to compensate.

SUGGEST STRAW FOR PART OF THE FORAGE RATION

For some horses and ponies, replacing up to 30% of the forage ration with straw can be a useful way of diluting the calorie content and may mean that total intake does not need to be restricted too dramatically. Straw should always be introduced gradually and be of good hygienic quality. It can be steamed before feeding.

QUESTION THE NEED FOR A RUG

Healthy horses adapt to regulating their own body temperature relatively quickly. Fewer rugs (or even no rugs at all) encourage the horse to use some of his excess body fat for keeping warm as nature intended.

ENCOURAGE EXERCISE (WHERE POSSIBLE)

A recent study found that even small amounts of exercise can help to support a healthy metabolism, even if doesn’t result in additional weight loss.

TIPS FOR POOR DOERS If the horse is prone to weight loss, the aim should be to help your customers prevent any drop in weight before it becomes a major issue.

IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF WEIGHT LOSS

In many cases, weight loss is simply the result of under-supplying calories. Check whether they are feeding the recommended amount of feed; a simple increase, alongside ad lib hay/ haylage may be all that is needed. However, if the horse’s weight loss is sudden, severe or unexpected, a vet should be consulted as there could be an underlying problem.

INCREASE THE BCS BEFORE WINTER COMES

Provided the horse is otherwise healthy and not laminitic, going into winter at a body condition score of 6/9 may help buffer excess weight loss.

HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF FORAGE

Forage is essential for digestive health and a significant source of calories. Feed good quality hay or haylage ad lib, ideally in the field as well as the stable. Hay replacers are essential for horses unable to manage hay/haylage.

FOCUS ON THE FACTS ABOUT CALORIES

Calories is a measurement of energy. But in the UK, energy in equine feeds is measured in ‘megajoules of digestible energy’ (MJ DE) as opposed to kilocalories in human food. If the horse in question is prone to excitability, choosing a high energy feed can seem daunting; but, in many cases, it is the source of energy 34 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

fed rather than amount that may increase the risk of feed related excitability (cereal starch is the common culprit).

SUMMARISE THE BENEFITS OF FIBRE AND OIL

Choosing fibre-based feeds that are low in starch and sugar helps to support digestive health and reduce the risk of unwanted excitability. Oil is starch free and approximately 2.5 times higher in energy compared to cereals.

Tolerance to cereal starch varies between individuals. But if the horse is prone to excitability, start by recommending feeds containing less than 15% starch (or less than 10% for very sensitive horses). High fibre, low starch feeds are also ideal for horses prone to conditions such as laminitis, colic, gastric ulcers and tying up, but the customer should seek advice from a nutritionist before making dietary changes.

DON’T FORGET TO MENTION SUGAR BEET

Sugar beet has been a winter staple for generations. It’s an excellent source of highly digestible fibre, low in starch and, gram for gram, contains a similar level of calories to a conditioning feed.

However, the increase in volume after soaking can make it easy to over-estimate how much is being fed, so it should always be weighed before soaking.

EXPLAIN WHY BALANCERS ARE NOT ‘CONDITIONING’

The low feeding rate means all balancers (except stud balancers) provide a negligible level of calories. Feeding the recommended amount of an appropriate compound feed, fibre or mash containing added vitamins and minerals is often the most convenient and cost-effective way of providing additional calories and a balanced diet. However, if your customer prefers to feed ‘straights’ such as sugar beet, alfalfa and oil instead, a balancer is a great way to provide vitamins, minerals and additional protein.

ADVISE SMALL MEALS

Feeding large meals can increase the risk of conditions such as colic and tying up and in some cases, may even contribute to weight loss. Feed no more than 2kg per meal in total for horses and less for ponies.

RECOMMEND RUGS FOR WARMTH Ensuring poor doers are appropriately rugged helps ensure they don’t waste valuable energy keeping warm.

However, rugs can hide a multitude of sins, so they should be removed regularly to assess body condition and check for signs of rubbing.

For information on stocking the SPILLERS range, contact your regional sales manager, ring Mars Horsecare on + 44 (0)1908 222888 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com

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FEED FEATURE | ETN

Coming soon in ETN… NOVEMBER ISSUE • Fibre, forage and hay alternatives • AMTRA accredited RAMA (SQP) CPD feature and quiz • Equine treats and licks • Boots, socks and gloves • A retailer’s guide to feed wholesalers Please send editorial submissions to editor@ equestriantradenews.com by 23 September.

To find out about advertising, contact Beth Crow on tel 01937 582111 email bethc@beta-int.com

Complete Peace of Mind

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 35

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

Feeding for Optimum Condition

By Dr. Courtney Miller, BS BVetMed MRCVS, head of nutrition at Dodson & Horrell

K

eeping horses and ponies at their optimum condition is vital to maintain overall health and welfare.

There are many ways to define condition, but one of the most universally accepted meanings measures body condition. This is partially because it is difficult It is the monitoring of weight that’s most important, so that to adapt a system like the body unwanted small changes can be mass index (BMI) scoring in caught and corrected early. people to suit horses and ponies, and partially because there is a need for a system that is practical and easy to use on the yard.

Several other systems that measure aspects of condition have been developed, but their ease of use makes them less practical alternatives.

There are two main body condition scoring systems. One involving a five-point scale and the other a nine-point scale. Both are perfectly suitable, so user preference should dictate which is chosen and utilised consistently to compare data across time periods.

It is the monitoring itself that is most important, so that unwanted small changes can be caught and corrected early. And once a good condition score for an individual horse or pony is set, body weight can be layered in and used at the set monitoring intervals, ideally every two to four weeks, to further help pick up on small changes before they become difficult to reverse.

Once ideal condition for an individual is defined and a monitoring system is in place, a thorough history that includes each horse or pony’s breed, sex, workload, clinical history and temperament should be collected. This will ensure that any diet recommended will encompass all individual needs; and the regular monitoring described above will help assess whether it is as suitable in practice as it is in theory to maintain optimum condition.

POOR-DOERS

Some horses do not maintain weight easily and it can prove a real challenge to keep them in good condition. These ‘poor-doers’ require more energy and protein to maintain and build body condition. When energy and protein are not provided in sufficient levels in the diet, the horse will begin to use its own muscle tissues and fat reserves, resulting in weight loss and loss of muscle mass.

Our first reaction may be to reach for larger quantities of hard feed in these cases, but it is important not to forget the significant contribution forage makes towards energy and protein in the 36 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

overall diet, as well as its role in maintenance of a healthy hindgut and digestive functionality.

Enough forage in the diet is very important for digestive function as well as physical and psychological health. The horse has a limited capacity to digest starch due to their lack of amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch.

When horses eat a large volume of grain in one sitting, undigested starch passes through to the large intestine where it is fermented by bacteria that produce lactic acid as a product of fermentation. Lactic acid reduces the pH in the hindgut and makes the environment more acidic.

The fibre fermenting bacteria die due to their sensitivity to a low pH environment, whilst the lactic acid-producing bacteria thrive due to their ability to survive in acidic environments. This further decreases the pH in the hindgut which in worst case scenarios can lead to acidosis, laminitis, and colic due to the toxins produced when the fibre degrading bacteria die.

This in turn, can be the cause of a horse’s reduced ability to maintain weight and condition.

While forages such as pasture, hay and chaff are recognised sources of fibre, there are other forages that can be used to help build and maintain condition.

For example, sugar beet is commonly referred to as a ‘superfibre’ because it contains high amounts of digestible fibre, mostly pectin, which is more digestible than other fibre sources commonly found in hay. Hay is 40-60% digestible while sugar beet is approximately 80% digestible.

Legumes such as alfalfa and sainfoin are also great fibre sources for those that need to build condition. They are very digestible and therefore have a high energy content making them ideal for those that have difficulty maintaining weight.

If high fibre ingredients and forages are not enough to be able to build and maintain condition in the diet, selection of the types of nutrients in the complementary hard feed that is chosen can help ensure total diet stays well suited to the individual.

A good example of when this is very relevant is in an excitable horse who is a poor-doer. Increasing condition whilst maintaining a cool head in these horses can sometimes prove problematic.

Research has shown that maintaining fizzy horses on a high fibre and high oil diet is the best way to manage over-excitable behaviour. However, when condition is poor, and calories in the diet must be increased, often energy-dense cereals like barley can seem like an appealing choice. However, cereals have a high starch content, and this added starch in the diet can make these individuals difficult to handle and ride.

Alternative sources of energy, such as oils and proteins, can be WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

more suitable to use in these horses. This blend of oils and proteins is sometimes referred to as ‘cold energy’.

GOOD-DOERS

While some horses do not hold weight well, others can hold weight and condition easily. These horses are considered to be ‘gooddoers’. Native breeds such as the New Forest, the Highland and the Clydesdale are often associated with being good-doers.

Nutrition plays a vital part in maintaining a healthy weight.

Trying to help your horse or pony to lose weight can feel an impossible task; research shows that over 50% of leisure horses in the UK are overweight or obese, which increases the risk of problems such as laminitis or equine metabolic syndrome.

Deciding on the right diet for your good-doer can prove to be a challenge. The most important thing is not to starve them.

Horses are trickle feeders and evolved to spend most of their time eating. This is important for both their physical and mental wellbeing and it is recommended that horses should receive between 2 and 2.5% of their bodyweight per day of forage.

For overweight horses, this may need to be restricted to 1.5 to 2% of their bodyweight per day. Restricting their forage intake should always be done under veterinary supervision, as severe feed restriction can result in behavioural and health problems such as stereotypies, gastric ulcers, colic or a life-threatening condition called hyperlipaemia.

Limiting their daily intake of calories is usually the first step as well as utilising low calorie feeds and forages.

Grass is a major source of calories - some horses can eat 5% of their bodyweight in grass per day (dry matter), gaining 21kg in a week. Restricting turnout time may not be enough; horses may adapt to this by eating more in a shorter period.

You could consider using a grazing muzzle which can lower grass intake by as much as 83%. Other methods of reducing grass intake include strip grazing, cutting the grass or increasing the number of horses in a given area.

If your horse is very overweight, turning them out on an allweather surface with access to soaked hay or straw could be beneficial. Soaking the hay for 12 hours can reduce the watersoluble carbohydrate and calorie content of the forage.

Another option is to mix hay with lower calorie oat or barley straw. Haylage is not normally recommended for overweight horses or ponies as it is typically more digestible than hay or straw.

However, there are now many lower sugar, higher fibre haylages available on the market. Monitoring the nutritional content of your horse’s forage plays a large part in weight management for good doers.

Overweight horses and ponies sometimes require a low calorie, low intake feed alongside their forage to ensure they are receiving a fully balanced diet. Rather than feeding them a standard mix or cube, which could oversupply calories, there are lower intake alternatives to ensure they are receiving the nutrients they need whilst maintaining a calorie-controlled ration.

Including a feed balancer in the horse’s diet is a great way of doing this. There are a range of balancers on the market to suit every horse’s individual needs; these may include added digestive support, hoof support and immune support.

Balancers can be fed with a chaff; in the case of good-doers, low calorie straw-based chaffs are best in most cases. Vitamin and mineral top-ups are also a good option, these can come in the form of stable/field licks and supplements to balance a fibre-based diet.

Optimising your horse’s condition is vital for their overall health and welfare. Finding the right feeding regime for your individual horse relies on multiple factors; there is no one solution for feeding to maintain optimum condition.

It is about knowing your individual horse and making sure you have selected ingredients and nutrients that suit them as well as consistently monitoring them and making small dietary adjustments as required.

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CPD FEATURE | ETN

D RAMA CP S N IO T S E QU ER SEPTEMB N T E 1 2 0 2

RAMA CPD QUIZ SELECT YOUR ANSWERS AND TICK THE BOXES

1. What does a horse struggle to digest when fed in excess? a. Fibre c. Water b. Starch 2. Which of these is considered to be an alternative source of energy? a. Salts b. Oils c. Water 3. Which of these is a commonly used Body Condition Scoring System? a. Six-point scale b. Three-point scale c. Five-point scale 4. When energy and protein are not provided in sufficient levels in the diet, what do horses use? a. Muscle tissues and fat reserves b. Salt licks and treats c. Bone reserves and fat 5. What can a decrease of the hindgut pH lead to? c. Itching a. Sleepiness b.

Acidosis 6. For overweight horses, what is the recommended percentage of daily forage intake? c. 1.5-2% a. 1-3% b. 2-2.5% 7. What is considered an alternative source of fibre? a. Sugar beet b. Sugar cubes c. Carrot 8. What diet is said to be best for managing ‘over-excitable’ behaviour? a. High starch and high fibre b. Low fibre and high protein c. High fibre and high oil 9. What percentage of horses in the UK are considered to be overweight or obese? a. 23% c. 50% b. 15% 10. What is a major source of calories in the horse’s diet? a. Grass b. Treats c. Salt

SEPTEMBER ABOUT 2021 2THE CPD POINTS AUTHOR Full name Company name/ address Email

Radley Edwards VetMB, MRCVS qualified from Cambridge University in 2010 before working in small animal practice for 10 years. He now works for leading animal health company Virbac as technical advisor.

Telephone number AMTRA number Send your completed answers to: ETN/CPD Feature, Equestrian Trade News, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorks, LS22 4AW. FIND IT ONLINE: ETN’s CPD features are also available at www.equestriantradenews.com If you submit answers to the quiz on-line, please do not submit them by filling out the printed form as well - and vice versa.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 37

ETN | ETN REPORTING

TURNING BACK THE PAGES…

For 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 September 2016, ETN reported:

FIVE YEARS AGO...

In September 2011, ETN reported:

l ETN’s front cover celebrated Britain’s Rio 2016 Olympic champions, Charlotte Dujardin and Nick Skelton. The national media went wild for Skelly’s story. The 58-year-old who’d had a broken neck and replacement hip needed a step-ladder to get on his horse - yet snatched the gold medal in a thrilling jump-off. l American trade fair organiser Hopper Expositions launched a new trade show at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina. Hopper Expositions previously ran the twiceyearly AETA Trade Show for the American Equestrian Trade Association, but Hopper’s Ginger Estepp said the arrangement wouldn’t be continuing. l Local residents were evacuated and six fire crews attended a blaze at Sherwood Forest’s Nottingham premises. Directors and brothers Krishan and Hari Sohal continued to operate the clothing business from a temporary base owned by the family. l BETA’s latest feed approval scheme was introduced. The EGUS certification mark highlights products suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers as part of a balanced diet. Mars Horsecare’s Winergy Equilibrium and Baileys’ Ease & Excel were the first feeds to join the scheme.

l Gift specialist Grays of TEN Shenstone YEARS reported a huge hike in export AGO... sales, up 50% year-on-year.

Strong orders had come from Australia, France, Denmark and Germany, said managing director Nick Gray. l Essex based mail order retailer Mile End Supplies went bust. The business, which sold wormers and other animal health products, owed a total of almost £100,000 to Pfizer Ltd and Virbac Ltd. l Newly-wed Zara Phillips became the face of a clothing collection for children from Musto. ZP 176 Kids was aimed at seven to 13-year-olds. “I hope I can encourage more children to get involved with horses,” said the Queen’s granddaughter. l Nikki Newcombe left Black County Saddles after eight years, latterly as sales manager.

In September 2001, ETN reported:

In September 1991, ETN reported:

l Antony Wakeham, who helped establish and then ran BETA for 24 years, retired. He had been made an MBE in the millennium 20 honours list earlier in the year. Said YEARS David Dyer of Frogpool Manor Saddlery: AGO...

“Antony’s far-sightedness and unflagging determination have played a significant part in unifying the trade, improving business practices and raising training standards.” Antony thanked his “outstanding chairmen”, adding: “People like Harold Knight who was the first to talk about a trade association in his days at Spillers, David Seipel who steered the first National Equestrian Survey, Richard Grylls who conceived the first mobile trade fair, and countless others.” BETA president Rt Hon Sir Adam Butler said: “It is largely due to Antony that [BETA] has become an association which both serves and strengthens its industry.” l A group of UK retailers joined forces to increase profit margins and market own brand products. The Equestrian Retailers’ Company was managed by former WeatherBeeta sales executive and export manager Ruth Newberry. l Aerborn Equestrian acquired Colin Cook Thoroughbred Clothing. Aerborn’s managing director John McGowan said he had no intention of changing the brand’s popular Thermalux Diamond range of rugs, leg wraps and dog coats. l Supermodel Jodie Kidd appeared in advertisements for Blue Chip, extolling the virtues of the feed balancer for her polo ponies.

38 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

l Jim Bentham, owner of the UK’s largest retailer Robinsons Country Leisure, said he would “cease trading” with Masta. Jim was one of many expressing their 30 concerns to ETN on hearing YEARS that the Huddersfield based AGO... rug manufacturer was to sell directly to the public via a £150,000 advertising campaign in the consumer press. Geoff Charley, of Townfields Saddlers, said Masta was “running with the fox and hunting with the hounds.” Ray Janion of Masta told ETN he was “streamlining stockists” – reducing them from 700 to around 200 – because “so many retailers are not up to standard.” He added that many retailers were also “lousy payers.” l Robin Body Protectors narrowly beat Champion Manufacturing to become the first to obtain passes for their garments at the new BETA Body Protector Standards 5 and 7.

Hot on their heels were Ransome and Horseware Products. l The saddlery shop at Wychnor Manor, horse dealer and retailer John Goodwin’s Staffordshire base, was burgled.

Thieves got away with £60,000 worth of tack and stole a Bedford TK horsebox in which to make their escape. l Boot-maker Allen & Caswell won a £200,000 contract to supply the Ministry of Defence with army officers’ riding boots.

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BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH | ETN

Celebrating

the best bench saddlers...

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

Issi Russell

ETN BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH: ISSI RUSSELL NOMINATED BY: Dee Silman, who says: “Issi, a member of the SMS executive committee, campaigned for Master Bridle Maker status to be introduced. She believed this skill should be recognised in its own right.

“Issi is a Master Saddler. Her work is second to none, both in design and quality. She has made bridles for Carl Hester, Zara Phillips and Charlotte Dujardin, and is a great example of how you can become an independent business-woman in the saddlery industry. She should be proud of her achievements.”

ABOUT Issi Russell: Leatherworking is in Issi’s blood. Her maternal great-grandparents sold cars; she making the leather hoods, he doing the mechanics. Her paternal grandfather ran a gloving factory .

Born and growing up in London limited Issi’s exposure to horses. But by the age of ten, she’d badgered her parents into taking her for riding lessons. Inspired by what she saw in the tackroom at her Dulwich riding school, Issi spent much of her early teens making miniature tack for her model horses.

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After school one day, Issi went to a Cordwainer’s College open evening in Hackney. Here she met David Corner who was representing the Saddlers’ Company.

Recognising her enthusiasm, David invited Issi to the Annual Saddlery Competition which happened to be the following week.

“I met some very helpful people there, and was stunned by the work on display,” recalls Issi. “I got quite emotional about how I just wanted to learn enough to be allowed to enter.”

With her parents unsure she should specialise so young, Issi went to an agricultural college to gain NVQs in horse care.

But leatherworking still called. The year 2000 saw her join Cordwainer’s at Capel Manor College – and realising her dream of entering the National Saddlery Competition.

A summer job with Laurence Pearman at Stroud Saddlery led to an apprenticeship.

“I made my first shaped headpiece bridle while with Laurence,” recalls Issi, who went on to become a Master Saddler.

She’s been self-employed and specialising in bridles since 2014. “I just love making bridles, I never get bored with them,” she says. “I have recently rediscovered a love for rolling; it’s only taken 21 years to feel that way!”

VALEGRO’S BRIDLES

Issi says her biggest achievement is making Valegro’s bridles, adding modestly: “It was a case of right place, right time. I’m so proud to have been a part of his journey.”

Unusual commissions include refurbishing a pair of Campaign chairs and a bridle with real rose-gold plated buckles.

“At college, we were visited by the Queen Mother. The floristry department made two moss horses and I made the little saddles and bridles for them,” says Issi. She and fellow saddler Line Hansen also made pair of headcollars as gifts for the royal guest.

Today, Issi works from her South Cotswolds home in a specially built 12 sqm cabin in her garden. She creates the majority of customers’ bridles via mail

order, sending trial bridles out and working from photographs. She also does local yard visits.

“When I first entered the industry, it was all about saddles and fitting,” she says. “While training, I became more aware of bridle fitting and saw an increase in ‘comfort’ styles. Patent and crystals became popular and now, with matchy-matchy, one has to have a matching browband.”

FEWER APPRENTICESHIPS

As more bricks-and-mortar shops fall prey to online shopping, Issi is concerned there will be fewer saddlery apprenticeships available. “The Master Saddlers who once took on apprentices are now working from home in small workshops and not taking them on as before.

“More imported tack also affects this,” she adds. “50 years ago, everything was hand-made and therefore worth repairing – traditionally the apprentice’s job.

“With imported bridles, the leather is not good enough to repair and the stitching just falls apart. I recently saw one of my bridles which had been hammered on a professional yard for ten years, and the stitching is still perfect.”

Unsurprisingly with workmanship like that, there’s a six-month waiting list for one of Issi’s bridles. “I’m thankful to my customers who keep coming back. I’m certainly kept busy,” she says.

Away from the workshop, Issi is mummy to a nearly-three-year-old with whom she loves to go walking, to the park and for days out.

HOW TO NOMINATE A BENCH SADDLER:

Everyone is invited to nominate bench saddlers they feel deserve to be named ETN/SMS Bench Saddler of the Month. Candidates must be SMS members. Send your nominations to editor@equestriantradenews.com and tell us why this person deserves to be put in the spotlight.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 39

ETN | CCJs

CCJs Sam Pheby t/as Meadow Stables Meadow Farm Meadow Lane Runwell Wickford SS11 7DY £535

Julie Pass t/as Torr Top Equine and Pet Supplies 75 Bridge Street New Mills SK22 4DN £1,396

Hannah Wood t/as Its All a Bit Horse 402 Denby Lane Grange Moor Wakefield WF4 4BJ £2,073

County Court Judgements from England and Wales and the Scottish version, which are called Court Decrees.

The judgements listed are those recorded by the Registry Trust Ltd and appear to be of a commercial nature.

Judgements/Decrees can be for damages rather than debts, and their listing here does not imply an inability to pay.

Rebecca Simmons t/as Pegaso Saddlery and Leather Work 9 Portway Road Twyford Buckingham MK18 4EE £85

Japa Forestry and Horse Logging Burnt Oak Farm Burnt Oak Lane Newdigate RH5 5BJ £199

Classified Due to an administrative error which arose as part of an insurance claim, Shardeloes Farm was wrongly subjected to a County Court Judgment which was published on this page. NFU Mutual apologise sincerely for any distress caused and would like to set the record straight in these pages. As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we worked with our legal team to have the CCJ immediately removed.

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Equestrian Trade News East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AW Tel: 01937 582111 Email: info@equestriantradenews.com Website: www.equestriantradenews.com WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 Your essential guide to visiting the show on 9 – 11 September at NAEC Stoneleigh

INSIDE • Exhibition floorplan and exhibitors’ list • An introduction to the show’s new venue • What to see, where to meet • Exclusive show offers • CPD seminars and better business presentations • Feature areas, sponsors and awards PLUS YOUR FREE BETA International 2021 catalogue

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The same vision is the driving force behind the re-emergence of Westgate and all it’s brands.

“These are household names and when the opportunity came to acquire the business it was one that I did not feel we could pass up” said David Mitson.

“The quality, price and reputation of the products has never diminished and there is huge opportunity for significant growth. This year we have already invested over £2.5m into product development and innovation for new products ready to launch in 2022. It is exciting times” he added.

Tracey Woods, Commercial Director

New Mark Todd Warwick Deluxe Winter Coat

Award winning Science Supplements has seen significant growth each year.

Supporting the Trade Part of that vision is how to better support the trade, especially as the industry looks to recover post COVID. “As well as the basic fundamentals of strong margins and maintaining healthy stock on key products, the key to any successful business is understanding your customers needs. We want to build relationships, not just be a supplier” said Tracey Woods, Commercial Director.

“Because we own, manage and manufacture all the brands we supply, we can be more flexible in our approach and genuinely support the trade by working together” added Tracey.

The team at Westgate can be contacted on: T: 01604 263002 E: sales@hlm-group.com W: www.wefi.co.uk

Jumper’s Horse Line

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 43

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | WELCOME TO THE SHOW

Welcome to the show...

Your essential guide to visiting BETA International 2021.

ADMISSION/REGISTRATION

Registration is free and available via the BETA International website (beta-int.com). Admission to the show is free to eligible visitors and there is no charge for those not pre-registered.

EATING, DRINKING, NETWORKING

Meet colleagues and contacts in the Coffee Shop (Hall 1), NAF Five Star Gin & Fizz Bar (Hall 2) or Strollers Restaurant (in the entrance to the halls).

TOILETS

There are plenty of loos within the Halls.

WI-FI

There’s free Wi-Fi within the exhibition Halls. Visitors should log on to NAEC_Public and enter their email address.

LOCATION

Halls 1 & 2, NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

CASH MACHINES

There are no cash machines on site, but several local garages have them.

POST CODE FOR SAT NAV CV8 2LG

DATES AND OPENING TIMES

Thursday 9th September 9.30am – 6pm Friday 10th September 9.30am – 6pm Saturday 11th September 9.30am – 4.30pm

GETTING THERE

NAEC Stoneleigh is easily accessible by road, rail or air. Taxis are readily available on site. For more details, see https://www.beta-int. com/travel-and-accommodation/travel-and-accommodation

CAR PARKING

Free parking is available to all exhibitors and visitors during show opening hours. Please follow the signs when you arrive. The NAEC Stoneleigh traffic team will also be available to direct you.

HOTELS

There are plenty of hotels, across a range of budgets, in close proximity to Stoneleigh. Details of a number of selected event hotels can be found at https://www.eventexpressuk.com/e/betainternational-2021/ There are also many camping and caravan sites locally – plus some excellent restaurants offering takeaway and delivery services.

ANY QUESTIONS?

BETA International’s friendly organising team is always ready to help with any queries, no matter how small. Find the contact details at www.beta-int.com or tel 01937 582111.

THE ORGANISERS

BETA International is organised by Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC), the commercial arm of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Group. As such, the show is run by the trade for the benefit of the trade. EMC also publishes ETN. 44 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021

Staying safe – health and safety guidelines

A

s the Government has moved England to Step 4 from 19th July, we will operate in accordance with the new guidelines, with the welfare and safety of our staff, venue, exhibitors and visitors our main priority.

Extra precautions will be taken by staff at the venue, organisers and exhibitors to reduce any risk of the transmission of Covid onsite at the show.

PLEASE NOTE:

• You should not attend the site if you are displaying any of the symptoms of Covid • You should not attend the site if you have been in contact with a person who has been confirmed to have Covid within the last seven days • You should not attend the site if you have been contacted and asked to isolate Please act responsibly and be considerate to others, giving them time and space where possible to move around the venue, and understand that they may have different requirements from yours.

Further current / updated information will be available at www.beta-int.com

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Distribution of Chillout Horsewear Ltd Chillout Horsewear Ltd was founded back in 2012 to provide fashionable clothing at affordable prices to the equine industry. During this time Chillout has grown from strength to strength, going to show events, dealing with on line orders, overseas customers and UK retailers.

Lauren Hall who owns the Chillout brand wanted someone to take the brand further and take on more retailers. In 2019 Tina Farrow who is a Sales Agent in the UK (TT Equestrian Agency) and has over 30 years in the industry decided to take the brand on. In June this year Tina took over the distribution in the UK for Chillout, giving Lauren more time to concentrate on overseas, shows, new lines and the website. Tina will keep stock and fulfill orders to retailers.

Tina is also the UK agent for Brands of Q, which is based in the Netherlands. They offer everything for the Horse and Rider and she has grown the business dramatically since 2018. “I am so excited to have these brands and having the distribution for Chillout is fantastic”. If you would like to become a stockist for either brand you can call Tina on: 07411 938 144 or Email: Tina@tt-equestrian-agency.co.uk Or why not visit the stand at Beta where both brands will be exhibiting on Stand No 229, Hall 2

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 45

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | SHOW TIMETABLE

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 WHAT’S ON Seminar Theatre

THURSDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 10.00 - 10.45 Kay Hastilow, Master Saddler: Advances in the fitting and design of saddles over the last twenty five years 1 hour of SMS CPD 10.55 - 11.35 Rhea Freeman - Award winning PR adviser, social media expert and coach: How to maximise your brand and business for free using social media 11.45 - 12.05 Heather Hyde, Founder and Director of Neue Schule Ltd: Unique selling points and “Go-To” Bits 12.15 - 12.55 Julia Andrews - Owner, Kate Negus Saddlery: Retail Merchandising and Buying Post Covid 13.10 - 14.40 Kate Hore RNutr (Animal), R.Anim.Technol (Cert) - Head Nutritionist, NAF: Understanding Ageing and Care of Veteran Horses 9 CPD 14.50 - 15.50 Sally Harmer - Animal Health Consultancy Ltd Horse Worming, Advising the Customer 8 CPD 16.00 - 16.30 Katherine Stephen BSc (Hons), Gatehouse: How to measure and fit a riding helmet and body protector, including common mistakes and top tips Certificate of attendance for all participants

FRIDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 10.00 - 10.45 Kay Hastilow, Master Saddler: Advances in the fitting and design of saddles over the last twenty five years 1 hour of SMS CPD 10.55 - 11.35 Rhea Freeman - Award winning PR adviser, social media expert and coach: How to maximise your brand and business for free using social media 11.45 - 12.05 Aisha Kirby, Academy and Product Specialist Neue Schule Ltd: Neue Schule Academy 12.15 - 12.55 Julia Andrews - Owner, Kate Negus Saddlery: Retail Merchandising and Buying Post Covid 13.10 - 14.40 Kate Hore RNutr (Animal), R.Anim.Technol (Cert) - Head Nutritionist, NAF: Understanding Ageing and Care of Veteran Horses 9 CPD 14.50 - 15.50 Sally Harmer - Animal Health Consultancy Ltd: Horse Worming, Advising the Customer 8 CPD

16.40 - 17.00 Claire Williams - Executive Director and Secretary, BETA: BETA Summer of Safety - Industry Update on Safety Equipment Standards

16.00 - 16.30 Katherine Stephen BSc (Hons), Gatehouse: How to measure and fit a riding helmet and body protector, including common mistakes and top tips Certificate of attendance for all participants

17.15 - 18.00 Society of Master Saddlers Prize Giving, BETA International Best Stand Awards, BETA International Innovation Awards

16.40 - 17.00 Claire Williams - Executive Director and Secretary, BETA: BETA Summer of Safety - Industry Update on Safety Equipment Standards

SATURDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 10.00 - 10.45 Kay Hastilow, Master Saddler: Advances in the fitting and design of saddles over the last twenty five years 1 hour of SMS CPD 10.55 - 11.35 Rhea Freeman - Award winning PR adviser, social media expert and coach: How to maximise your brand and business for free using social media 11.45 - 12.05 Sarfraz Mian BEM, CEO Neue Schule Ltd: Apps, Cloud data, Sensor devices – Making best use of emerging technologies to enhance performance and safety 12.15 - 12.55 Julia Andrews - Owner, Kate Negus Saddlery: Retail Merchandising and Buying Post Covid 13.10 - 14.40 Kate Hore RNutr (Animal), R.Anim.Technol (Cert) - Head Nutritionist, NAF: Understanding Ageing and Care of Veteran Horses 9 CPD 14.50 - 15.50 Sally Harmer - Animal Health Consultancy Ltd: Horse Worming, Advising the Customer 8 CPD Subject to change

46 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | INTRODUCING NAEC STONELEIGH

The hub of the horse world There are no more famous addresses in equestrianism than Stoneleigh. But there’s much more to BETA International’s new home…

N

AEC Stoneleigh, part of the Grandstand Group, is an exhibition and events centre in Warwickshire. It hosts conferences, exhibitions and outdoor events – including, for the first time, The vast NAEC Stoneleigh site hosts a BETA International 2021. variety of events and conferences.

The setting for around 300 events per year, NAEC Stoneleigh has three exhibition halls, a conference centre, 250 acres of outdoor space and a 58-bedroom onsite hotel - The Stoneleigh Park Lodge.

In 1994, Grandstand was born under the name Grandstand Media to run the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and British National Show Jumping Championships from offices in Harpenden.

By 1997, Grandstand was awarded a licence – since extended NAEC Stoneleigh has 250 acres of outdoor space. until 2026 - to run HOYS. It also relocated the show from Wembley This is The Glamping Show, run by Swan Events. to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham in 2002.

In 2013, Grandstand Media took over the running of the events venue at Stoneleigh Park from the Royal Agricultural Society of AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR England (RASE).

Nowadays, less than 10% of the events hosted at NAEC are Originally launched under Grandstand Stoneleigh Events, the agricultural, although it continues to host the likes of conferences venue rebranded and is now known as NAEC Stoneleigh which is a for the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB). private company owned by its chairman Sandy Anderson.

RABDF Dairy Tech returned to NAEC from the NEC in 2018.

Grandstand also secured licences to run the agricultural shows Around 78% of the events NAEC hosts are consumer and trade Pig and Poultry, Grassland and Muck for RASE. exhibitions, the remainder being conferences and meetings, indoor or outdoor events.

In recent years, NAEC Stoneleigh has been hosting more events for the automotive sector including Honda, Vauxhall, Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover and Suzuki.

Some of the NAEC’s longest standing clients are Race Retro and Your Horse Live to name just two. Some have been with NAEC for almost 20 years.

Recently, NAEC Stoneleigh’s portfolio has expanded. In 2019, Let’s Recycle Live arrived at the venue, complete with a two-storey pub in the exhibition halls and much use of outdoor space.

Like most venues, NAEC was unable to operate during 2020 due to Covid. However, as a spokesman put it: “We are coming back this year, with exhibitors and visitors thirsty to participate again.”

Indoor shows held at NAEC Stoneleigh include the Minerva Autumn Furniture Show, run by the Minerva Furniture Group.

£1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT

In 2018, NAEC Stoneleigh saw a £1.5 million investment across its exhibition halls and conference facilities.

There’s free parking for over 10,000 vehicles onsite, with more hardstanding carparking under development.

During 2019, the venue delivered a 20% increase in the number of large-scale events and welcomed 400,000 visitors.

NAEC Stoneleigh has recently announced plans to build a new exhibition hall. The £750,000 project equates to a further 2,400 square metres of event space next to Halls 1 and 2. Building is scheduled for next month (October 2021).

48 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT NAEC STONELEIGH…

• During the pandemic, it hosted a Covid vaccination centre accommodating up to 3,000 people per day.

• The site offers hands-on experience to young drivers between the ages of five and 17.

• There’s a two-mile 4x4 track onsite.

• The longest-standing member of staff has worked for the venue for 44 years; with another coming up to 27 years.

• Lots of filming goes on here, with the shooting of car commercials and BBC dramas happening recently. Keep your eyes peeled for NAEC Stoneleigh on TV! WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

PREVIEW | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021

Learn, earn and network BIG ON BUBBLES, FRESH ON FLAVOUR

The NAF Five Star Gin & Fizz bar brings a welcome opportunity for visitors and exhibitors to network with friends and colleagues over a glass and a bite to eat. Look out for the distinctive black and gold branding in Hall 2 and take a seat to refuel and refresh.

This is the fourth year of sponsorship from NAF. “We are looking forward to seeing the new Gin & Fizz Bar come to life,” said Isla Boxall-Loomes, the company’s advertising, social and PR manager.

“It promises to be a central area for visitors to meet and plan for the year ahead.”

PRODUCTS ON PARADE

Don’t miss the very latest gear and equipment showcased in the New Product Gallery (Hall 2). Sponsored by Shires Equestrian, it remains a firm BETA International favourite and tops the must-see list for many of the show’s visiting buyers. All products are clearly marked so that they can be located on exhibition stands around the halls with ease.

KNOWLEDGE, ADVICE AND CPD POINTS

BETA International features a full programme of presentations – many with CPD points – in the Seminar Theatre (Hall 1). Seminars will include the following: • Kay Hastilow – A history of Saddle Fitting (1 hour of CPD activity).

• Kate Hore (NAF) – Understanding Ageing and Care of Veteran Horses (9 Points).

• Rhea Freeman – How to maximise your brand and business for free using social media.

Other speakers include Claire Williams of BETA, and a representative from Neue Schule.

Plus a worming CPD seminar and a buying and merchandising seminar with Julia Andrews.

TIPPLE TO TOAST SHOW SUCCESS

Exhibitors and visitors are invited to BETA International’s AfterShow Drinks in Strollers Restaurant on Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be served as everyone gathers for this fantastic opportunity for some prime networking with friends and colleagues old and new. Everyone is invited, the drinks are free with the compliments of BETA International’s organisers and there is no need to book – simply turn up on the day.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 49

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | PREVIEW

Have you seen?

DARREN MOTTERSHEAD

LIZ BENWELL

JACKIE WOOLLEY

BETH CROW

BETA International sales manager Ensuring that exhibitors have the very best trade show experience is top of Darren’s list of priorities. He is the first point of contact for companies in the halls, from the moment they enquire about booking to the time they pack up to leave at the end of a successful three days. One of his favourite parts is seeing the halls prepared and ready for business. A keen equestrian, Darren was delighted to find his mare and foal in the ribbons at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.

BETA International operations manager Jackie ensures the smooth running of the show by liaising with exhibitors and contractors. She is responsible for a wide range of trade preparation and planning, including the booking of speakers, scheduling of timetables, website content and marketing activity. Jackie is the busy mum of three daughters and enjoys socialising with friends and family.

ETN editor With a passion for new products and a nose for tracking down industry news, Liz is editor of Equestrian Trade News – the leading trade title, sponsor of the Innovation Awards and BETA International’s official media partner.

Liz was the first editor of Your Horse magazine and previously a newspaper journalist. A lifelong horse owner and rider, Liz enjoys long-distance riding in her spare time and has three horses, two of which are rehomed from World Horse Welfare.

ETN advertising sales manager A gregarious and popular member of the organising team, Beth loves catching up with existing clients and making new contacts at the show. You will see her welcoming visitors to the magazine’s busy stand, as well as visiting exhibitors throughout the halls. Beth and her fiancé, Brad, are busy planning their wedding next year and like nothing more than walking in the country with their dogs.

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Come and see us at BETA on stand 238 or visit our dedicated website abitspecial.com

to see how Abbey England can help keep your customers riding in comfort and style.

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sales@abbeyengland.com | 01565 650343 50 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 Visit abbeyengland.com for details

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PREVIEW | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 SARFRAZ MIAN

Neue Schule CEO Business executive Sarfraz Mian, holder of the British Empire Medal for services to UK trade, can be found on Neue Schule’s striking black and gold stand.

The company is the main sponsor of BETA International with CEO Sarfraz and the rest of the team working closely with show organisers.

Outside work hours, Sarfraz is a keen road cyclist and responsible for founding the Jo Cox Way bike ride, set up in memory of the murdered MP to raise money for, and create awareness of, the causes she championed.

CLAIRE THOMAS

BETA International organiser With overall responsibility for the show, Claire maintains a high-profile presence in the halls, where she can be found speaking to exhibitors and visitors. Often the first friendly face to greet people as they arrive and say goodbye as they leave, she remains on hand throughout to deal with queries and ensure everything runs according to plan.

Horses have been an important part of Claire’s life since she was a child and she loves nothing more than watching her family compete with her horses, Oliver and Jake.

CLAIRE WILLIAMS

BETA executive director Presented with the National Equine Forum Special Covid-19 Sir Colin Spedding Award 2021, Claire has been recognised for her work as BETA executive director to advise, support and maintain morale across the equestrian sector during the pandemic. During BETA International, she can be found on the trade association’s stand, chatting to members and dealing with enquiries from those interested in joining. In her spare time, Claire enjoys riding her horses, baking and preserving.

ETN is the official media partner of BETA International and sponsor of the show’s innovation awards. Visit ETN on stand 243 to enter a free prize draw, pick up a copy of the magazine, subscribe (for free) to ETN’s weekly e-newsletter or find out more about the title that’s served the equestrian trade for more than 40 years.

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 | 51

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | MAIN SPONSOR

Beyond the bit Neue Schule enjoys an enviable reputation as a leading light in the world of horse bits, but its desire to make a difference extends beyond its research and manufacturing capabilities, and into the community, as ETN discovers.

FORGING LINKS WITH CYCLISTS

PLANTING POSITIVITY ONE STEP AT A TIME

Getting riders into the saddle and taking part in any type of riding activity was part of Neue Schule’s national Pledge to Ride campaign last year, aimed at bringing the country’s equestrians together in a combined effort to improve fitness, boost mental wellbeing and establish good riding habits.

“As we emerged from lockdown, we invited riders to pull together by taking part in the campaign,” said Sarfraz. “Some were regular riders, others hadn’t ridden for a while and some actually took up horse riding as a new hobby.

“Together, we encouraged them to get fitter, feel the companionship of other like-minded people and experience the wonderful connection between human and horse.

“Neue Schule enjoys a global reputation for its expertly engineered bits, but the initiative was definitely not about products. Nor was it about raising money – or hitting any particular targets.

“It focused on the personal challenge, as we truly believed that encouraging one another to get out and ride is a great way to lift spirits, maintain motivation and spur one another on.”

52 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

The company has lent its support to the annual Jo Cox Way bike ride, set up five years ago by Neue Schule CEO Sarfraz Mian in memory of the murdered Batley & Spen MP. This July, more than 70 cyclists left West Yorkshire bound for London wearing jerseys with the distinctive Neue Schule logo on the sleeve to celebrate and raise funds for the causes that were important to Jo. Sarfraz saw the sponsorship as an opportunity to forge closer links between cyclists and equestrians by building on the work of the British Horse Society’s “Be Nice, Say Hi” campaign, rolled out in conjunction with Cycling UK. “The initiative was designed to raise awareness of how cyclists should behave when encountering horse riders on the road,” said Sarfraz. “We travelled along 280 miles of roads and tracks, and members of the peloton felt much more confident knowing to drop their speed and make their presence known before overtaking wide and slow.

“As a company operating within the equestrian sector, we were really keen to amplify these key messages among the cycling community and I am delighted that Neue Schule played such a hands-on role.”

REACHING OUT TO RIDERS

The ability to engage with riders is hardwired into Neue Schule’s ethos and its social media pages offer a strong digital connection to communicate with equestrians in a programme of tips, competitions, memes and videos.

The company’s Feature Me initiative on Facebook @nsbits invites riders to send in images of themselves and their Neue Schule bitted horses. Ten are then chosen each week for posting on its website.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

MAIN SPONSOR | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021

PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE

The company’s own learning resource, the Neue Schule Academy, was set up to share the knowledge of scientists and engineers at the company. Students are given the opportunity to discover more about equine anatomy, traditional horsemanship and lorinery science, with its disciplined approach to matching bits to a horse and learning how to advise riders on their choice of bits.

Academy courses start with fundamentals, where little background knowledge or academic proficiency is required. More in-depth courses are designed to take students through increasing levels of insight while employing techniques and principles taken from engineering and veterinary science.

“More in-depth courses are designed to take students through increasing levels of insight while employing techniques and principles taken from engineering and veterinary science.”

The following courses are available: The Fundamentals of Bits and Bitting; Certificate in Equine Bits and Bitting Science; Diploma in Lorinery Science; and Bit and Bridle Fitting, which provides the expertise needed to deliver a commercial bit fitting service.

• To find out more about Neue Schule, visit the team on Stand 116 or check out www.nsbits.com.

Bua Saddles Launch New Sellers Starter Package.

BUA CANTILEVERED SADDLES have a unique design. Their cantilevered construction recognises the differences in the physiology of horse and rider. This unique feature of the BUA Saddle accommodates the dynamic movement of both horse and rider. In addition, the saddle’s unique modular design allows complete interchangeability of flap styles and panel sizes Drawing on years of practical experience with horses, and working closely with their International Seller Partners, Bua has devised a Consultation Fit Help System to enable riders and saddle fitters alike achieve the best results.

Some of the simplest answers and solutions can be right in front of you. Bua asked their existing customers for a LISTING OF KNOWN HORSE BREEDS SUITED TO A BUA SADDLE along with asking riders to give their FIRST BUA SADDLE EXPERIENCE of this unique, super light-weight, cantilevered tree and suspension technology.

In countries where Bua already has established regional sellers on the ground, they prefer online business to be handled locally and will direct and support online enquiries accordingly.

For Product information please visit www.buasaddles.com Bua Saddles will be exhibiting at BETA (U.K. /Sept’21) & SPOGA - (Cologne/Germany -Feb ‘22) For Seller Pricing please email Ivor Young at info@buasaddles.com or give Ivor a call on +353(0)86 2557267. U.K. +44(0)75219 30883 WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM Bua Saddles / Lam Technologies Ltd, Highfield House, Highfield Park, Dublin 14, Ireland.

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 53

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | SADDLERY COMPETITIONS

Showcasing saddlery skills How BETA International will bring out the best of British craftsmanship – and inspire newcomers to join the industry.

S

addlery apprentices and trainees will once again compete for top awards in the Society of Master Saddlers’ (SMS) competitions over the three days of the show.

Always a popular draw for visitors who love to see leatherwork being made, the competitions will take place near the Saddlery Pavilion.

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers has again generously donated the prize money for what has become an annual tradition.

“Every year, the competition at BETA International just gets better and better, with the standards rising all the time,” says Hazel Morley of the SMS. “It’s a great opportunity to provide a fabulous shop window in which the apprentices and trainees can take part. To watch them working in a tense and competitive environment really brings out the best in them.”

This year’s line-up includes students and apprentices from the Saddlery Training Centre, Salisbury; Capel Manor College and, new for 2021, the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.

“We’re pleased to support the three training centres which are providing the trade with new entrants into the industry,” adds Hazel.

The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury opened in September 2000 offering the Government Apprenticeship Scheme. In addition, it runs bespoke courses to support people in the trade from apprentices to experienced saddlers wishing to update their skills and gain qualifications.

The Centre is approved to deliver the Government’s Apprenticeship Schemes for saddlers and is an approved assessment centre for the City & Guilds National Saddlery Skill Assessment and Qualification Scheme for the Saddlery Trade.

The apprentices training at the Saddlery Training Centre competing on the Thursday at BETA International are Jenna McCall of The King’s Troop; Gudrun Thuesen of David Dyer Saddles; and Hannah O’Neill and Zoe Hurst of Cirencester Saddlers. They will each make a foal slip.

On the Friday, students about to commence their second year of training at Capel Manor College will make bridle headpieces. They are Charlotte Sheppard, Charlotte Lowes, Regina Mitchell and Angeline Strong.

Capel Manor College offers the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers’ Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making, as well as the Cordwainers' Diploma in Shoemaking.

Skills learnt on Capel Manor College courses are transferable, students going on to work with a wide range of employers such as luxury leather goods makers, the British Army and fashion designers.

Saturday at BETA International will see four trainees from the new Walsall Leather Skills Centre taking part for the first time.

The Walsall Leather Skills Centre is working in partnership with the Saddlers’ Company Charitable Fund to supply Walsall and the surrounding areas with access to vocational training in leather and to deliver a range of courses and apprenticeships.

The new centre is a great starting point for a career in leather.

It delivers a wide choice of leather apprenticeships, courses and qualifications.

FANCY A CAREER IN SADDLERY?

The SMS competitions give a valuable insight into training opportunities available to anyone considering a career in saddlery.

Students often enter the industry working for saddlery businesses and Master Saddlers; others take up apprenticeships to further their training – and those with experience may wish to hone their skills in specialist areas such as harness-making or side-saddle restoration.

54 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 55

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | SPONSORS

Industry’s leading players back the show BETA International attracts support from some of the industry’s leading names. Neue Schule returns as main sponsor for an eighth consecutive year, while Shires Equestrian lends its backing – also for an eight year – to the New Product Gallery. NAF is sponsor of the Gin & Fizz Bar and Equestrian Trade News is sponsor of the Innovation Awards once again.

NEUE SCHULE

Stand 116 The company, which was founded by Heather Hyde back in 2007 – a decade after she set up the UK’s first bit bank – is well known and highly respected throughout the world for its revolutionary approach to bit design and manufacture of high-performance bits made from Salox gold, a material that encourages a neutral response in the mouth, promoting acceptance and relaxed communication.

The Neue Schule Group’s other divisions are The Academy, dedicated to training and education in bitting and lorinery science, with Lantra-approved courses, and Avansce, developing sports performance monitoring technology such as the Synchronicity System for horses and riders.

NAF

Stand 204 The company and its pet brand, Natural VetCare, have more than 30 years’ experience in the manufacture of equine and pet supplements. Their products, containing fully traceable natural ingredients, support everything from healthy joints, skin, hooves, digestion, breathing and behaviour, and include silky mane and tail detanglers, shampoos, moisturisers and luxury leather care.

NAF’s veterinary directors are world authorities on equine and pet nutrition, and the brand is the supplier to Team GB and riders globally.

ETN SHIRES EQUESTRIAN PRODUCTS

Stand 216 and 217 A family business with a royal warrant to supply the Queen with equine equipment, clothing and footwear since 2009, Shires is a name that is known and trusted the world over, with warehouses in the UK, Ireland and the US, and its own factories in China.

The company was founded in 1968 by Malcolm Ainge, who is now its chair, while his son, Stuart, and nephew, Marcus Cridland, are joint managing directors and daughter, Louise, the company’s marketing manager.

56 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Stand 243 Equestrian Trade News, BETA International’s official media partner and sponsor of the Innovation Awards, has been the industry’s leading magazine for more than 40 years. First off the press in 1979, it provides a monthly mix of news, product launches and features – and a weekly digital newsletter.

The magazine is published by EMC (Equestrian Management Consultants), part of the BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) group, and distributed free to all trade association members and other equestrian retailers in the UK. It is also available on subscription to other members of the equestrian and associated trades.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 57

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | ETN PRIZE DRAW

September 2021 Volume 45, No 7

GALLOPING INTO A NEW ERA BETA International 2021 preview

Equestrian trade news September

READY FOR WINTER?

2021

How to win £100s worth of products

Conditioning feeds and warm

rugs

PLUS

• EARN DOUBLE AMTRA CPD POINTS • RETAILER PROFILE • HOW TO AVOID BLOGGING BLUNDERS

ETN is the official media partner of BETA International

BETA INTERNATIONAL

9th - 11th September 2021

FIND OUT MORE INSIDE

2021

9 – 11 September NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, UK Main Sponsor

Main Sponsor

Enter the famous ETN prize draw at BETA International. It’s completely free just bring your business details to the ETN stand. The first drawn at random will win all these fantastic products. But remember - you can only enter at the show.

BUA SADDLES IRELAND

252 PERRY EQUESTRIAN (A. PERRY LTD)

124

CHARLES OWEN & AIROWEAR

120 BRITISH EQUESTRIAN TRADE ASSOCIATION

112

A Bua Anatomic Girth

£200 to spend on Equestrian Products from our catalogue

1 Shadow Helmet

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS (ETN)

243

HORSE&RIDER MAGAZINE AND PONY MAGAZINE

141

A retailer profile in a future issue of ETN

A free quarter page advert in both PONY and H&R

Win a £50 BETA training course voucher to be used on any virtual or face to face courses run by the association. Courses on offer are Rider Safety Equipment Fitting, Lorinery (bits and bitting) Retailing and social media courses for various levels of experience. Note: this cannot be used on RAMA/SQP courses.

BETA INTERNATIONAL A luxury hamper

KEVIN MILNER COUNTRYSIDE GREETING CARDS

224 PLATINUM AGENCIES LTD

POLYJUMPS

110

50 greeting cards

1 x pair of PolyJumps Caveletti Crosses 1 x PolyJumps 3 Step Mounting Block.

6 pairs of the new dare to wear novelty socks - for feet with personality!

RED GORILLA

2 x new Corn Brooms - large and standard size.

TOPSPEC EQUINE LTD

111 ABSORBINE

VALE BROTHERS

114

20kg bag of TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer A Thermatex Quarter Rug in one of our new dayglo colours

A Silver Honey Countertop Display Unit comprising 4 x Silver Honey Spray Gels and 4 x Silver Honey Ointments

218 231 102

THANK YOU to the companies who have generously donated products to ETN’s prize draw. Their advertisements can be found in this issue and they are all exhibiting at BETA International 2021 too.

DID YOU KNOW?

• ETN has been published for more than 40 years. The magazine was launched in 1979 by Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC), the commercial arm of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). EMC also organises

BETA International – and ETN is the trade fair’s official media partner and sponsor of its innovation awards.

• ETN publishes a weekly e-newsletter.

Sign up to receive your free copy directly to your in-box.

• ETN is read by retailers, distributors, manufacturers and industry opinion formers in more than 40 different countries.

• ETN works with professional bodies to

58 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

publish CPD features and quizzes to help enable RAMAs/SQPs and saddle fitters to maintain their qualifications.

• ETN has a website at www. equestriantradenews.com where you’ll find more news, feature lists and information about how to get involved with the title.

• To find out how your business can work with ETN, contact Beth Crow on 01937 582111 or email bethc@beta-int.com WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

INTRODUCING

S H A D OW HIDDEN BACK PROTECTOR

STOCK AVAILABLE MID AUGUST 2021

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR MANUFACTURERS COMFG LTD WREXHAM

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 59

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | INNOVATION AWARDS

Celebrating winning ways

E

xhibition stands at BETA International are some of the very best in the world – high-quality, eye-catching and the perfect place for buyers and suppliers to get together to do business.

Recognising the great deal of hard work that goes into creating them, the show’s Best Stand Awards celebrate and reward the efforts of those who have gone that extra mile to create the ultimate in commercial exhibition space.

The awards are divided into two categories – Best Large Stand (32 square metres and over) and Best Small Stand (Under 32 square metres) – to reflect the different types of company in the halls. Every exhibitor is automatically entered into the competition, which is independently judged.

This year’s judges are NAEC Stoneleigh’s account director, Lynn Gardner, and Lowri Croydon, sales and marketing account manager at Stoneleigh, plus a Riding for the Disabled Association representative, who will tour the halls incognito to consider each stand. Winners of the awards will be presented with their trophies in the Seminar Theatre at 5.15pm on Thursday.

INDUSTRY ACCOLADES TIP PRODUCTS FOR THE TOP

The show’s prestigious Innovation Awards are back for 2021 with the support of long-standing sponsor Equestrian Trade News and the introduction of a fresh, new format to help seek out exciting new products bursting with flair and originality.

Entries will be admitted into one open class, with gold, silver and bronze awards lined up for the winning products.

All exhibitors with suitable products are invited to take part in the awards. Entry remains free and the judging independent and impartial.

Products are eligible for consideration if they have not been launched on to the market more than 12 months before the show and must not have appeared at BETA International 2020.

This year’s judges are Sue Moxon, managing director of R&R Country and Fraser Kirby – international freelance groom, fresh back from Tokyo.

Success in the awards can result in high levels of media and industry attention for winning products, and acts as something of a trade show tip for the top. Exhibitors and visitors can see the award presentations in the Seminar Theatre at 5.15pm on Thursday.

LIST OF EXHIBITORS | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 STAND NAME

STAND LOCATION

238 102 106 249 109

Abbey England Limited Absorbine Anderson & Co Publishing Limited AZI UK Ltd Baillie Haylage Bates Saddles, Wintec Saddles & Arena Saddles Bedmax Shavings Ltd Bliss of London Blundstone Bodens Botanica International Ltd Brands of Q and Chillout Horsewear Ltd British Equestrian Trade Association Bua Saddles Ireland Burlybed CDN - My Groom Charles Owen & Airowear Chatham Footwear Citrus-Lime Concord Equestrian Countryside Greetings Crafty Ponies Dengie Horse Feeds ecorider, apolloair, cameo Equestrian Trade News (ETN) Equilibrium Products Equine Careers Equine World Ltd UK

214 201 239 152 145 121 229 112 252 225 134 120 222 103 105 147 150 153 140 243 113 220 108

STAND NAME

STAND LOCATION

EqWax Ltd Estride Ethos Furrish Gallop Equestrian Grade Leather Ltd Grubs Boots Ltd Heygates Country Feeds Ltd HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd Horse & Country Horse & Rider and PONY Magazines Horse First Ltd Hunter Outdoor K M Elite Products Ltd Kevin Milner Countryside Greeting Cards Lemieux Maxima Mix 'N' Munch MLW Manufacturing NAF Nettex T/A Rumenco Ltd Neue Schule Nikwax Waterproofing pampeano Parallax Plastics Ltd Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd) Platinum Agencies Ltd PolyJumps Premier Performance CZ Ltd Red Gorilla

136 118 230 135 228 253 122 104 235 205 141 117 208 237

224 215 137 125 204 146 116 133 101 107 124 218 110 219 231

STAND NAME

STAND LOCATION

Rugsafe UK Ltd Rupert and Buckley Saltean Schockemöhle Sports GmbH Shaws Equestrian Ltd Shires Equestrian Shires Equestrian Silvermoor Snowflake Animal Bedding Swish Enterprises Ltd The British Horse Society The Original Muck Boot Company The Saddlery Pavilion Black Country Saddles The Saddlery Training Centre The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd TopSpec Equine Ltd Vale Brothers Ltd Viking Footwear Weatherbeeta Ltd Westgate, Mark Todd, Science Supplements, Gatehouse Woof Wear Ltd

202 232 138 115 132 217 216 203 142 207 143 139

SP4 251 250 111 114 221 233 123 227

YO U R N E W PE R RY EQ UESTRIA N CATALO GUE l aun ch i n g at B E TA I N T E R N AT I O N A L 2 0 2 1 Find us on

STAND 124

• N e w Produ cts

NEW!

• N e w L a you t

Trade-only supplier of hundereds of bright, colourful products for the Stable, Yard, Tack Room and Horse.

Come and see us at BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021

stand 124

BETA Trade Supplier of the Year Runner-up

RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! email us: sales@perryequestrian.co.uk +44 (0)1384 414061 WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

sales@perryequestrian.co.uk

www.perryequestrian.co.uk EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 61

62 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Main Sponsor

FLOORPLAN

117

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119

141

142

116

120

140

Seminar Theatre

143

144

153

145

152

114

115

121

101

122

138

139

102

136

HALL 1

137

Coffee Shop

123

103

112

113

134

135

146

150

104

133

148

149

105

111

124

125

132

147

106

107

126

127

131

109

110

108

128

BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | MAIN SPONSOR

Visitor Entrance

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

HALL 2

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

257

New Product Gallery

211

255

SP7

SP8

256

SP2

209

SP1

237

236

213

210

254

SP6

SP3

235

253

SP5

SP4

214

208

207

233

252

251

Saddlery Competition

234

232

206

205

250

Saddlery Competition

231

Gin & Fizz Bar

204

215

249

238

230 229

228

203

248

202

247

240

239

227

216

201

Visitor Entrance

Seating Area

212

246

226

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245

242

241

217

244

223 222

224

243

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220

219

218

MAIN SPONSOR | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 63

2021 Abbey England Limited

238

Abbey House, Haig Road, Parkgate Industrial Estate, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8DX, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Richard Brown, CEO Tel: 01565 650343 Email: info@abbeyengland.com Web: www.abbeyengland.com A market leading wholesale supplier of premium materials and tools, Abbey England’s comprehensive product range covers high quality English leathers, leather tools, equestrian accessories, metal hardware, webbing and outdoor textiles.

Absorbine

102

302 Benton Drive, East Longmeadow, 01028, U.S.A. Contact: Mrs Rachael Holdsworth Tel: 07850 017587 Email: info@wfyoung.com Web: www.wfyoung.com Absorbine® is dedicated to high-quality, innovative horse care products. The range includes: Absorbine® Liniment, ShowSheen® grooming products, UltraShield® fly control, Hooflex® hoof care, Leather Therapy®, Horseman’s One Step® and the new Silver Honey™ Wound Care.

Anderson & Co Publishing Limited

55 Mansfield Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8NB, United Kingdom Contact: Shagufta Naseem Tel: 07845 249065 Email: shaguftaazi@outlook.com Web: www.azilimited.co.uk We are Europe’s leading manufacturer/distributor of luxury equestrian equipments, leather & pet products.

Insta @azilimited.co.uk

64

109

Ivy House, Kirmond-le-Mire, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 6HZ, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Sarah Colgan Tel: 01472 398696 Email: sales@bailliehaylage.co.uk Web: www.bailliehaylage.co.uk Established in 1996, Baillie Haylage is one of the largest producers of premium quality haylage in the UK. Available in five varieties, Baillie Haylage is analysed, guaranteed and BETA NOPS certified.

Bates Saddles, Wintec Saddles & Arena Saddles

214

Unit 1, Marston House, Cromwell Business Park, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5SR, United Kingdom Contact: Tim Philbey Tel: 0061 408 280588 Email: customerservice@batessaddles.com Web: www.batessaddles.com/www.wintec-saddles.com

Bedmax Shavings Ltd

201

106

14 Berwick Courtyard, Berwick St Leonard, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 5UA, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Ludovic Anderson Tel: 01380 816777 Email: info@anderson-co.com Web: www.anderson-co.com Specialist publishing services for the horse racing and bloodstock industries across Europe and North America. Featuring our leading publications - European Trainer / North American Trainer / The Owner Breeder & NTF Racing Diary.

AZI UK LTD

Baillie Haylage

249

Detchant, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7PF, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Charlotte Robson Tel: 01668 213467 Email: info@bedmaxshavings.com Web: www.bedmaxshavings.com

Bliss of London

239

College Farm, Bosty Lane, Aldridge, West Midlands, WS9 0LF, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Corinne Raybould Tel: 01922 745151 Email: corinne@bliss-of-london.com Web: www.bliss-of-london.com Our own in house production allows us to create custom made equipment for riders around the world, through every sphere of discipline. Every Bliss product is handmade in our factory in Walsall, England.

2021 Blundstone

152

British Equestrian Trade Association

112

1 Addison Bridge Place, London, W14 8XP, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Dirk Fuhrmann Tel: 0207 3716554 Email: info@blundstone.co.uk Web: www.blundstone.co.uk

Bodens

145

Minshull Farm, Lower Green Lane, Higher Green, Astley, Manchester, Cheshire, M29 7JZ, United Kingdom Contact: Rosie Boden Tel: 01942 882667 Email: rosie.boden@bodengroup.com Web: www.bodensgroup.com Market leading manufacturers and suppliers of wood based animal bedding. Our smart range of products are tailored to suit your animals needs, big or small.

Botanica International Ltd

121

Units 12-13, Warrenpoint Enterprise Centre, Newry Road, Warrenpoint, County Down BT34 3LA, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Sean Cooney Tel: 02841 739151 Email: enquiries@botanica.ie Web: www.botanica.ie

Brands of Q

229

Richterlaan 7, Drachten, 9207 JT, Netherlands Contact: Ms Tina Farrow (UK Sales Agent) or Brands of Q Tel: 07411 938144 (UK only) or +31 (0) 512 54 1999 (BOQ) Email: tina@tt-equestrian-agency.co.uk for UK only or info@ brandsofq.com Web: www.brandsofq.com Our style is best described as colourful and fashionable. We challenge you to stand out and to be different. At competitions, training or ride-outs on a lazy weekend: anywhere and anytime.

Feel confident and have fun.

NAF Sponsor of the Gin & Fizz Bar

East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AW, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Agy Mossakowska Tel: 01937 587062 Email: info@beta-uk.org Web: www.beta-uk.org The leading trade association working for the equestrian industry, BETA represents the retail, manufacturing, service and distribution sectors, offering a range of benefits and training to the trade. Visit our stand to find out about our new initiatives for the next 12 months.

Bua Saddles Ireland

252

Highfield House, Highfield Park, Dublin, County Dublin, D14 F2PS, Ireland Contact: Mr Ivor Young Tel: 00353 1 298 1558 Email: info@buasaddles.com Web: www.buasaddles.com The BUA Saddle is incredibly light and 100% modular. Its cantilevered suspension construction recognises that the physiology of horse and rider differ. Option of foam/textile or leather wool flocked panels.

Burlybed

225

Burlerrow Farm, Wadebridge Road, St Mabyn, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 3BQ, United Kingdom Tel: 01208 822346 Email: sales@burlybed.co.uk Web: www.burlybed.co.uk Burlybed is the home of the original eco-friendly miscanthus bedding. Visit us to find out why we are the natural choice for your business, your customers and the environment.

CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air

140

104 Bridge Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6HD, United Kingdom Contact: Mr David Thomason Tel: 02844 617557 Email: admin@cameoequestrian.co.uk Web: www.ecorider.biz Providing a complete range of quality equestrian products. From everyday equine essentials in our CAMEO EQUINE brand, exclusive eco leatherwork from ecorider to our technical breathable Apollo air products.

65

2021 CDN - My Groom

134

2 Route de la Chapelle Viviers, Valdivienne, Vienne, 86300, France Contact: Constance Chevalier Tel: + 33 (0) 782 57 4001 Email: constance.chevalier@cdnhorse.fr Web: www.cdnhorse.com My Groom, a magical machine of formidable efficiency for washing your blankets and carpets and the only one in the world to take care of all your leathers.

Charles Owen & Airowear

120

Royal Works, Croesfoel Industrial Park, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL14 4BJ, United Kingdom Contact: Alex Burek Tel: 01978 317777 Email: alex@charlesowen.com Web: www.charlesowen.com Charles Owen is a leading British brand for riding helmets. Visit the stand for a celebration of their 110th anniversary and to try the new halo helmet and Shadow back protector.

Chatham Footwear

Citrus-Lime

Lantern House, The Ellers, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0AA, United Kingdom Contact: Mrs Cate Barnes Tel: 01229 588628 Email: cate@citruslime.com Web: www.citruslime.com From a simple till to stunning Ecommerce websites with Click & Collect - Citrus-Lime provides the End-to-End Retail Solution, helping independent retailers to reduce discounting, control cost and inspire loyalty.

Concord Equestrian - The Straw Pellet Company

222

LOGO Hennock Court, Hennock Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8RU, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Philip Marsh Tel: 07817 977267 Email: philipm@mfbrands.co.uk Web: www.chatham.co.uk Born out of a love for the great outdoors, exploration and adventure, we are committed to creating classic sailing and country footwear, all with our signature British style, which marries traditional craftsmanship with innovation, the finest materials and attention to detail. Each shoe is of the highest quality and durability, is designed to be comfortable, functional and able to withstand all that nature has to throw at it.

229

3C Moor Park Industrial Estate, Bispham, Lancashire, FY2 0JY, United Kingdom Contacts: Tina Farrow (UK only) or Lauren Hall for overseas enquiries Tel: 07411 938144 (UK only) or 07592 088887 (overseas only) Email: tina@tt-equestrian-agency.co.uk for UK only or lauren@ chillouthorsewear.co.uk for overseas Web: www.chillouthorsewear.com Chillout Horsewear Ltd has been established since 2012, created to bring fashionable horse clothing wear at affordable prices. Chillout are well known for their smart base layers and riding tights.

66

105

Church Farm, Loughton, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6QP, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Suzanne Digwood Tel: 07966 105566 Email: suzanne@concordequestrian.co.uk Web: www.concordequestrian.co.uk 100% British Straw Pellets, super absorbent, cushioned bed, kind to hooves, non-slip, easy to use, environmentally friendly, super quality, affordable, biodegradable, dust & ammonia free, reduce wastage, saves time & money.

CSP Countryside Greetings

Chillout Horsewear Ltd

103

147

Rosehall Farm, Exhall, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6EB, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Charles Sainsbury-Plaice Tel: 01789 778603 Email: sales@countrysidegreetings.co.uk Web: www.sainsburyplaice.co.uk Countryside Greetings supply Greetings Cards & Giftware for Countryside lovers. We have many well-known artists such as Thelwell, Bryn Parry & Alex Underdown. Please visit us at www. sainsburyplaice.co.uk

Dengie Horse Feeds

153

Hall Road, Asheldham, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7JF, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Laura Dolphin Tel: 01621 841188 Email: feeds@dengie.com Web: www.dengie.com The UK’s largest producer of alfalfa, we also grow as many of our own ingredients helping to keep feed miles low and providing ease of traceability. Complying with assurance schemes UFAS, FEMAS and BETA NOPS. Dengie is proud to be the UK’s favourite horse feed supplier, as shown in the 2019 BETA National Equine Survey.

2021 Equestrian Trade News (ETN)

243

East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AW, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Beth Crow Tel: 01937 582111 Email: bethc@beta-int.com Web: www.equestriantradenews.com Equestrian Trade News (ETN) has been published for more than four decades. The print magazine appears ten times a year with a weekly e-newsletter. ETN is part of the BETA Group.

Equilibrium Products

113

Unit 2 Acorn Farm Business Centre, Cublington Road, Wing, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 0LB, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Laura Szuca Tel: 01442 934046 Email: laura@equilibriumproducts.com Web: www.equilibriumproducts.com Equilibrium Products champions the wellbeing of horses by developing innovative quality products that truly make a difference to horses’ lives.

Equine Careers

220

21a St Marys Road, East Claydon, Bucks, MK18 2LU, United Kingdom Contact: Mrs Emma Dyer Email: emma@equine-careers.co.uk Web: www.equine-careers.co.uk The only website dedicated to the advertising and recruitment of office and professional vacancies within the Equine Industry.

Including the Sales Agents Database. www.equine-careers.co.uk

Equine World Ltd UK

118

40 Ruskin Avenue, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 5BW, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Arpan Bhatia Tel: 0203 129 1579 Email: arpan.bhatia@stride-invent.com Web: www.estride.store

Furrish

135

16 Finvoy Road, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 7JE, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Amy Donaghey Tel: 028 2766 6879 Email: amy.donaghey@christiesdirect.com Web: www.furrish.com Developed by industry experts, Furrish is an at-home grooming brand featuring everything pet owners need to groomer their dogs, from shampoos, to tools and a new pet clipper.

Gallop Equestrian

228

Units 1 & 2, Brymill Industrial Estate, Brown Lion Street, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 9EG, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Bobby Taak Tel: 01902 454771 Email: contact@gallopequestrian.com Web: www.gallopequestrian.com Established in 2003, we are specialists in core equestrian lines; jodhpurs, rugs, saddles and accessories. We use the highest quality of textile materials and leathers in our production.

Grade Leather Ltd

253

108

Victoria Drill Hall, Fordham Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7AA, United Kingdom Contact: Charley Logan Tel: 01638 491388 Email: info@equineworlduk.com Web: www.equineworlduk.com Located in the heart of Newmarket, our store provides equipment for stable, horse and rider for a wide variety of disciplines. Pop along and see us today or in store!

EqWax Ltd

Estride

136

11 Avenue Gardens, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent, CT9 3BD, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Graham Bird Tel: 07850 791223 Email: gebird@gradeleather.co.uk Web: www.gradeleather.com Grade Leather has been supplying the Equestrian and allied trades for 30 years, With English Bridle and saddle leathers, in Butts, Backs and Shoulders. We also have available stainless steel fittings.

3 Upper Platts, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7HD, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Alison Gates Tel: 01580 200208 Email: info@eqwax.co.uk Web: www.eqwax.co.uk

67

2021 Grubs Boots Ltd

122

Unit 3 Bradshaw Works, Printers Lane, Bradshaw, Bolton, BL2 3DW, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Abi Foster Tel: 01204 567700 Email: sales@grubsboots.com Web: www.grubsboot.com

Heygates Country Feeds Ltd

104

235

Contact: Ms Laura Parry Tel: 01952 691784 Email: hkmsales@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.hkmsport.de HKM, the renowned German brand! Providing high quality, functional, stylish equestrian equipment for both horse and rider at affordable prices.

Horse & Country

205

Technium Springboard, Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran, Torfaen, Gwent, NP44 3AW, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Richard Burdett Tel: 01633 982766 Email: richardb@horseandcountry.tv Web: www.horseandcountry.tv

Horse First Ltd

117

Units 5 & 6, Flurry Bridge Enterprise Centre, Newry, County Down, BT35 8SQ, Northern Ireland Contact: Mr Patrick Hughes Tel: 02830 848844 Email: info@horsefirst.net Web: www.horsefirst.net

Horse&Rider Magazine and PONY Magazine

K M Elite Products Ltd/Stridefree Saddles

Kevin Milner Countryside Greeting Cards

Olive Studio, The Timber Yard, Grange Road, Tilford, Surrey, GU10 2DQ, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Abi Cannon Tel: 01428 601028 Email: abi@djmurphy.co.uk Web: www.horseandrideruk.com Horse&Rider magazine, the UK’s best-selling equestrian monthly and award-winning sister title PONY, the only magazine dedicated to young riders. Visit us for engaging and imaginative ways to connect with these key demographics.

224

Lane End Cottage, Ovington, Hampshire, SO24 0RB, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Kevin Milner Tel: 01962 732585 / 07719 570370 Email: info@kevinmilnercountryside.co.uk Web: www.kevinmilnercountryside.co.uk I am attending BETA International for the 5th year running and will be showcasing my Countryside Greeting Cards and new cards for this coming year. All my cards are printed in the UK and comprise of my work or commissioned work. www.kevinmilnercountryside.co.uk

Lemieux

141

237

Unit 13 Crawfold Business Park, Balls Cross, Near Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9JT, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Sue Laws Tel: 01403 759659 Email: sales@kmeliteproducts.co.uk Web: www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk KM Elite look forward to welcoming you back to BETA – come and visit our stand for exclusive Show Offers and to meet the Team!!

215

Greenwood, Woodington Road, East Wellow, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6DQ, United Kingdom Contact: Hannah Smith Tel: 02380 814360 Email: info@horsehealth.co.uk Web: www.horsehealthtrade.co.uk

Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch

68

208

31-33 Anne Road, Smethwick, Warley, West Midlands, B66 2NZ, United Kingdom Contact: Mr K Raindi Tel: 0121 5558334 Email: info@rockall.info Web: www.hunter-outdooruk.com High class country clothing manufacturing.

Bugbrooke Mills, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN7 3QH, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Alice Mellor Tel: 01604 833250 Web: www.heygatesfeeds.co.uk

HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd

Hunter-Outdoor

137

Maxima, Union Street, Flimwell, East Sussex, TN5 7NX, United Kingdom Contact: Haylie Rudgley Tel: 07800 716019 Email: maximaequestrian@btinternet.com Web: www.maximaequestrian.co.uk Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch horse treats made from 100% natural ingredients. Profitable Pick ‘N’ Mix unit with 20 flavours/varieties of treats.

2021 MLW Manufacturing

125

Mahal Buildings, New Street, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3DF, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Sat Mahal Tel: 07412 672266 Email: Sat.Mahal@Mlwtrading.com Web: www.mlwtrading.com Specialists in Design, Manufacture of Equestrian Clothing & Accessories.

133

Nikwax Waterproofing Unit F Durgates Industrial Estate, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6DF, United Kingdom Contact: Miss Sabrina Hammad Tel: 01892 786400 Email: sales@nikwax.co.uk Web: www.nikwax.com

pampeano NAF

204

Unit 4-5 Wonastow Road Industrial Estate, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 5JA, United Kingdom Contact: Mrs Eloise Chugg-Martin Tel: 01600 710700 Email: info@naf-uk.com Web: www.naf-equine.eu Nutritionally Advanced Formulas, an extensive range of effective products created by our team of veterinarian scientists, nutritionists, and chemists. We pride ourselves on quality and clean sport as Official Suppliers of supplementation and care products to Team GB.

Nettex Equine

146

Stretton House, Derby Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0DW, United Kingdom Contact: Nettex Equine Tel: 01283 524222 Email: helpline@nettexequine.com Web: www.nettexequine.com Your Trusted Team. Proud manufacturers of hardworking British products for healthy and happy horses.

9 Station Field, Kidlington, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX5 1JD, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Casey Webb Tel: 01865 773709 Email: casey.webb@pampeano.co.uk Web: www.pampeano.co.uk Inspired by South America’s heritage of unrivalled horsemanship and traditional leather work, pampeano evolved from the polo fields of central Argentina, providing teams with their intricately handmade leather polo belts.

Parallax Plastics Ltd

116

Momentum, 30 Ellerbeck Court, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, TS9 5PT, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Sarfraz Mian Tel: 0844 6644600 Email: enquiry@nsbits.com Web: www.nsbits.com Neue Schule – The world’s leading manufacturer of horse bits, developing innovative designs that deliver amazing results.

Come and see our latest developments & training tools that can support your bit sales.

107

Glebe Farm, Peck Lane, Gunthorpe, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG14 7EX, United Kingdom Contact: Mrs Anna Gardner Tel: 0115 9663836 Email: info@parallaxplastics.co.uk Web: www.horsehayfeeder.co.uk As the original manufacturer of the HAYPLAY, HAY SAVER, HAYMOBIL, Grad-U-AL feeder and the SHARK SKUP we are excited to show our innovative slow feeders and other products which are all made in the UK.

Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd)

124

R

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Neue Schule

101

U

E

S T

R

I

A

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Doulton Road, Cradley Heath, West Midlands, B64 5QW, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Claire Hayward Tel: 01384 414001 Email: sales@perryequestrian.co.uk Web: www.perryequestrian.co.uk 2021 Runner Up of BETA Trade Supplier of the Year, Perry Equestrian is a trade-only supplier of hundreds of bright, colourful products for the Stable, Yard, Tack Room and Horse.

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2021 Platinum Agencies Ltd

218

Red Gorilla

231

LOGO The Falcon Business Centre, Victoria Street, Chadderton, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL9 0HB, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Dave Wright Tel: 01615 118644 Email: info@platinumagencies.co.uk Web: www.platinumagencies.co.uk Platinum now in their 8th year will have on show its most extensive collection of competitively priced branded socks with Technical, Novelty, Functional and fun themes all covered.

PolyJumps

110

Unit 1 Little Bouts Farm, Inkberrow, Worcs, WR7 4HW, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Mark Drinkwater Email: info@polyjumps.com Web: www.polyjumps.com PolyJumps are proud to be one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of plastic equestrian jump equipment. Come along to our stand to have a chat about our exciting new products and trade accounts.

Premier Performance CZ Ltd

219

Building 19, Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Camilla Zanna Tel: 01234 419410 Email: enquiries@premierperformance.uk Web: www.premierperformance.uk Premier Performance CZ ltd provides a cutting-edge line of nutritional formulas for the health, maintenance and recovery of the athletic or leisure equine.

21 Moat Way, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8EY, United Kingdom Contact: Katherine Tuckley Tel: 01455 848184 Email: katherine@redgorilla.red Web: www.redgorilla.red Red Gorilla help businesses drive sales by providing a large range of stable management equipment available in numerous sizes, colours and styles. It’s our mission to support your business by offering you an excellent service.

Rugsafe UK Ltd

The Grey Barn, Main Road, Kingsley, Alton, Hampshire, GU35 9NG, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Damian Page Tel: 01420 478698 Email: sales@rugsafe.co.uk Web: www.rugsafe.co.uk

Rupert and Buckley

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232

Unit 4, Two Rivers Industrial Estate, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1JY, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Adam Colton Tel: 01271 371992 Email: contact@rupertandbuckley.com Web: www.rupertandbuckley.com

Saltean

138

Unit 2 Mushroom Farm, Reynolds Avenue, Manor Park, London, Greater London, E12 6JS, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Chris Bampton Tel: 07341 250175 Email: info@saltean.co.uk Web: www.saltean.co.uk

Schockemöhle Sports GmbH

ETN (Equestrian Trade News) Media Partner and sponsor of the Innovation Awards

202

115

Kötterhof 8, Mühlen, Niedersachsen, 49439, Germany Contact: Burkhard Meyer Tel: 0049 549 2557745 Email: b.meyer@schockemoehle-sports.com Web: www.schockemoehle-sports.com Schockemöhle Sports is an internationally established supplier of equestrian equipment and stands for high-quality and innovative products that are sold to equestrian retailers worldwide.

2021 Shaws Equestrian Ltd

132

The Shaws, Atlow, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1NS, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Monty Stuart-Monteith Tel: 01335 370737 Email: info@shawsequestrian.com Web: www.shawsequestrian.com Agents and distributors for: Pikeur, Eskadron, Flex-on, Myler, Roeckl, Tredstep, Erreplus, Tech1 Saddles and Sabbot Hats.

Shires Equestrian

216-217

15 Southern Avenue, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0QF, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Marcus Cridland Tel: 01568 613600 Email: sales@shiresequestrian.com Web: www.shiresequestrian.com Suppliers of premium quality equipment for horse & rider.

Silvermoor

203

Silvermoor Farm, Denwick, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3RG, United Kingdom Contact: Trevor Howells Tel: 01665 602587 Email: trevor@silvermoor.com Web: www.silvermoor.com Silvermoor make exceptional forage products for horses. From healthy haylage to their signature Treatsies, Swingers and Grassabix. Every grass product is grown, harvested and dried using their in-house sustainable heat source.

Snowflake Animal Bedding

142

Cheshire Street, Mossley, Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire, OL5 9NG, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Becki Alker Tel: 08707 500805 Email: customerservices@plevin.co.uk Web: www.plevinproducts.co.uk

The British Horse Society

The Original Muck Boot Company

139

Unit F & G Quedgeley West Business Park, Bristol Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 4PH, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Matthew Martin Tel: 01452 727300 Email: matt.martin@gardinerbros.co.uk Web: www.gardinerbros.co.uk It all started with a universal problem Muck. So we set out to build the most protective, most comfortable, most reliable boots on the planet - no matter what the conditions.

The Saddlery Pavilion - Black Country Saddles Ltd

SP4

Saddlers House, Church Street, Bridgtown, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 0DB, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Cassie Hartley Tel: 01543 578243 Email: sales@blackcountrysaddles.com Web: www.blackcountrysaddles.com Bespoke made to measure saddle manufacturers with 80 years combined experience.

The Saddlery Training Centre

251

3H Stanley Court, Glenmore Business Park, Telford Road, Churchfields, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7GH, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Mark Romain MBE Tel: 01722 341144 Email: saddlerytraining@btconnect.com Web: www.saddlerytraining.com The Saddlery Training Centre delivers Government Apprenticeships Level 2 Leather Craftsperson and Level Bespoke Saddler, City & Guilds Saddlery Skill Assessments at Level 2 and 3 in Saddle, Bridle and Harness Making.

The Society of Master Saddlers

250

Green Lane Farm, Stonham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5DS, United Kingdom Contact: Mrs Hazel Morley Tel: 01449 711642 Email: enquiries@mastersaddlers.co.uk Web: www.mastersaddlers.co.uk Professional Organisation providing advice, support, training and qualifications for the saddlery industry. Saddlery competitions and displays will also be running during the show in the Saddlery Pavilion.

143

Level 5, 78 Chamber Street, London, E1 8BL, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Kate Stirling Tel: 0207 8806200 Email: info@redactive.co.uk Web: www.redactive.co.uk

Neue Schule Main Sponsor of BETA International 2021 71

2021 TopSpec Equine Ltd

111

Middle Park Farm, Pickhill, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4JN, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Katy Mickle Tel: 01845 565030 Email: nutritionist@topspec.com Web: www.topspec.com TopSpec produce an unrivalled range of feed balancers, horse feeds and supplements that are ‘Created without Compromise’.

VetSpec manufacture hypoallergenic cereal-grain-free super premium, complete dog foods incorporating veterinary specification supplements.

Vale Brothers Ltd

114

Unit 2, 75 Midland Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3QQ, United Kingdom Contact: Mrs Stacy Coates Tel: 01922 642222

Email: sales@valebrothers.co.uk Web: www.valebrothers.co.uk Manufacturer of leading brands including Thermatex rugs, Harry Dabbs Saddle Makers, Jeffries Saddlery, Griffin NuuMed saddle pads, Equimats stable and field mats, KBF99 Anti-bacteria grooming brushes.

Viking Footwear

221

Room 39 A, 4th Floor, The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL, United Kingdom Contact: Mr Chris Dent Tel: 07769 694463 Email: chris.dent@cedsalesandmarketing.co.uk Web: www.cedsalesandmarketing.co.uk Viking have spent over 100 years making rubber boots and keeping feet warm and dry. From farmers to stables, domestic to pleasure these quality boots are warm and comfortable for all purposes…

Come and see ..us!!

Stubbs England Supplier of Model Horses 72

Weatherbeeta Group

233

5 Shipton Way, Express Business Park, Rushden, NN10 6GL, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Bea Meitiner Tel: 01295 226900 Email: sales@weatherbeeta.com Web: www.weatherbeeta.co.uk Following a year of video calls, we are excited to be able to see you all in person! So please do pop over to the stand for a drink!

Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

123

3 Pennard Close, Brackmills, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 7BE, United Kingdom Contact: Ms Tracey Woods Tel: 01604 263002 Email: sales@hlm-group.com Web: www.wefi.co.uk Westgate has been one of the UK’s foremost equestrian distributors since 1982 and is a specialist equine, pet and country products wholesaler.

Woof Wear Ltd

227

Athenaeum House, Carminnow Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1EP, United Kingdom Contact: Ali Felton Tel: 01208 265920 Email: woofwear@woofwear.com Web: www.woofwear.com Woof Wear has been beavering away during the last year and have lots of exciting new things to show you all: • New iVent range • Pony collection • Free Chocolate

Shires Equestrian Products Sponsor of the New Product Gallery

2021 ASSOCIATION

British Equestrian Trade Association, The Society of Master Saddlers

BEDDING

Bodens, Burlybed, Concord Equestrian - The Straw Pellet Company

BUSINESS SERVICES

PET ACCESSORIES

AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equine World Ltd UK, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, K M Elite Products Ltd/Stridefree Saddles, pampeano, Platinum Agencies Ltd, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, Vale Brothers Ltd, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

AZI UK LTD, British Equestrian Trade Association, Citrus-Lime, Equine Careers

PET FEED

CASUAL CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

PET HEALTHCARE

Chatham Footwear, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, Hunter-Outdoor, MLW Manufacturing, pampeano, Platinum Agencies Ltd, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, The Original Muck Boot Company, Viking Footwear, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

COUNTRY CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equine World Ltd UK, Gallop Equestrian, Hunter-Outdoor, MLW Manufacturing, pampeano, Platinum Agencies Ltd, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, The Original Muck Boot Company, Viking Footwear, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

FEED & SUPPLEMENTS

Absorbine, Baillie Haylage, Dengie Horse Feeds, Equine World Ltd UK, NAF, Nettex T/A Rumenco Ltd, Premier Performance CZ Ltd, Silvermoor, TopSpec Equine Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

FIRST AID PRODUCTS

Absorbine, Equine World Ltd UK, Nettex T/A Rumenco Ltd, Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd)

GROOMING EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

Absorbine, AZI UK LTD, CDN - My Groom, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equine World Ltd UK, Furrish, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, K M Elite Products Ltd/Stridefree Saddles, NAF, Nettex T/A Rumenco Ltd, Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd), Shires Equestrian, Vale Brothers Ltd, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS Equine World Ltd UK, NAF, Nettex T/A Rumenco Ltd

HOMEWARE & GIFTS

Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch, TopSpec Equine Ltd

Absorbine, NAF, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

PUBLISHER

Anderson & Co Publishing Limited, Equestrian Trade News (ETN), Horse&Rider Magazine and PONY Magazine

RIDER CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equine World Ltd UK, Gallop Equestrian, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, Hunter-Outdoor, MLW Manufacturing, Platinum Agencies Ltd, Brands of Q, Chillout Horsewear Ltd, Schockemöhle Sports GmbH, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, The Original Muck Boot Company, Viking Footwear, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

RIDER SAFETY EQUIPMENT

AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equine World Ltd UK, Charles Owen, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

SADDLERY & TACK

AZI UK LTD, Abbey England, Bliss of London, Bua Saddles Ireland, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Charles Owen, Equilibrium Products, Equine World Ltd UK, Gallop Equestrian, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, K M Elite Products Ltd/Stridefree Saddles, pampeano, Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd), Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, The Saddlery Pavilion - Black Country Saddles, Vale Brothers Ltd, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

AZI UK LTD, British Equestrian Trade Association, Charles Owen, Equine World Ltd UK, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, The Original Muck Boot Company, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

Abbey England Limited, Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd), Platinum Agencies Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

TRAINING PROVIDER

HOOF / FARRIER EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

TRAVEL EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

HORSE CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

VETERINARY EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

Absorbine, AZI UK LTD, Equine World Ltd UK, NAF, Nettex T/A Rumenco Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

Abbey England Limited , AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equilibrium Products, Equine World Ltd UK, Gallop Equestrian, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, PolyJumps, Brands of Q, Schockemöhle Sports GmbH, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, Vale Brothers Ltd, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements, Woof Wear Ltd

LEATHER EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

Abbey England, Absorbine, Bliss of London, AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equine World Ltd UK, Gallop Equestrian, Grade Leather Ltd, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, K M Elite Products Ltd/ Stridefree Saddles, pampeano, Brands of Q, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

LUGGAGE

pampeano, Shires Equestrian

British Equestrian Trade Association, The Saddlery Training Centre

CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian

Equine World Ltd UK

WATERPROOF CLOTHING & PRODUCTS

AZI UK LTD, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Gallop Equestrian, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, Hunter-Outdoor, MLW Manufacturing, Platinum Agencies Ltd, Shaws Equestrian Ltd, Shires Equestrian, The Original Muck Boot Company, Viking Footwear, Weatherbeeta Ltd, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

Abbey England Limited, AZI UK LTD

YARD / PADDOCK EQUIPMENT & PRODUCTS

Abbey England Limited, AZI UK LTD, Concord Equestrian - The Straw Pellet Company, CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air, Equilibrium Products, Equine World Ltd UK, HKM Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, Parallax Plastics Ltd, Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd), PolyJumps, Shires Equestrian, Vale Brothers Ltd, Viking Footwear, Westgate, Mark Todd, Gatehouse, Science Supplements

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BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | SHOW OFFERS

The Show Offer Special Visit these stands and benefit from the show offers available

Stand Bua Saddles Ireland 252 Free international shipping with its New Sellers Starter Package on all show orders, confirmed with a 25% deposit during the BETA 2021 EVENT

CAMEO EQUINE : ecorider : APOLLO air

Stand 140

Many exciting BETA show offers are available on the stand throughout the BETA show for many exciting new products

Kevin Milner Countryside Greeting Cards

Stand 224

Buy the cards to fit the stand and get the stand and postage free of charge worth over £150 or if you don’t want the stand have 100 cards free with the post on all orders over 400 cards

Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch

Stand 137

Display unit on free loan when you stock Maxima Mix ‘n’ Munch – the popular pick ‘n’ mix horse treats with 100% natural ingredients and 20 different flavours.

Chatham Footwear 5% show discount on all orders written at BETA International.

Equilibrium Products

Stand 222

Stand 124

5% off all orders over £200 net placed at the show.

Stand 113

Orders placed at the show can get up to 15% off. The offer will include Trizone, Stretch and Flex, Field Relief and more.

Plus there will be an exclusive offer on our brand-new Equilibrium Magnetic Rug.

74 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021

Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd)

British Equestrian Trade Association

Stand 112

BETA retail members who visit BETA International for 2 days can claim a £50 subsidy towards the cost of their travel and accommodation. Visit the BETA stand (Hall 1, Stand 112) to have your subsidy claim form signed by one of the BETA team.

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Back to basics with

RED GORILLA

®

When asked what our Core Values are, our ‘Tub’ is at the heart of them!

Resilience Strength Integrity

Flexible

Lightweight

Weather Resistant

To place an order contact us on:

01455 848184

www.redgorilla.red

sales@redgorilla.red

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM

Super Strong

Non-Toxic

Recyclable

We will be exhibiting at BETA this September 9th-11th, come visit our stand to see new products and to talk to our Experienced Sales and Marketing Team

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 75

Specialists in Equine Health

Supporting our Stockists ALL YEAR ROUND

Have you got our Offer Calendar 2021?

Trusted by Consumers Full Product Range *Great Margins* Easy Ordering Fast Delivery For your chance to stock this Fast-Growing brand Call

: 01798 817 603

Email

: info@omegaequine.co

Omegaequine.co.uk 76 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020

WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM