Equestrian Business trade news May issue

EQUESTRIAN www.ebmonthly.co.ukuk

Bringing buyers & suppliers together

May 2015 Issue 154

competition feed

Get the balance right Inside...

LET’S TALK PRODUCTS Grooming and coat care

product watch What’s new to fill your shelves

WIN!

A stand at Equifest

2

View our AW15 Collection now on line www.sherwoodforestltd.com

Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Inside this issue...

4 News

The latest industry round up

8 Competition

Win a stand at Equifest

10 Product Watch

Brand new products from around the world

32 Ask the Expert

Event insurance and health and safety

34 Safe in the saddle From helmets to stirrups

12 Career Insights

Movers and shakers plus job opportunities

13 Launch It

Hot off the production line

41

Let’s Talk Products Grooming and coat care

46 Business Matters 20

48 Ken Lyndon-Dykes

fly control

Fit versus fat

The latest advice

25 Sponsorship

Case studies show successful relationships

26 Competition Feed A matter of balance

49 Suppliers Directory

Contacts at a glance

50 Interview

Five minutes with Sarah Turnbull

EQUESTRIAN Managing Editor

Production

Vanessa Britton Vanessa@ebmonthly.co.uk

Allison Kemp +44 (0)1953 852946 allison@ebmonthly.co.uk

Content Editor Cathy Wood +44 (0)1953 852941 editorial@ebmonthly.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Accounts Mel Boggia +44 (0)1953 852935 creditcontrol@ebmonthly.co.uk

Sharon Long Design +44 (0)1953 852931 Carra White advertising@ebmonthly.co.uk carra@ebmonthly.co.uk

Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information and reviews contained in this magazine are both accurate and up-to-date, neither Equestrian Business nor its contributors accept any liability to any party for loss or damage incurred by reliance on the information contained in this magazine or through omission or errors, howsoever caused.

Equestrian Business, The Old Dairy, Watton Road, Hingham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4NN, UK

enquiries@ebmonthly.co.uk www.ebmonthly.co.uk Front cover image: Courtesy of Chris Doyle Photography

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian Business

3

uk news A round-up of the UK’s equestrian trade news

If you have some news you’d like to share email us at: editorial@ebmonthly.co.uk or tweet@EBMonthly

FORWARD FEATURES June 2015 ❚ Best of British ❚ Tack: including all disciplines, leather, synthetic, bits, care and repair ❚ Hoof and leg care: summer focus ❚ Ask the expert: Best of brand ❚ Shop fitting: POS and tills ❚ Let’s Talk Products: numnahs and saddle pads

July 2015 ❚ Summer healthcare ❚ Feeding: Allergies and intolerances ❚ The essentials: Tack and feed room ❚ Ask the expert: Staffing issues ❚ Let’s Talk Products: jodhpurs, breeches and over-trousers EQUESTRIAN www.ebmonthly.co.ukuk

Bringing buyers & suppliers together

Feb 2015 Issue 152

EQUESTRIAN www.ebmonthly.co.ukuk

Bringing buyers & suppliers together

March 2015 Issue 153

iNsiDE...

PLAN AHEAD FOR

BETA International & Spoga horse spring

EQUESTRIAN www.ebmonthly.co.ukuk

Also inside...

feeding fibre

winter worming

All you need to know for successful sales

New developments in testing and management

Bringing buyers & suppliers together

Ask the experts Seeking out the answers to your questions!

April 2015 Issue 153

EBM_jan15_cover.indd 1

New chemical labelling

F

rom June 1 2015 the European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures will change. Known as the CLP Regulation, the changes were initiated in January 2009 but have been phased in side by side with previous regulations, until full enforcement across the EU next

McCash’s Country Store puts on great display M

cCash’s Country Store in Perth, Scotland has been declared the winner of a keenly battled competition to celebrate the launch of the new Spillers essentials range. They have bagged themselves £500 worth of shopping vouchers in the process.

More than 30 equestrian retailers around the country entered the competition which involved putting together an in-store display of the distinctive new Spillers essentials packs and point of sale materials. Stores submitted photographs of their artistic talents and they were judged on cvs-ad-1a-66x43mm.pdf 1 creativity, display position and overall impact.

Alistair Muirhead, director of McCash’s Country Store said: “We at the store, are all absolutely delighted to have won the horse feed display competition. We’ve been proudly selling Spillers Horse Feeds at McCash’s Country Store since 1958, and we believe we’ve worked in harmony together feeding generations of the county’s horses and ponies with consistent good quality feeds.”

McCash’s Country Store received £500 of shopping vouchers as their prize. The runner up, Wynnstay Country Store in Oswestry, received £100 of 30/03/2015 09:54for their shopping vouchers spectacular entry, which included

a cardboard cutout horse’s head, bunting and product samples.

Book early for BETA 2016

Inside...

fresh Ideas

Also inside...

expert nutritionists

BEST IN SHOW

Laminitis, Cushings and weight issues

Competition clothing & equipment lets talk products Spring / Summer Rugs

speciality sports Try something new

society

emergency of master response saddlers New ways to treat injuries

Award winners

FIRST FOR ANIMAL CARE AND VALUE

five minutes with...

John Burdon

Our media pack and a full list of features for 2015 is available.

To get your hands on either of these, email: allison@ebmonthly.co.uk Furthermore, give us a call and see what we can do for you over the next 12 months.

4

similar to the old ones) are used.

Downstream users (those who use a substance, either on its own or in a mixture, in the course of their industrial or professional activities) should be aware of the change to CLP and ensure packaging changes have been implemented.

Find out more at www.hse.gov.uk/ chemical-classification/legal/clpregulation.htm

15/01/2015 14:42

Spring & Summer Jackets

Inside...

month. The existing legislation on classification, labelling and packaging has been agreed at European Union level and will now be directly applied on all EU member states, including the UK. The rules will affect companies that manufacture, handle or sell chemical products such as fly repellents and means that a new set of hazard pictograms (quite

Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £100 Order Online Now www.curraghvetsupplies.co.uk

M

ore than 135 companies have shown their confidence in BETA International by signing up for the 2016 trade fair hot on the heels of their success at this year’s show in February. As a reward for booking early, qualifying companies receive a 7.5 per cent saving on the price of their stands as part of the trade fair’s early commitment discount and prompt payment rebate schemes. The initiatives are offered to all those who signed before 27 March and fulfil certain terms and conditions.

“We have 78 per cent of stand

space booked already, which is a very good position to be in,” said BETA International sales manager James Palmer. “Early booking illustrates the strength of support we have from industry members who are keen to sign up for another year.”BETA International is the UK trade exhibition for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2016 show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from January 24-26. For info about exhibiting, contact James Palmer on +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com

news

Bodle Bros win Honeychop pallet winners

H

oneychop Horse Feeds ran a competition at BETA Int 2015 to win a mixed pallet of feed.

The winners were Bodle Bros in West Sussex, and Honeychop representative Susie Blackburn was there to present them with

Small companies need to improve digital skills A

ccording to the latest UK Business Digital Index from Lloyds Bank, 23 per cent of all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still lack basic digital skills. In general the latest Index does show a slow but positive shift towards SMEs becoming more digitally active, however there are still over a million SMEs that lack basic digital skills, according to the study.

Having basic digital skills includes activities such as running a website, using e-commerce or maintaining a social media presence.

Challenges also remain around the perceived benefits of being digital, with a quarter of all organisations believing digital is ‘irrelevant’ to them while more worryingly a similar number (27 per cent) still believe that they have already done everything they can to embrace the digital economy.

The report has also established a strong link between digital

maturity and organisational success, with the most digitallymature SMEs a third more likely and charities two times more likely to see an increase in turnover or funding in the last two years compared with the least digitally able organisations.

Miguel-Ángel Rodríguez-Sola, group director for digital at Lloyds Banking Group says: “In just one year it is pleasing to see that over 100,000 more small businesses in the UK now have basic digital skills. But what is also clear is that real challenges remain – over a million small businesses and charities still lack basic digital skills and the perceived benefits of being digital remain. For example 25 per cent of all organisations surveyed believe digital is ‘irrelevant’ to them. We cannot emphasis enough the benefits that digital adoption can offer – such as saving time, increasing revenue or funding or reaching wider audiences. Digital is the key to unlock these benefits.”

Nantwich Partner Alasdair Topp

Honeychop pallet winners

Leading scientific journal publishes study

R

esearch into the link between diet and horse behaviour commissioned by Dengie and conducted at Edinburgh University has been published

by Applied Animal Behaviour Science – an international journal reporting on the scientific and objective study of the behaviour of animals managed by humans.

“This fantastic news and means that the study can now be referred to as independent peer-reviewed research, which gives it a much higher level of credibility,” said Dengie technical and product development manager Katie Williams. “It will also be used by other researchers carrying out further studies in this field.”

ArcEquine nominated for award

A

longside high profile and growing success for its well-proven ArcEquine unit, widely used by riders to manage the health of their horses, the company behind the microcurrent technology evolution, recently revealed its new ArcEvo unit, which is being developed specifically for human use and was shortlisted for the British Inventors’ Project at The

Gadget Show Live The ArcEvo unit, worn within a comfortable arm strap that is portable and easy to use, has been extensively trialled during its development and is currently seeking investment for formal approval in the UK as a Class 2 Medical Device, before clinical trials can begin.

Applied Microcurrent Technology (Equine) Company Director Ian

their pallet. Julie and the staff were very pleased to have won and are looking forward to selling the product and completing Honeychop’s new CPD staff training and becoming Honeychop feeds specialist.

Thirkell explains: “The British Inventors’ Project celebrates the best in British innovation and we are obviously delighted that our new ArcEvo unit has been shortlisted amongst companies regarded as offering products set to shape our future.”

The study was conducted last year by project leader Dr JoAnne Murray, researcher Louise Bulmer, from Glasgow University (formerly Edinburgh University) and Sebastian McBride, from the University of Cambridge.

The study showed that, overall, the horses had higher heart rates (indicating higher stress levels) when exposed to new situations when fed a cereal-based concentrate mix compared to when they were given fibre-based feeds. cvs-ad-1b-66x43mm.pdf

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30/03

FIRST FOR ANIMAL CARE AND VALUE

VETERINARY QUALITY Order Online Now www.curraghvetsupplies.co.uk

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian Business

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news

New product rewarded T

Snapshot of Scottish horse industry T

he equine industry in Scotland is growing, and according to Horse Scotland, it contributes £228 million to the Scottish economy per year (excluding racing); however there is a need for greater regulation and coordination in order to reduce risks, which include horse health and welfare.

Developing an accurate database of the number and location of horses in Scotland would allow for better monitoring of disease, traceability of horse movement, cvs-ad-1c-66x43mm.pdf more effective breeding programmes and would address

1

FIRST FOR ANIMAL CARE AND VALUE

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE Order Online Now www.curraghvetsupplies.co.uk

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Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

the welfare concerns associated with increased horse numbers.

A recent study published by Scotland’s Rural College’s (SRUC) Rural Policy Centre, in conjunction with the British Horse Society (BHS) Scotland, provides a ‘snapshot’ of the industry and makes recommendations to the equestrian industry, local authorities and the Scottish Government on how to further develop and strengthen the sector.

One of the report’s authors Gillian McKnight, from the SAC 30/03/2015Division 09:55of SRUC Consulting commented: “The equine industry makes a big contribution to the rural economy, and has significant potential, with adequate support and guidance, to deliver integrated business and environmental benefits.

“A thriving horse industry means more people, including a high proportion of women, participating in sport, recreation and access to the countryside, which is good for our physical and mental health.”

Helene Mauchlen, director for BHS Scotland said: “Nearly all legislation pertaining to the horse in Scotland is devolved. In order for our industry to compete fairly with other rural industries when it comes to recognition and funding opportunities we realised that we

needed to start the ball rolling on collecting evidence on the value of the equine industry, instead of relying on figures extrapolated from the UK. This scoping report will hopefully point us in the right direction by identifying priorities for future work at the same time as providing a snapshot of where we are.”

The equine industry is the UK’s second biggest employer in the rural environment however the development of the industry in Scotland is being hindered by fragmented support for business and a lack of coordination. Many new equestrian businesses are farm diversification projects or small independent businesses and they often struggle to access funding and support on issues such as land management and planning.

The report identifies areas of best practice such as the provision of quality assurance for riding and trekking centres; and it makes several recommendations in order to improve coordination and efficiency across the industry.

These include addressing barriers to sector entry and growth, addressing business and land management support issues, quality assurance, and staff training and retention.

opSpec UlsaKind cubes, the newest addition to the North Yorkshirebased company’s portfolio of horse feeds been awarded a prestigious Innovation Award at this year’s BETA International.

The product won in the Feed and Supplements category and the judges, who included Sara Blackshaw, equine category manager of Countrywide Farmers, Alex Colquhoun, chairman of British Eventing’s Young Rider Selection Committee, John Sommerville, a partner in the North Yorkshire veterinary practice Rae Bean & Son, and Sophie Webster, a show rider and producer said: “Extensive research has gone into this well-produced product, which is nicely priced and in appealing packaging with labelling clearly listing the ingredients.”

Recognition for NEF stalwarts

T

he National Equine Forum (NEF) has introduced the position of Honorary Fellow to its organisation, in recognition of those who have made an important contribution to the event over its 23 years. The new title was bestowed upon nine past and retiring members at this year’s NEF, held in March.

The National Equine Forum brings together representatives from all echelons of the equestrian industry. The introduction of Honorary Fellow is a way of showing appreciation to those who have worked so hard to make the event the great success it is.

The first recipients of the new title are past Conveners Professor Graham Suggett who was a part of the working party that founded the Forum and Air Commodore Miles Williamson-Noble, former Vice Chair Richard Matson, former Treasurer and Honorary Secretary Lt Col Gordon Wesley, former Joint Secretary Pauline Harris and former committee members Peter Clarke, Dr Harry Greenway, Rosemary Philipson-Stow and Antony Wakeham.

INTRODUCING

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Quip Clean - is your one stop product for cleaning & disinfecting of tools, buckets, feed bins etc It’s cleaning power makes light work of heavy dirt.

Rug Clean - Our Non- Biological washing liquid works even at low temperatures. Suitable for hand & machine washing. Used by the professionals, avaiable to all.

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Manufactured by us in the UK. Also available No Bute Premium, Navilam’O’ & No Wheeze.

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Absorbine Botanicals™ pampers your horse with a blend of a dozen herbs and essential oils to help calm and comfort tired muscles and leave him feeling relaxed and refreshed. The soothing aromatherapy of Botanicals comes in an economical body rinse and a convenient drip-free massage foam.

www.animal-health.co.uk Tel: 01787 476400

The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name® Available from your usual Absorbine Wholesaler May 2015 Equestrian 7 HORSE CARE TIPS AND MORE AT ABSORBINE.COM www.ebmonthly.co.uk Business

competition how to enter

Win a trade stand at...

Equifest

As one of the main attractions on the equestrian calendar and with thousands of competitors taking part, Equifest is a key event on the retail show calendar.

In this issue we have teamed up with the organisers to offer one lucky winner the chance of having a free indoor 6m x 3m stand for the five day equestrian extravaganza.

T

his year’s Equifest – The Festival for Horse Lovers – is set to be bigger and better with a host of new innovations throughout the event, held from August 12–16 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough.

Well known for its fantastic attendance from equestrian enthusiasts of all levels, Equifest provides exhibitors with the chance to

showcase their products and services alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

This is an exciting opportunity, particularly for anyone just starting out, or even for established businesses that are looking to expand to a wider or new audience.

Visitors can shop until they drop with leading equestrian retailers or browse through cutting edge country

fashion and bespoke designer items for both horse and rider. From rugs to jewellery, there is something for everyone.

Equifest’s spectacular evening performances, wide range of showing classes, fun fancy dress competitions, brilliant demonstrations and master classes always attract visitors from all over the country wanting to be a part of this special event.

To be in with the chance of winning a free trade stand for the five days please tell us in no more than 100 words why exhibiting at Equifest would make a difference to your business. Send your entry to editorial@ebmonthly. co.uk with your name, address and daytime telephone number, or send your entry and details to Equestrian Business Magazine, The Old Dairy, Watton Road, Hingham, Norfolk, NR9 4NN. Please make sure the entry or email states ‘Equifest’.

Competition closes on May 31 2015.

For further information on the show contact +44 (0)1733 363500 or visit www.equifest.org.uk

..

G-uppll.the a l horse naturaddock pa er fer tilis

•Amine forms of nitrogen reduce the risk of laminitis •Uniform, long term, controlled growth •Great root establishment •More digestible grass •Great for grazing and for making high quality hay

Stockists wanted www.G-UPP.co.uk 08432 244908 8

Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

#thisgirlcan

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian Business

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product watch Safety stirrup Sun protection Etrical is a French family run business, run by a former competitive rider.

The company has created an innovative stirrup, which is a simple structured one piece safety stirrup, free of any mechanical release. As a result, the new design prevents the foot from sliding too far into the stirrup and getting stuck during a fall.

In addition to the safety aspect, the wide anti-slip footrests guarantee comfort and guide the foot into the correct position within the stirrup.

www.etrical.com/en/

SanSoleil creates the finest UV 50 apparel for men and women.

SanSoleil ‘SolTek Fabric’ performance print polo offers moisture wicking, quick dry and athletic stretch nylon inserts for cooling ventilation. Plus, most importantly UPF 50 Protection.

These garments are great for sports that require fabric that moves and are lightweight for exertion in the sun’s heat.

www.sansoleil.com

New from NAF

Eye protection

New Slim is a highly palatable weight management supplement, designed to provide essential micronutrients to horses on a restricted diet. The unique blend of ingredients work in synergy with naturally occurring metabolism boosters to provide all those on a restricted diet need for health and vitality. With essential vitamins and naturally sourced antioxidants, Slim works to naturally promote wellbeing for good doers whilst supporting healthy weight loss.

New from Serengeti, Brera sunglasses feature Photochromic Polarized 555nm blue lenses which offer stunning high definition, contrast and colour enhancement. In addition, blue light that causes glare and haze is blocked eliminating the eyestrain that can occur, especially while driving. RRP: £197.00

www.serengeti-eyewear.com

leather care Saddle Clinic’s Equestrian Leather Care Kit is a two-part system, providing everything the equine enthusiast needs for regular maintenance of saddles, tack and other equestrian leathers.

The Saddle Soap provides maximum cleaning power, while remaining non-aggressive to the surface of the leather.

A conditioner uses barrier technology to repel dirt, as well as re-instating its natural leather aroma. A sponge and cloth are also included in the kit.

www.naf-equine.eu

Organic chamomile Equine Organix provides pH-balanced organic chamomile grooming products for horses and dogs.

Made in Italy from the finest organic ingredients and essential oils. No sulfates, harsh surfactants, parabens, EDTA, soaps, alchohol or phthalates. Every purchase helps support rescue/ humane groups and young rider organisations. Grooming products include shampoo, leave-in detangler, dry/ waterless shampoo, and fly spray.

www.equineorganix.com

Its all in the underwear Knix Wear is an all female run company that’s on a mission to create the ultimate underwear for riders and athletes. Using performance fabrics, stitch-free designs that prevent chafing, and 100% seamless finishes that are invisible under breeches, this underwear stays put and keeps riders comfortable and confident in and out of the saddle.

www.knixwear.com 10 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

www.saddleclinic.co.uk

A little bit of Luxe The Luxe Show Jackets by Chillout Horsewear come in two colour combinations: red with black detail and black with red detail. The jackets are made from softshell fabric with waterproof properties making a practical, machine washable jacket.

This well-tailored jacket has zippers on both sleeves and beautiful satin lining and detail, plus optional pocket flaps giving a unique look.

RRP: £149.99

www.chillouthorsewear.co.uk

A personal touch

Mane Tamed

Give It The Boot hand painted boot jacks provide a unique item for any horse or country lover. The practical boot jacks make taking off muddy boots easy and by adding custom graphics for your business you can create a useful promotional tool.

Award winning mane and tail serum Mane Tamed by Animology has been created in conjunction with equestrian experts to deliver extraordinary results.

This leave in product effectively de-tangles mane and tail hair, leaving it in great condition with a high gloss finish. The advanced, vitamin enriched formulation contains conditioners and spf/uva filters.

Animology Mane Tamed has been voted Best New Grooming Product 2015 in the PATS new product awards.

RRP: £9.99 (200ml)

www.giveittheboot.com

Stylish French footwear

Antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral EquisanE70 skin treatment is effective against microorganisms that cause ringworm, mud fever, scald, hoof rot, thrush, canker, sweet itch, streptococcus, and many more. Perfect for use on cuts and wounds to combat infection.

Applied directly on the affected area, it will not sting or irritate. Keeps wounds and problem areas clean and allows them to heal effectively and quickly. Fully compliant with European Biocides Products Regulations (EU528/2012).

Approval includes Product Type3 Veterinary use.

Freejump is the official supplier of the French Teams and the company has recently unveiled the new Liberty Evo footwear range: The Liberty Evo (competition model) and the Liberty XC Evo (training and competition). Technical features: Freejump Riding Control insoles, FJstrapping tongue with centralizing elastic bends, non-slip microfibre on inside heels, suede leather collar, suede leather tongue, three spur positions, stretch leather.

Stylish breeches The Signature Cordoba Woven Full Seat Breeches from Devonaire are made from a beautifully woven micro polycotton and spandex elastane material. This fabric provides phenomenal support and comfort with excellent stretch and recovery.

The breeches have meticulous attention to detail and refined tailoring along with contrast color stitching with heavy duty reinforced seams and a Clarino seat with a silicone patch that enhances grip in the saddle. Available in Taupe, Charcoal, Black and White.

Ladies sizes: 26-38.

www.freejumpsystem.com

www.devonaire.com

fancy feet HPS is a French company that develops horseshoes and modern hoof pads called F1HRT. The products are made from very innovative technical materials and respect the biomechanics of the hoof, encouraging optimal movement and performance in sports horses. HPS morphologic horseshoes and hoofpads all integrate technological devices allowing the hoof to breathe permanently without the intrusion of outside particles.

www.aqualution.co.uk

http://hoof-palmar-systems.webnode.fr/en/

Encouraging relaxation GumBits are small, round treats that promote chewing activity in the horse’s mouth and encourage the salivation process. The unique treats help eliminate teeth grinding that can occur during the intense competition and training of high-performance sport horses. Horses love the sweet taste of the all-natural, FDA-approved ingredients; and the product is safe and palatable. GumBits work by helping horses that grind their teeth while under saddle to chew and relax their jaws.

www.gumbits.com

www.animology.co.uk

Kastel Denmark Winner of the ‘Rider Clothing’ category at this years BETA International Innovation Awards, Kastel Denmark is inspired by the strength of the fortresses or ‘kastels’ in Denmark. Channeling contemporary Danish design, Kastel Denmark products focus on important functional attributes including fabric breathability, protection from the sun, and staying cool while active.

www.kasteldenmark.com May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 11 Business

Career insights

Opportunities

Dr Corrine Austin, PhD scientist and director of Austin Davis Biologics Ltd, provides her career insights.

In the hot seat…

Q A

What does your job entail?

higher education, including a Career insights first degree and PhD. Strangely

I am a PhD scientist and director of Austin Davis Biologics Ltd (ADB). The ADB laboratory runs the EquiSal Tapeworm testing service – the saliva test for diagnosis of tapeworm burdens in horses, and also carries out contract research for various healthcare companies. As ADB is a growing company, I do everything required to run the business, from accounting through to marketing and running the EquiSal test.

Q A

What path did you take to reach this point in your career?

When I left school I started working as a scientific assistant at Unilever Research where I remained for 15 years.

During this time I worked on several different research projects and also undertook

On the move…

Susie Blackburn

my PhD research started out with collecting pig saliva. I can assure you that collecting saliva from horses is a lot easier than collecting from pigs, and a lot less noisy! After a career break to have a family, I formed ADB with my father, Prof Paul Davis. ADB began scientific research into horse parasites in 2011.

Q A

What is the best part of your job?

I enjoy nearly all aspects of my work, but I enjoy scientific research and development most of all. I also love opening the morning’s post to receive in samples and see what messages accompany them.

Q A

What is the worst thing about your job?

I probably complain most about accounting, but it is disappointing to receive saliva samples that are too dilute to get a result from. We aim for the EquiSal testing service to have a

John Davies

quick turnaround time but a dilute sample means that the customer has to resample their horse and inevitably wait longer for the result. It is essential that the horse doesn’t have access to anything to eat for 30 minutes, even small strands of hay on the floor, to avoid dilute samples.

Q A

If you could do any other job in the world what would you do?

I can’t think of many more jobs I would rather do but a veterinary surgeon would be a very rewarding job.

Q A

If you could go back to visit yourself aged 16, what advice would you give yourself?

I would advise myself to bring together my scientific aspirations and interests to build a business earlier in my career. But I would also tell myself the winning lottery numbers for the future!

Susie Blackburn BSc (Hons) CIM, has joined Honeychop Horse Feeds as a sales agent for the south. Susie has a lot of experience within the horse industry having worked for many years for Dodson & Horrell and has spent the last seven years working within the equine pharmaceutical industry.

Nick Mackley and Gillian Wardle

Horslyx is pleased to welcome Gillian Wardle (formerly Gillian Neill) back from maternity leave to take on a new role as Horslyx brand manager. Gillian will now be responsible for maintaining and developing the corporate branding of Horslyx through the packaging, copy images and media for the UK and export.

Nick Mackley, who covered Gillian’s maternity leave, will be taking the position of Horslyx sales manager.

Hannah Atkins, Jo Harrow, Danielle Gautrey

The Dengie sales team is looking in better shape than ever as it appoints Jo Harrow as area manager for the North of England, welcomes back regional manager Danielle Gautrey from maternity leave to East Midlands and East Anglia and makes Hannah Atkins area manager for Wales and West.

www.delacyexecutive.co.uk johndavies@delacyexecutive.co.uk 12 Equestrian May 2015 Tel: 01885 483440 www.delacyexecutive.co.uk Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

A405 Managing Director Equine Nutrition Sector Central De Lacy Equestrian seeks a managing director to join a UK market leader in the supply of quality equine nutrition products.

The company is well respected, innovative and its products are based upon the highest standards of equine nutrition and are designed to create the best in horse welfare and health. This is an influential position with a great deal of day to day autonomy.

A391 Marketing Manager Livestock Equipment The South A rapidly expanding manufacturer and distributor of niche market agricultural equipment, operating in the UK and overseas, is seeking an experienced marketing manager.

Ideal candidates will have a good knowledge of livestock. You will be responsible for maintaining a dynamic and effective marketing programme to drive lead generation and enhance customer satisfaction.

A393 PR and Marketing Opportunity – Senior West Midlands Pinstone Communications is a leading full service agricultural PR and marketing consultancy working specifically with its very diverse, and growing, portfolio of high profile agricultural and land based clients.

They are seeking a driven and ambitious candidate of graduate calibre, with at least three years’ experience in a PR or marketing role at not less than Account Manager level. This is an exceptional career opportunity within a small, friendly team environment based in glorious rural north Herefordshire.

G183 Animal Nutritionist Technical Assistant Midlands We have a great opportunity to join a well-established and growing Animal Nutrition business as a technical assistant, focusing on both ruminant and monogastric nutrition (pig and poultry). The technical team provides formulation services and technical support to the business and direct to customers. This role has excellent career development opportunities.

Find out more about these jobs and others in the Equestrian and Agricultural sectors by emailing johndavies@ delacyexecutive.co.uk or visit www.delacyexecutive.co.uk

launch it

Coopers flies off the shelf again Coopers Fly Repellent Plus, the only product licensed to repel and kill flies on horses in the UK, is back!

W

ith attractive new packaging and a fresh advertising campaign customers are welcoming the return of this truly effective product which is proven as an effective aid in the control of Sweet Itch and for the protection of horses from the misery of flies and lice.

A single application provides up to four day’s fly control and eliminates adult populations of biting lice and viable eggs for up to three months, without staining clothes or tack. The only fly repellent for horses containing Permethrin and Citronellol, Coopers Fly Repellent Plus has a pleasant citrus fragrance that

leaves a horse’s coat smooth and glossy.

Available as a ready-to-use, topical application, Coopers Fly Repellent Plus is both a cost effective and convenient choice for your customers. Supplied in a 600ml pack/bottle, it has a shelf life of up to four years and the non-spray, wipe-on formulation is well tolerated by even the most flighty of horses.

When choosing which products to stock for the coming fly season, it pays to ensure you have a licensed, long-acting and popular fly control product that both kills and repels flies on your shelves. Coopers Fly Repellent Plus is easily applied and while

many other off-the-shelf products may provide relief for short periods of time, re-application a number of times per day will be necessary which can prove unmanageable for your customers on a day-to-day basis. By using a licensed controlled product, a horse can normally gain up to four day’s relief, although longer or shorter protection may occur depending on climatic conditions, the prevailing fly species and the intensity of fly worry.

To ensure your supply of Coopers Fly Repellent Plus, contact your

wholesaler today and remember, it is the only product licensed to repel and kill flies, in addition to being licensed to treat lice and as an aid to control sweet itch.

Find out more at www.msd-animal-health.co.uk or call +44 (0)1908 685685 Further information on the product is also available 1 13/04/2015 10:38 from the SPC http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ProductInformationDatabase/

EB_Coopers_Half _pageV2.pdf

FLY REPELLENT plus

FLY REPELLENT 1.05% w/v Cutaneous Emulsion for horses

plus

!

for horses

NEW PACK

’S

CK

BA

IT

®

Now available from your wholesaler

. .

Proven protection against flies and lice Aids in the control of sweet itch

Repels and kills biting and other

FLIES Controls biting

LICE

Aids in the control of

SWEET ITCH

Coopers ® Fly Repellent Plus contains permethrin and citronellol.

Please refer to product SPC for more information Legal category: AVM-GSL Further information is available from MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ. Tel: 01908 685685 Fax: 01908 685555 E: vet-support.uk@merck.com Internet: www.msd-animal-health.co.uk

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 13 Business

New look, same great taste Talisker Bay, the company behind the famous Likit brand, has acquired the license to manufacture Stud Muffins.

T

in 45, 15 & 3 MUFFIN PACKS

Available from

he company has wasted no time in giving the tasty treats a makeover, but while they have a brand new, modern look, Stud Muffins are just as delicious as ever. Containing a host of natural ingredients including linseed, fenugreek and whole grains, the wholesome treats will continue to be handmade with the utmost care to ensure that these scrummy snacks are as healthy as they are enjoyable.

Stud Muffins come in a variety of pack sizes to suit every budget including new re-sealable bags for freshness.

Find out more at www.studmuffins.co.uk Contact: +44 (0)1655 750523

Spray on plaster wins award Aqueos has launched a spray plaster to early acclaim

A

new to the market Spray Plaster from Aqueos has recently won ‘Best Pet Care Product’ at the PATS 2015 Show.

The judges commented: “This is a unique product.

It does what it says on the packaging. It is also well priced. This product is so good we’re going to buy some for our shops when we leave here.”

The Aqueos Spray Plaster is sprayed directly onto horses and other animals to protect minor cuts and grazes from water, dirt and bacteria. The spray gives a bandagelike protection and remains elastic while being breathable and

waterproof.

It is easy to apply to awkward areas and stays in place while the wound heals, reducing the risk of infection.

Find out more at www.aqueos.co.uk Contact: +44 (0)1672 562007 14 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

AQUEOS NEW

THE ALCOHOL & BLEACH FREE DISINFECTION RANGE

SPRAY ON PLASTER

A must for animal owners to keep in their first aid box. Protects minor cuts and grazes from water, dirt and bacteria. Gives bandage like protection reducing the risk of infection. Easy to apply on awkward areas. Use on horses or any animals, a barrier for mud fever or will keep flies off cuts in the summer

ANTIBACTERIAL SHAMPOO

Kills bacteria, fungi & viruses.

It’s alcohol and phenol free with no added fragrance. Suitable to use as a general shampoo and helps itchy horses. Will soothe and disinfect cuts and grazes and the disinfectant kills strangles & ringworm.

Available from Battle, Hayward & Bower Ltd Call us on: 01672 562007 | info@aqueos.co.uk | www.aqueos.co.uk

launch it

New grooming range

by Animology The UK’s multi-award winning pet care company, Group55, has launched its brand new equine grooming range under the world renowned Animology brand.

S

ince launch in 2010, the Animology range, which now boasts over 40 different products, has sold over 1 million bottles across 40 countries, winning the trust of pet owners, vets, retailers, groomers and championship show dog owners from all around the world.

With a global reputation for developing industry leading, innovative products that offer strong ‘designer’ branding, exceptional shelf appeal and superior performance at an affordable price point, Animology has now introduced its unique blend of style

and quality to the equine market with the introduction of three new products.

The new range includes:

Mane Tamed (200ml)

Best New Grooming Product 2015, PATS New Product Awards An advanced leave in serum that effectively de-tangles mane and tail hair, leaving it in great condition with a high gloss finish.

The vitamin enriched formulation contains conditioners and spf/ uva filters to help provide long term protection and care for the hair.

Find out more at www.animology.co.uk Contact: +44 (0) 1772 786864 or email enquiries@group55.co.uk

Muck Out (750ml)

A horse shampoo with a complex formulation that blends silk and wheat proteins with vitamins and conditioners, to help deliver exceptional levels of care and protection to the skin and hair. The deep cleaning action works by penetrating deep down to the skin to effectively remove dust and dirt. Animology ‘Easy Rinse Technology’ ensures that the shampoo is rinsed out quickly and efficiently, leaving as little residue on the horse as possible. This helps reduce the risk of irritation, speeds drying time, and does not leave a slippery effect on the hair that could encourage saddle slip.

Patch Work (200ml)

Patch Work is a product that effectively helps to remove even the most stubborn stains.

Patch Work also delivers the deep cleaning, low foaming action that Animology products are renowned for, therefore delivering amazing levels of cleanliness and finish to the horse.

RRP: £9.99 each

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 15 Business

launch it

Emerald Green Feeds expands range Emerald Green Feeds has launched two new feeds: Alfalfa-mazing and Grass-tastic.

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hese new chop products join the 100% natural Grass and Alfalfa Pellets in the Emerald Green Feeds range. The grass and alfalfa that goes into the Emerald Green Feeds products is all grown on the A Poucher and Sons family farm in the heart of rural Lincolnshire. The family, now on its fifth generation of farmers, has been drying grass products for the last 70 years. The vast knowledge of making grass feeds for horses gained over many years shows in the quality of the pellets and chop products made.

Find out more at... www.emeraldgreenfeeds.co.uk

Horses and ponies have evolved over centuries to eat a diet of forage, making Emerald Green Feeds’ range of products the perfect feeds for all equine needs. All of the products in the range are 100% natural grass and alfalfa, there are no additives just naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Grasstastic and Alfalfa-mazing, new for 2015, are both highly nutritious and palatable chops designed to be used as either a complete feed or as a supplement to other Emerald Green Feeds products.

Supplying preserved fresh summer grass and alfalfa throughout the year is the aim of the Emerald Green Feeds brand, flash drying at high temperatures locks in the

goodness of the fresh grass and alfalfa, thus providing a consistent feed all year round.

If you are interested in stocking Emerald Green Feeds products contact A Poucher and Sons on +44 (0)1526 398236 or email info@emeraldgreenfeeds.co.uk.

freedom to perform With over 40 years of experience, British company Racesafe is launching a new generation of lightweight, flexible and breathable protection.

R

acesafe’s latest body protector, the PROVENT 3.0, is due to be launched this month.

The PROVENT 3.0 boasts maximum protection, conforming to the highest European and BETA standards, and is certified to BS EN13158:2009 (Level 3). Suitable for all levels of competition.

This latest model is Racesafe’s lightest ever Level 3 body protector and has been developed using the latest foam combinations and lightweight technology. Lightweight, flexible and breathable, this body protector gives riders the freedom to perform to their maximum potential.

Following on from the success of the company’s other body protectors, Racesafe is confident its latest design will be a popular choice with amateur and top riders across all disciplines, who

Find out more at www.racesafe.co.uk +44 (0)1536 771051 or email: info@racesafe.co.uk 16 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

are looking for safety and comfort combined.

The company knows how important it is for riders to feel comfortable in the saddle. Heat generated by the rider is released via the perforated protection and breathable net outer. Air is constantly channelled through the vest by the continual flex of up to 70 independent sections, which disperse the heat outwards away from the body. This double ventilation system allows riders to stay cool and comfortable, whatever they are doing in the saddle.

What’s more, the PROVENT 3.0 features a new easy selfadjustment system to allow improved levels of movement and comfort.

For those who struggle to find

a body protector to fit, there is also good news. Racesafe has extended and improved the size range and offers made-tomeasure adjustments to ensure every rider can have the perfect fit.

The PROVENT 3.0 is available in breathable black in a whole range of sizes and will be available from May 2015

launch it

Due to customer demand we are looking for new stockists!

• Point of Sale ma terial • Discounted Demo

Spring 2015 Dressage Collection

Elegance Deluxe

Samples • Technical Suppo rt

“Master Dressage,

Pirouette Deluxe

not by conquering it, but by becoming it.”

Union Lux

Frank Baines Saddlery is one of the UK’s leading producers of hand-made saddles which are sold throughout the UK and exported to over 20 countries world-wide. A family-run business, we are renowned for our exceptional high quality,

t.+44 (0)1922 640847

attention to detail and innovative saddle designs that provide high performance and the ultimate fit. Hand-made at our workshop in Walsall, in the heart of the Walsall leather industry, our saddles are specifically designed and crafted to satisfy the

e. enquiries@frankbaines.com

Cadence

requirements of both horse and rider. Using only superior materials, including the highest quality, soft leather, we use the latest technologies to help design and craft our range of saddles, focussing on balance, comfort and performance.

w. www.frankbaines.com

Frank Baines Saddlery Ltd, Northcote Street, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom. WS2 8BQ

FrankBaines_BritishDressage_210x145.5mm_20-03-15.indd 1

25/03/2015 09:37

New season, new saddles Frank Baines Saddlery Limited, one of the UK’s leading saddle makers, has launched a suite of new saddle designs for the 2015 horse riding season.

F

rank Baines Saddlery is one of the world’s foremost producers of traditional hand-made saddles, and sells its extensive range of high quality saddles and accessories through a growing network of approved stockists which are located worldwide.

The company’s new saddles are hand-crafted in the workshop in Walsall and make use of new materials and are visually different to existing designs.

Eight new saddle designs have been created including four new Dressage models and four new Jumping models. They are: Dressage: Cadence, Union Lux, Pirouette Deluxe and Elegance

Deluxe Jumping: Eternity, Edessa, Encore and Evolution Garry Baines, production manager at Frank Baines Saddlery, says: “Designing new saddles is a time-consuming process because of the amount of research, development and testing required to ensure the changes you make to each saddle design result in a comfortable fit for both the rider and the horse.”

The designs, spearheaded by Frank Baines himself, have been developed in-house by a dedicated team who have been researching and testing new trees to suit the changing shapes

and breeds of horses, analysing different flap positions and shapes of knee blocks, sampling new materials and enabling customisation by riders.

Garry continues: “By making a number of adjustments to key components of our core saddle designs, the changes enhance the flexibility of riding positions and support, improve the feel of close contact

To view the new saddles visit the new online catalogue available at www.frankbaines.com/brochure The online catalogue, a first for the company, provides stockists with a way to view the full range of high quality saddles as well as the range of bridles and accessories in an interactive way.

between rider and horse, and enrich the rider’s control of their horse. Whilst it’s taken two years’ development – the new saddles are worth the wait!”

The saddles are available to order from approved stockists and, as they are traditionally hand-made, typically have a 4-6 week lead time.

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 17 Business

launch it

5 in 1 Multi-Purpose Spray A new 5 in 1 spray is the latest addition to Botanica’s equine care range.

B

otanica’s 5 in 1 spray is a grooms best friend and this useful product completes the Botanica equine care range, which also includes, Botanica Cleansing Wash, Botanica Natural Herbal Cream and Botanica Anti-Itch for sweet itch.

Botanica 5 in 1 is a multi-purpose spray and with its unique formula, it can be used for a wide range of grooming and horse care requirements.

The spray can be used in five ways: as an insect repellent, mane and tail conditioner, body sheen, to treat dandruff and flakey skin, and for care of minor wounds.

The 5 in 1 spray manages outside interferences such as flies, fleas, dust, dirt and stains,

plus it conditions, shines and detangles giving that extra sheen and resulting in a smooth and sleek coat.

The product even acts as an anti-static and can be sprayed directly on to wounds. It contains tea tree oil and oil of lavender to aid healing and promote healthy skin and coat.

western company exporting herbal medicine to China.

The Herbal range contains a combination of natural ingredients, all of which have proven beneficial properties.

Botanica’s Herbal system works to promote healthy cell growth and complete recovery without scarring.

About Botanica Botanica International Ltd was established in 2005 to cater for the growing awareness of natural products and to ‘utilise the wonders of nature’s healing energy.’

The company has developed a natural herbal to treat common skin conditions, for both human and animal and is the only

Find out more at...

OHS14_49_Botanica:A4_Half_Page_Landscape

www.botanica.ie or call +44 (0)2841 739151

18/11/14

11:06

Page 1

• Mud Rash • Rain Scald • Wounds • Cracked Heels • Sore Tendons

• Sweet-Itch • Sore Shins • War Wounds • Over Reach Wounds • Sun Burn

In fact all skin condition Botanica can be used with great success

18 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

launch it

new from jenkinsons

Elico has launched a new fly mask with ears and nose extensions to complement the existing range of fly protection products.

E

lico’s full face mesh fly mask complete with ear and nose extension helps protect against the flies. The strong fabric provides maximum protection from biting insects whilst the horse is out in the field or in the stable. The mask features a fur fabric lining on the inside to help prevent it rubbing on the horse’s face and nose, giving maximum comfort whilst in use.

Colour: Black Sizes: Small Pony, Pony, Cob and Full Size RRP: £15.95

This new full face mask complements the existing range of products from Elico including the Elico Zebra Combo Fly Rug – a good quality mesh cooler rug in an attractive zebra pattern which is designed with summer in mind. This cool mesh fabric also keeps flies at bay with its design. It has double breast straps, cross surcingles, a belly flap and a tail flap plus a lined neck to avoid rubbing. It features a loop fastening at the top of the neck to

fasten the neck piece to the head collar to avoid slipping. A Zebra Fly Mask is available to match.

Sizes: 5ft–7ft RRP: £39.50. (Co-ordinating fly mask RRP: £11.95) The Elico Mendip Combo Fly Rug features a cool mesh material along with a built in neck cover, double breast straps, belly flap, shoulder gussets and tail flap.

Sizes: 4ft–7ft RRP: £39.95

Find out more at... www.jenkinsonsequestrian.co.uk May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 19 Business

fly control

sweet itch

A holistic approach The summer may bring with it sunshine and a chance to enjoy the outdoors on horseback, but the warmer weather also sees the bugs out in their droves, causing a real nuisance to both horse and rider alike. For the horse, though, the problem can be especially debilitating and driving owners in store in search of an effective solution.

K

nowing how to best deal with the problems caused by flies, midges and mosquitoes is crucial for the horse owner so offering sound, practical advice will be appreciated. Stocking up on masks and rugs at this time of year is sensible, but there are an array of lotions, creams and sprays to help combat the blight of flies and sweet itch, so it is important to know what advice to give and which products to recommend.

“It’s always well worth searching out a product which contains permethrin and citronellol and offers long-lasting protection

20 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

without needing to be reapplied on too frequent a basis,” says Nicola Snowden MRCVS, Equine Veterinary Adviser at MSD Animal Health, manufacturer of Coopers Fly Repellent Plus.

A holistic approach to fly control is appropriate, though, and before examining the ins and outs of available products, it is well worth advising your customer on practical measures that can be taken to safeguard a horse.

Consider all areas of the horse’s environment, from field to stable.

To control exposure to biting insects, horses are best kept away from marshy areas where midges are likely to be most

prevalent. Stables should be kept fly free with the use of ultra-fine mesh, fly papers or electronic fly traps. Stabling at dawn and dusk could also be effective in reducing exposure as this is when midges and mosquitoes tend to be most active. Insecticides can be used on rugs, stables, bedding, tack rooms, lorries and trailers to keep the environment fly and midge free as possible; just remember that gloves should always be worn when applying insecticides.

Accessories

In terms of material equipment, fly fringes and masks are a good way of deterring flies from

As sweet itch is such a debilitating condition, it deserves a special mention.

Treatment of sweet itch revolves around antiinflammatory therapy which is often unsatisfactory and can have serious side effects if used long term. Advising customers on preventative measures is therefore crucial to avoid the condition and limit the suffering which can arise from the intense and unrelenting itching.

Control is aimed at minimising exposure to midge bites and advice often includes some of the following: ❚ Starting control measures early – advise customers not to wait until their horse starts itching ❚ Stabling horses during dawn and dusk when midge activity is greatest ❚ Turning horses out in fields with lower midge burdens such as breezy pastures, higher ground and away from woodland ❚ Preventing horses from grazing areas that have ponds nearby as these naturally attract the troublesome midges ❚ Using an effective fly rug to prevent midge contact with a horse’s skin ❚ Using an effective long acting product containing Permethrin and Citronellol that is licensed to both kill and repel flies

The only one

we’ve found to work effectively between applications, keeping flies away.�

Horse and Pony Magazine Specially formulated in Scotland, the Fly Repellent range from IV Horse is the complete fly control solution. Our HSE approved range for your horse and handy pocket sized range for you offer long term relief from all midges, flies and biting insects.

Find out more at

flyrepellent.4horse.co.uk 01888 544261 info@4horse.co.uk

www.4horse.co.uk

Made in the UK

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 21 Business

fly control

diethylmetatoluamide (DEET) are just some of the common ingredients found in fly sprays.

While some appear to have come straight from the garden or kitchen, others are undoubtedly fresh from the laboratory. Among the array of products on offer, which includes sprays, creams, gels and wipes, there are at least 12 different ingredients, ranging from the most traditional natural solutions to powerful synthetic substances.

Citronella oil is widely regarded as an effective ingredient for the job, but was banned for use under the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) in the EU in 2006 and its use has caused plenty of confusion ever since. All biocidal products containing citronella fall under this ban, but those which don’t fall under the scope of the BPD as biocidal products may be regulated by other legislation which permits citronella to be present. As a result, in spite of the ‘ban’, citronella remains an integral ingredient throughout the equestrian market. The bottom line is that citronella has long since served the test of time and it is very rare that a horse will suffer a reaction to it. Either way, all products should be tested on a patch of the horse’s skin prior

accessing the edge of the horse’s eye, so always keep these in stock. A fly mask with an area to cover the muzzle is also great for horses prone to sunburn. It is important to ensure that any such accessories are carefully and properly fitted, though, so as to ensure that flies can’t become trapped underneath. Fly rugs are made from either lightweight cotton or very fine mesh, which allows the horse’s skin to breathe whilst protecting it from biting insects. This sector of the market has progressed a good deal in recent seasons and there are now rugs to suit all budgets.

Some rugs also offer full face and stomach protection, aiming to cover as much of the horse as possible and some fly masks use intelligent fabrics or an insecticide coating and are designed with sweet itch sufferers in mind.

Active ingredients

The likelihood is that further action will need to be taken to satisfactorily quell the problems caused by flies and with a wide range of pharmaceutical applications available, it’s important to be able to identify the most effective and suitable of these. Cinnamon, vinegar, lavender, geranium and

on the shelf...

to overall application, just in case the horse should suffer an adverse reaction.

Making a choice

When looking at the viability and convenience of stocking a particular product, it makes sense to do your homework and choose a product which is licensed and as such has evidence proving its efficacy. As well as this, consider for how long it will continue to prove effective: the requirement to regularly re-apply can prove difficult logistically for your customers. A product containing both permethrin and citronellol will give long lasting protection, with a single application often providing up to four days relief from flies, and will additionally eliminate adult populations of biting lice and viable eggs for up to three months. This longer-term defence offers greater flexibility for the horse owner as well as peace of mind, the value of which shouldn’t be underestimated.

Supplement protection

Providing horses with a supplement in either feed or water is another method of repelling flies. Most of these types of supplements will need

to be built up prior to the height of summer when flies are at their worst. Powders, liquids and granules are all available depending on customer preference. A primary ingredient of these supplements is garlic.

Garlic is a detoxifier, which goes to work internally in the blood.

As it passes through the system, cleansing impurities in the blood, it emits an enzyme which shields the protein the female insect needs in order to lay eggs.

Products including vinegar and various herbs prevent it from going through the digestive tract, directing it instead into the blood stream where fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and other insects feed. The advice with feeding garlic is the same as with all other concentrates and supplements, introduce gradually and keep an eye out for any signs of irritation.

There exists a whole raft of techniques and options to combat the misery that can be caused by flies and midges, however the most effective policy will always involve an integrated approach combining those methods that best suit your customers’ horses and their circumstances.

garlic Results from two separate studies at Aberystwyth University have shown that when fed continuously, Garlic Horslyx can reduce the number of flies landing on horses and help alleviate irritation caused by sweet itch. Garlic Horslyx is a palatable, nutrient rich lick containing optimum amounts of pure garlic oil, together with the Horslyx high specification vitamin, mineral and trace element package to support a strong immune system.

RRP: from £13.10.

www.horslyx.com

Long lasting Veredus Biocare Raptor Fly Repellent spray is a strong repellent that protects horses against insects including stable flies, horn flies and mosquitoes. With built-in sunscreen, the efficient spray should be applied to the horse after brushing avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth.

RRP: £27.70 (500ml)

www.zebraproducts.co.uk 22 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

UltraShield is the ultimate insecticide for use around horses to protect against irritating and biting insects. It provides instant ‘knock-down’ for insects and a long lasting protective ‘shield’. UltraShield offers protection in equestrian premises, stables and barns, and dog sleeping quarters.

The UltraShield brand Fly Mask is made from new ‘Rip-Shield’ material which is tear resistant, providing protection against all types of flying insects. It has two adjustable safety-release closures to ensure a good fit.

www.absorbine.co.uk

Ease your horses’ fly distress with...

Feed-Thru Fly Control Breaks the Fly Life Cycle. Prevents the Development of Stable Flies and House Flies in the Manure of Treated Horses. Highly Palatable Feed Additive.

For our complete range see our website www.lesliesutcliffe.com LS Sales (Farnam) Ltd. Bloxham Mill, Oxon, England, OX15 4FF T: +44 (0) 1608 683855 E: orders@lesliesutcliffe.com May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 23 Business

WOULD YOU PUT UP WITH IT?

flies lice midges Deosect is the only prescription product to control flies, lice and midges for up to 4 weeks For further information please contact: Zoetis UK Ltd., Walton Oaks, Dorking Road, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7NS contains cypermethrin 24Deosect Equestrian May 2015 Speak to your medicine prescriber about the use of this or alternative products. www.ebmonthly.co.uk ® Registered trademark UseBusiness medicines responsibly: www.noah.co.uk/responsible/

Date of preparation: 4.15

Tel:0845 3008034 AH268/15

POM-VPS

sponsorship

Sponsorship success stories

In the March issue of Equestrian Business we looked at how to make sponsorship work for your business. Now, we present some case studies that show just how much a good sponsorship relationship can bring to companies in the equestrian sector.

S

ponsorship has always been an important part of the equestrian world and there are many ways for companies to use sponsorship to help increase brand awareness and sales. Whether to sponsor individual riders or events, or anything else, will depend on your type of company and what you hope to achieve.

Every sponsorship arrangement requires a great deal of effort to make it a success. SEIB Insurance Brokers maintain a high profile in the equestrian world via event sponsorship and are renowned for ‘putting something back in to horse sports’.

This has been achieved through its long running SEIB Search for a Star showing series, which began over 18 years ago and gives true grassroots, amateur riders the chance to compete at Horse of the Year Show. The success of the series is due to the unusual level of commitment and exceptionally hard work put in by SEIB, who run each of the qualifiers and put on a pre-HOYS training day.

Whilst SEIB Search for a Star is predominantly aimed at giving riders opportunities, the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class has given ex-racehorses

the chance to be in the HOYS spotlight. This class reached a milestone in 2013 when the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Champion went forward to the HOYS Supreme Horse of the Year Championship. SEIB Insurance Brokers has reaped the reward of their continued commitment to the series through the ever increasing media coverage and good will within the equestrian community that it generates.

SEIB also sponsor the British Riding Clubs Quadrille

involved with events that have high numbers of competitors, and to stick with our sponsored activities for the long term so that the association of the SEIB brand really becomes established with the event”, says SEIB Insurance Brokers marketing manager, Nicolina MacKenzie. “Through our sponsorship, we find that our customers are very much aware that SEIB focuses just as much on grassroots riders as those competing at the pinnacle of their discipline.”

“With the increasing reach of social media, SEIB have looked to rider sponsorship to help generate regular and engaging content” competition with its Olympia Final and the incredibly popular SEIB Burghley Sponsored Ride, which offers the unique experience of riding around the prestigious Burghley Park on the final day of the world famous three day event.

Everyone has a happy day and it is very good for SEIB to be aligned with such an enjoyable occasion.

SEIB have also been involved with the popular Trailblazers Championship series from the beginning. “We like to get

With the increasing reach of social media, SEIB have looked to rider sponsorship to help generate regular and engaging content.

They have recently announced their support of para dressage rider, Bert Sheffield, and may soon look at other disciplines.

Top horse care product brand, US based Absorbine, focuses on sponsoring individual riders to build brand awareness. European marketing co-ordinator, Rachael Holdsworth says: “Our riders

are using these products on a daily basis on lots of different horses and their feedback and testimonials are invaluable. They also often have great ideas for new products.”

Absorbine sponsors showing riders Jayne Ross and Jo Bates. “In the six years we have sponsored Jayne, she has won the HOYS Supreme Champion title three times! It is impossible to guarantee success on that level, but having a top rider as a brand ambassador is very beneficial,” Rachael says. “We were thrilled when Charlotte Dujardin approached us, especially when she explained that she has always used Absorbine products and absolutely loves them! Working with international riders fits well with our global marketing strategy.”

The latest riders to be signed up for Absorbine are Australian eventing couple, Kevin McNab and Emma Dougall. Rachael continues: “Kevin and Emma are supremely talented riders and very focused. Their association with the Absorbine brand will increase the exposure of our products in the eventing world.”

Saffron Walden RC won the SEIB Quadrille at Olympia 2014. Image courtesy of Kit Houghton

SEIB Search for a Star winner Diamond Roulette with rider and producer Nikki Johnson and SEIB marketing manager Nicolina MacKenzie.

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 25 Business

competition feed

Credit: Chris Doyle Photography

Achieving the right balance Jane Buchan from Baileys Horse Feeds explains some of the challenges of feeding the competition horse.

F

eeding the performance horse is typically about balancing the needs and desires of the rider with the requirements of the horse, which can present a challenge as they often seem at odds with each other. Riders want horses to remain calm and manageable yet to have the energy to perform to their best and to ‘sparkle’ at the end of the day as well as they did at the beginning.

Horses need to spend 18 hours of 24 eating and to consume an absolute minimum of the equivalent of 1–1.5% of their bodyweight as forage/fibre, something which is essential but often forgotten by riders. This fibre foundation maintains gut health and function as well as satisfying the horse’s psychological need to

26 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

chew then the competition horse must also have the necessary calories and other nutrients to maintain condition and sustain performance.

Fibre fuel

Riders who prefer fibre as an energy source yet find hay or haylage falls short on the calorie front can look to alfalfa chaffs, especially those with added oil, to provide digestible fibre and slow release energy. Their Digestible Energy (DE) content can range from 9MJ/kg to 12.5MJ/kg compared to average hay or haylage at 7–9MJ/kg so can be a useful source of additional calories as long as they are fed in reasonable quantities. Beet pulp or alfalfa/beet combination products are also useful but, like

any forage-only diet, must be fed with a balancer to provide essential nutrients likely to be lacking from these fibre sources.

Traditional’ performance feeds

Competition mixes and cubes are designed for situations where fibre alone can simply not meet energy requirements and provide considerable levels of additional calories plus the necessary supporting nutrients to support higher workloads. Like all compound feeds, they should be fed at recommended amounts to ensure the horse has a fully balanced diet supplying what he needs – under-feeding, to control calorie intake, means underfeeding essential nutrients.

Oats and oat-based mixes are

often avoided by riders afraid of too much fizz but they suit plenty of horses, particularly the more laid back types who are working hard and/or those needing faster release energy for bursts of power and speed, like show jumpers.

For horses who are prone to unwanted excitability and riders looking for controllable energy and/or stamina, feeds containing slower release energy sources, like alfalfa, beet pulp and oil, may be preferable.

When discussing horses’ energy levels, it’s worth asking a few questions as excitability can be down to management and routine and a few suggested changes eg. more turnout time, could make all the difference. In our experience, it’s also worth tailoring recommendations to suit perceived or determined rider ability, in the first instance, to help achieve customer expectations.

Sweating is inevitable in harder working horses and the regular use of an electrolyte supplement, whenever a horse does so, will aid rehydration and recovery.

Riders who find their horses seem ‘jaded’ or lack stamina and who don’t give electrolytes during training and competition, may find considerable improvement in their horses’ ability to perform and recover, when they do.

New trends

With increasing recognition of the prevalence of gastric ulcers among both leisure and performance horses, manufacturers are offering more feeding solutions for equine sufferers who, along with those prone to tying-up or laminitis, need their starch intake controlled.

Options for these horses involve reducing or avoiding cereals, which can result in starch contents of 10% or lower, with ‘superfibres’ and oil included as preferred energy sources.

Only a couple of these low starch ‘clinical’ feeds are fully balanced with vitamins and minerals, while a number of other appropriate products should be fed with the recommended amount of a balancer to provide the necessary supporting protein, vitamins and minerals. Unmolassed beet pulp is a popular choice in these diets as it not only provides highly digestible superfibres, it is also starch-free and contains pectin, which becomes mucous-like in acidic conditions thus helping to protect the delicate stomach lining.

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*When compared to traditional diets with comparative energy levels

www.allenandpage.com May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 27 Business

competition feed Where calorie requirements are considerable and superfibre sources are insufficient to maintain condition and fuel work, oil is an invaluable concentrated source of slow release ‘noncereal’ calories. Straight soya or vegetable oil can be fed but needs supplementing with antioxidants, like vitamin E and selenium, to support its efficient metabolism in the body. High oil supplements represent an increasingly popular ‘mess-free’ alternative, generally with ‘built-in’ antioxidants, and can be added to any existing balanced diet to boost the overall calorie content, without excessively increasing the total volume of feed.

Quality control

All those competing in affiliated competitions and racing must be steered towards those feeds manufactured and marketed by members of BETA’s NOPS Assurance Schemes. Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) can either be naturally present within certain ingredients or can arise from inadvertent cross contamination of ingredients before their arrival with the feed manufacturer.

Companies who are members of the BETA NOPS Code are audited under the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) and the BETA NOPS Appendix, which require them to evaluate the risk of a NOPS contamination during every step of the manufacturing process of each of their products and to design quality management systems accordingly. All ingredients should be fully traceable to source and participating companies also take part in an ‘early warning system’ so that, should any contamination be identified, BETA are notified and can forward details to other members.

For riders and trainers, the important message about products bearing the BETA NOPS logo is that, while they are not guaranteed to be free from naturally occurring prohibited substances, the logo indicates that every care is taken during their manufacture to minimise the risk of contamination. By choosing these feeds or supplements, riders also demonstrate their own responsible approach to the risk but must also play their own part in avoiding feed contamination by following best practice on the yard.

Further information regarding

28 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

best practice on yard and guide to avoiding prohibited substance can be found at http://www.beta-uk. org/pages/feed-safety/beta-nopsscheme.php.

Typical case studies

Low forage/fibre intake Some riders or trainers have an aversion to feeding sufficient forage to horses in hard work or training, while some horses, often

and provide plenty to chew on while supplying digestible fibre and, in the case of alfalfa, additional protein to help build muscle.

Meeting fibre requirements in this way should help enhance the digestive and psychological health of the horse in question, with knock-on improvements in digestive efficiency and, hopefully, condition and performance.

supporting nutrients. As workload increases, so does a horse’s requirement for protein (muscle build and function, tissue repair etc) and vitamins and minerals and customers should be advised to assess their horse’s workload and feed the appropriate level of balancer to support well-being and recovery.

Feeding a balanced diet in this way ensures the horse feels well in himself, which can translate to more willingness to work and improved stamina and recovery.

Importantly, balancers provide quality protein and essential amino acids, the building blocks of important tissues, like muscle, tendons and ligaments, and often contain pre and/or probiotics to support gut health and fibre digestion, which is particularly beneficial if fibre intake is limited to control calorie intake.

Where there is a reluctance to feed the full amount of a compound feed, the diet can be topped up with a balancer to ensure nutrient requirements are met. Always ask how much a customer is feeding of their chosen feed and refer to manufacturer’s guidelines to establish whether this should be

“All those competing in affiliated competitions and racing must be steered towards those feeds manufactured and marketed by members of BETA’s NOPS Assurance Schemes” those who are stressy or gastric ulcer sufferers, may simply not be good forage eaters. Either scenario is detrimental to the horse’s health and well-being and may be the reason why it is not thriving or performing as hoped.

Ideally hay or haylage should be of the best quality available, with softer, leafier forages generally being more digestible, more nutritious and often more palatable. These horses should have ad lib access to forage, if at all possible, and be persuaded or allowed to consume a minimum of the equivalent of 1% of their bodyweight as forage or other fibre sources ie. 5kg per day for a 500kg horse.

To encourage natural foraging behaviour, alternative fibre sources can be offered, separate from the compound feed, as a ‘haynet in a bucket’. Soaked beet pulp or the alfalfa/beet pulp combinations, like Fibre-Beet or Alfa-Beet, are ideal and should be weighed out dry then soaked according to instructions. Alfalfa and other chaffs are also useful

Remembering to question customers on their horse’s forage intake will help identify susceptible individuals, who may well be eating the right compound feed in the correct quantities but aren’t thriving as they’re not getting enough fibre.

sufficient. Larger-framed horses still need the musculature to fill that frame and have the power to perform so a combination of mix or cube plus balancer should help achieve this without excessive weight gain.

Laid back good-doers These can range from the cob with an ambitious rider to warmbloods and part-breds, who often get fed next to nothing, or perhaps a small amount of a competition mix, because they’re working hard, but can’t have anywhere near the full amount of feed as it would go to their waistline. Many are then labelled ‘lazy’, whilst others, especially eventers, are starved in the desperate hope of turning them into the lean Thoroughbred they are never going to be!

Good-doers and horses working/ competing at lower levels or less frequently will probably be fine with little other than grass and other forage as their main source of calories and these are ideal candidates for balancers to supply

With such a variety of horse types and rider abilities to cater for, an understanding of what the feeds on your shelves provide and how they can best be fed for optimum performance will help achieve customer satisfaction and repeat business. All top manufacturers offer staff training which should clarify, sometimes, subtle nutritional differences and benefits across a range of feeds as well as helping keep you up to date with developments in equine nutrition.

Make sure your customers have access to the latest productsupport literature and refer them to feed company help lines or local nutritional advisors where appropriate. Their aim is always to advise on the right diet for the horse!

Help and advice

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 29 Business

competition feed

on the shelf...

Energy for activity

To stay at the top of its performance, a horse requires power, athleticism and concentration and the rider must demand obedience too, if success is to follow. To achieve all of these aims can be difficult and accurate feeding plays a huge part in getting it right. When advising on a concentrate feed, always take into account the level of work being carried out by the horse as well as its age and condition. As part of the Barley & Molasses Free Range, Calm & Condition is the ideal medium energy feed that will provide fibre and oil-based energy.

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Achieve optimum nutrition 100% grass

Baileys Performance Balancer supplies a complete range of essential nutrients, carefully balanced to support performance, good health and wellbeing and thereby helps address, and ultimately avoid, common nutritionrelated problems, without the need for expensive supplementation. For horses who receive no hard feed, Performance Balancer can be fed alone to provide all the essential nutrients they need, alongside forage, whilst those on straights, like oats, reduced amounts of hard feed or lower energy feeds, can also have nutrients topped up to optimum levels.

ReadiGrass is 100% grass, produced from freshly cut ryegrass varieties, dried gently to remove only the water, leaving the high nutrient value of fresh grass.

Extremely palatable and tempting to the fussiest of feeders, ReadiGrass can be fed as part of a forage ration from a bucket rather than a net. It is an excellent source of fibre and protein for horses with limited access to fresh pasture and grazing. In addition it is a BETA NOPS accredited product; convenient and excellent for taking to shows or competitions.

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sustained performance A highly palatable, high energy blend of cooked cereals, oils and proteins, Hunter Competition Mix provides a well balanced supply of slow and instant release energy for horses in hard work. Quality digestible proteins sources help achieve correct bone, muscle and tissue growth whilst providing optimum levels of micronutrients for horses that excel in the area of sustained high performance.

Formulated with high oil levels not only for sustained energy but also to maintain good skin and coat condition.

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Carrot and Apple Express competition mix My Day Feeds’ unique, patented air-dried Carrot and Apple Express are innovative products consisting of pure premium quality air-dried carrots and apples free from artificial colourants or additives serving two purposes – a feed supplement and an alternative to electrolytes. The products are ideal for performance horses and even the most reluctant horses will be tempted to eat and drink Carrot or Apple Express, replenishing

www.mydayfeeds.co.uk

30 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Competition Mix is the most popular formulation for serious competitors – providing horses with fast release energy from cereals and oats. The muesli contains increased levels of minerals (including electrolytes) to cope with the unique demands of competition.

Competition Mix provides competition horses with a tailored package of nutrients to support all levels of competition. The feed is packed full of antioxidants, B vitamins and locally grown and quality controlled ingredients.

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THE POWER OF PYRETHRIN S.W.A.T releases a measured amount of Pyrethrin automatically with variable dispenser settings and day/night sensor. Safe in stables.

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May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 31 Business

business advice

Ask the expert This month’s business experts answer key questions on the ins and outs of event insurance plus health and safety risks, training and policy.

To ask your questions simply email editorial@ebmonthly.co.uk and we’ll find a trade or business expert to help.

Who is the expert?

Q

What is vital for an event insurance policy to cover and what is optional but perhaps recommended?

james answers:

A

james trevis specialist insurance advisor circle insurance answers: James Trevis is a specialist insurance advisor to the Society of Master Saddlers and an Event Insurance expert at Circle Insurance Services plc. Circle is an Independent Chartered Insurance Broker.

Tel: +44 (0)2476 232687 james.trevis@circleinsurance. co.uk www.circleinsurance.co.uk

32 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Employers Liability is compulsory by Law. Public Liability is also vital and more than likely a contractual requirement of the venue. The key here is to make sure it is arranged properly as many standard business packages will not protect the policyholder at an event.

Optional covers include Cancellation Insurance, which essentially protects the budget of organisers and those with a financial interest in an event.

What many businesses fail to realise is the huge investment they have made in an event which will be lost if the event is disrupted in some way. The venue will not normally provide refunds and even if they do, this will not represent the full value to the organiser in respect of their increased costs or lost revenue.

The other main cover to consider would be Property cover. Many standard business packages will not cover property away from the normal place of business; there might also be onerous

restrictions relating to theft on many ‘off the shelf’ policies.

A specialist Event Property Insurance policy will be geared around the event environment and therefore respond more suitably should a claim occur.

Transit cover can often be included at little or no extra cost when purchased.

Q A

What value of equipment can be covered?

You can and should insure the full reinstatement value of the equipment and book value of any stock which is being taken to the event. I have insured the very little to the very large. Ultimately the higher the value of equipment, the more delicate or theft attractive it is will have an implication on the cost of the insurance. Usually it is much more cost effective to arrange annual cover for a regular event-goer.

Q

If the organisers rely only on voluntary help and not paid employees, is employers liability necessary?

A

Yes it is. If an organiser is utilising staff at an event it does not matter if they are paid, unpaid, temporary or volunteers.

The organiser will likely have a duty of care to those individuals and therefore could be found legally liable should injury occur.

Employers Liability Insurance will extend to cover all types of staff, providing the organiser has accurately disclosed the scale of their involvement.

Q

Can insurance provide cover in the event of cancellation (e.g. bad weather) and therefore allow the organiser to return competitor entry fees?

A

Yes it can. It is however important for the insurer to be made aware of either the contractual requirements in place or the commercial nature of the organisers’ income from tickets or entry fees. This is because the policy can then be designed accurately and ‘up front’ to cater for such an eventuality. It is important to note that Cancellation Insurance will also pay for additional expenses to try and save an event before it is cancelled. After all, the insurer would prefer to pay £10,000 if it saves them £20,000!

Q

What type of insurance would trade stands require?

A

Very similar to organisers: Employers and Public Liability, Cancellation and Property Insurance. It is important that the insurer understands what activities are taking place on the stand and agrees to provide cover for them.

Many policies will not cover any form of ‘participation’ so stand-holders should speak to a specialist insurance provider.

In some cases, a well-designed annual policy can save a regular exhibitor a lot of time and money.

Equestrian Retail Trade Panel Our Ask the Experts feature consults leading business experts on a variety of subjects, but of course by successfully running your own equestrian business, you’re an expert in your own right! As such, you can have your say.

Equestrian Business magazine invites you to become a part of our Equestrian Retail Trade panel.

This will involve you giving your views on subjects that we cover within the publication and online, plus reviewing products from equestrian manufacturers with a retailer’s hat on, rather than directly as a consumer.

This is your chance to have your say, get answers to questions you would really like to ask

manufacturers and to give your valuable feedback on the products you sell.

If you would like to get involved please email vanessa@ ebmonthly.co.uk, so you can join the ever-growing panel of retail experts. And don’t worry, it won’t take up lots of time. We will simply email you from time-to-time and your responses should not take up more than ten minutes or so of your time.

For more information contact: +44 (0)1953 850678 or email Vanessa@ebmonthly.co.uk

business advice

Who is the expert?

tim stutt safety consultant Tim Stutt Health & Safety services Tim Stutt from Tim Stutt Health & Safety services has been involved with horse racing since 1988 including nine years as assistant trainer to Barry Hills in Lambourn and for Charles Egerton. He is a graduate of the Nat. Dip. for the management of thoroughbred horses at Witney College and is IOSH qualified in Health and Safety. He has also worked at Highclere Stud, the Institute for Animal Health and Overbury Stud. As a self employed Health and Safety consultant since 2002, Tim has seen the need for his services grow with 60 plus clients including racing yards, studs, farm estates, vets and riding schools taking advantage of his knowledge.

Tel: +44 (0)1488 72629

Q

What are the biggest risks associated with a stud, riding school or equine business?

tim answers:

A

By far and away the biggest risk is going to come from handling horses. There is an inherent risk from handling any large animals and you are never going to stop all the accidents from riding or being in close proximity to half a ton of psychopath but it’s amazing how common it is to see staff not following safe practice. Failing to tie a horse up when it’s being tacked up or mucked out, not replacing tack well past its use by date, wearing incorrect safety equipment etc are all things I see time and time again that should be drummed into a horseman when they first start handling horses and should be just common sense.

Q

What’s the biggest risk in a tack shop?

“There is an inherent risk from handling any large animals”

A

Fire is the obvious big risk to shops. Even a small fire that doesn’t result in any injury can result in thousands of pounds worth of damage to property and smoke damage to stock. I regularly see poor fire risk assessments or good assessments not being carried out. It’s no good having a lovely assessment that sits ignored in a file. They take quite specialist knowledge to put together too and they’re really one area that you don’t want to skimp on.

Q A

How do you choose an external advisor?

Many years ago I took over a large thoroughbred stud that had been using a large conglomerate Health & Safety consultancy from London. I was quite intimidated to find I had inherited a huge walk in cupboard filled with files, folders and guidance provided by the previous company. Upon further inspection I found it was virtually all useless. There were risk assessments on everything from replacing the photocopier toner to the gardener putting in winter pansies and yet only two risk assessments relating to handling horses. Keeping in mind that there was only one woman in the office, a part time gardener and 90% of their staff were handling horses the importance of getting a consultant that really understands your industry is obvious.

Q

What’s the best Health & Safety advice you can give to an employer?

A

Don’t look at your H&S as a box ticking exercise or something that needs to be done in case you get sued after an accident. The essence of H&S is to prevent accidents: it’s that simple. It doesn’t matter how many risk assessments or policies you have if you are not putting them into practice or looking at your site with a view to stopping accidents before they happen. Also look at your H&S as a whole not as a fragmented set of documents.

Each document should back up and support the other. Your H&S policy is the hub but all the risk

assessments, fire assessments, policies and procedures are the spokes and they’re all connected to each other and form a whole wheel that make your business run more smoothly and more profitably. H&S should be an asset to your business not a chore that needs to be done to satisfy the powers that be.

Q

What are the consequences of not having H&S in place?

A

There can be real far reaching consequences for not having all your ducks in a row.

There are the moral implications that an employee or visitor to your site should not have their health damaged by your work actions. As well as ultimately death, the mental and physical issues can affect a person for a very long time – just look at how many people are still affected by asbestos over 50 years after working with it. The financial implications are also worth keeping in mind. For every £1 of immediate costs there is £6 of hidden costs from increased insurance premiums to bad publicity and from man hours dealing with paperwork to loss of valued members of staff etc.

Then there are also legal issues that are obviously a result of poor H&S. The new corporate manslaughter legislation makes it easier for directors of companies to be held responsible for their actions with jail being the ultimate penalty.

Q A

Can you give a final piece of advice?

Don’t ignore H&S and hope it will go away. If you’re not sure what to do or find the whole subject intimidating and just keep meaning to do something about it and never seem to find the time, get someone in to do it for you. It doesn’t need to be an expensive or a time consuming exercise and particularly once it’s been put in place initially – if your business doesn’t change in nature or size, it can take as little as an hour a year to keep on top of it. You get an accountant to come in and look after your tax return because you know that it’s complex, needs specialist knowledge and the ramifications of getting it wrong can be huge and H&S is exactly the same. So if you’re frozen with fear of doing the wrong thing and not doing anything at all, get professional advice.

send in your questions To put your questions to an expert simply email editorial@ebmonthly. co.uk. We will search out the best person to answer your question, so you can get the best advice.

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 33 Business

safe in the saddle

head to toe safety Equestrian Business looks at the all important safety products on the market, with new products in the spotlight.

A

good, well-fitted and properly cared for riding helmet is a must for any rider and with safe, quality helmets at all budgets it is probably one of your best selling products. According to the latest BETA National Equestrian Survey (2015) the UK market has 2.7 million riders, 1.3 million of which ride regularly.

“Before the introduction of BSEN 1384, surveys consistently showed that 33% of all equestrian injuries were to the head and face. A repeat study conducted after the introduction of BSEN 1384 by Dr Michael Whitlock, consultant in emergency medicine in Surrey, showed the figure to be 15%. It also showed that 90% of riders were wearing an approved standard hat,” says Sarah-Jane Fedarb, managing director of Champion Manufacturing, indicating just how important standardised safety helmets have been.

“This figure has been confirmed by other studies to have remained

34 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

constant at 15% in the past five to ten years. Isolated head injuries are now fewer and may even be lower than figures show, as many accidents involving head injuries now do not need to receive hospital treatment because the hat has ‘worked’, although the rider may still have concussion,” adds SarahJane.

The recent withdrawal of the BSEN1384 standard does not affect riding hats already available in the marketplace. It does mean that manufacturers can no longer manufacture hats that are only certified BSEN 1384, however wholesalers and retailers can continue to sell BSEN 1384 hats indefinitely. “There is still consumer demand for hats certified to BSEN 1384,” says Sarah-Jane. “One of our sales team was in an approved Champion stockist recently when a consumer came in to buy a new Champion Air-Tech (certified to BSEN 1384), literally one week after she had purchased one – sadly the rider had been in a riding accident and bumped her head,

however she was completely uninjured and very grateful for her Champion BSEN 1384 hat so gladly purchased an identical replacement. British Standards Institute test results show that, on average, the Champion range of BSEN 1384 hats and helmets exceeded the requirements of the BSEN 1384 test by 30%.”

Champion has been a driving force in the design and development of protective riding wear for nearly four decades and was the first manufacturer to make hats to the British PAS 015 standard over 20 years

ago. Production of Champion’s extensive range of PAS 015 hats and helmets continues at the Champion factory in Cardiff and a number of new PAS 015 helmets were launched at BETA earlier in the year. Champion’s best-selling BSEN 1384 hats and helmets have been revised and re-certified to PAS 015.

Safety history

Any discussion of rider safety generally always begins with helmets, although now it can encompass a whole range of items including body protectors, A history of helmets

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR MANUFACTURERS WREXHAM

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SAFETY

www.charlesowen.co.uk May 2015 Equestrian 35 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Business

safe in the saddle air jackets, stirrups, balance straps and more. There was once a time however when a basic hunt cap was the only option you had: “Hats have come a long way over the last four decades, with the classic hunt cap of the past offering little or no protection to the rider of the horse,” says SarahJane.

Head protection products are an important part of the gear used for many sports (such as motor car racing and cycling), as well as being a daily requirement for motorbike riders. There has therefore been much crossindustry research into the way materials, designs and testing procedures are implemented, all of which have helped to raise safety standards for all

types of protective head wear.

Materials used now provide dramatically enhanced impact protection than they did 20 years ago when generally most models manufactured to BS:4477 and BS:6473 only protected the crown of the wearers head, while at the same time hats in general have become lighter. The result is that riding hats that conform to current standards are much safer while also being more comfortable for riders to wear.

Testing procedures and standards today are also more thorough than ever before with leading hat manufacturers submitting their products for further testing by the British Standards Institute, where the tried and trusted Kitemark is awarded. All hats and helmets that carry Kitemark approval offer

Innovation in safety The BETA Innovation Award winning Hack-CAM is yet another way for riders to increase their safety and could be worth a look this year. The products are reflective and hi-viz tail sleeves and tabards with built in mini cameras that record whilst riding on the road. Clear slogans: “Smile You’re on Camera” and “Please Pass Wide & Slow” encourage drivers to pass horses carefully. The brainchild of a company

called Gizapaw, the product is easy to set up and provides an additional boost to your hi-viz and safety products.

The company says: “All of our products are designed to fulfil our aim of producing quality safety products at affordable prices. We hope to reduce accidents through prewarning. Our Hack-CAM range does this not only through the warning, but also by recording via a small attachable camera.”

“Materials used now provide dramatically enhanced impact protection than they did 20 years ago”

Correct hat fitting is important

additional safety reassurance as they are tested on a continual basis, with every batch produced passing through the BSI’s rigorous testing system. There are four main areas of testing: penetration, shock absorption, harness strength and stability.

It’s all in the fit

To ensure that any safety product, whether it’s a riding hat, helmet or body protector, offers the maximum level of protection possible, it’s crucial that it fits the rider correctly. It must also be replaced regularly – Champion recommends around every three years is a good average – and of course always replaced after a fall, impact or any type of damage.

As a result, it’s vitally important

36 Equestrian May May 2015 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

that retailers are able to fit safety products correctly, not only to ensure they provide customers with an excellent customer service experience, but because it might help to lessen injuries or might even save a customers’ life.

As it is recommended that helmets are fitted prior to purchase, this does show up a problem for online retailers.

Sarah-Jane says: “Champion only supports online purchases where the rider is simply replacing an old hat (that was correctly fitted) with a like for like purchase, but even then we would recommend that riders are fitted each time they purchase a new hat, to make absolutely certain they purchase the correct size for them. If a retailer takes the time to be trained

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www.championhats.co.uk May 2015 Equestrian Telephone:www.ebmonthly.co.uk 0113 270 7000Business

37

safe in the saddle

by Champion, another reputable brand, or BETA, invests in stocking a range of up to standard hats and takes the time to fit hats for their customers, we believe that this retailer should have the benefit of the sales. We are increasingly saddened to hear that some retailers are professionally fitting hats and the rider does not purchase the product from them, but simply searches for a cheap online alternative. We would encourage all riders to have their hats and body protectors professionally fitted.”

The Rodney Powell Air Jacket is part of an increasing range of products in this sector

Body protectors and air jackets

Body protectors and increasingly air jackets, are now seen as daily rider wear for many and this is reflected on the choice of products now available. Body protectors now cater for all different shapes, sizes and both sexes, and again for the best safety performance they should be properly fitted in store by a trained fitter. However, many manufacturers provide coloured guided tabs to help riders ensure that their body protectors maintain the correct fit.

Air jackets are now used by almost all eventers at professional level and research has shown that they can protect the organs and cushion the neck in case of a fall.

For competition, an air jacket must be worn alongside a body protector, however leisure riders are now opting for air jackets as a safety measure on their own, as they provide a step up in safety without the restriction of a body protector. There are quite a wide range to choose from with Point Two, Hit Air and Helite leading the way but many other safety

provide in-house training for the Rodney Powell Air Jacket, which features proven Point Two airbag technology with an inflation rate of one tenth of a second. Two free air canisters are also supplied with every Air Jacket purchased.”

Safe in the stirrup It should never be underestimated the impact that a good quality safety stirrup iron can have on rider safety and so this is one area it might be worth updating in

“Materials used now provide dramatically enhanced impact protection than they did 20 years ago” manufacturers are also branching out and Westgate EFI reminds retailers that the Rodney Powell Air Jacket is a convenient option for those wishing to cash in on this growing market. Sales and product manager, Tracey Woods explains: “Buying through WEFI enables our stockists to add small quantities on to their regular order should they wish to test demand or top up stock levels, which has obvious advantages for stock management and cash flow. In addition, WEFI can

38 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

store. Falls that lead to dragging do still happen, but with good quality safety stirrups that ensure clean release of the rider’s foot, the chances of a drag accident are much reduced.

Mountain Horse’s Stirrup Control System 3(SCS3) is a product designed to help rider safety and comfort in the saddle. Versatility is the key to this system, which consists of SCS3 boots, quickrelease stirrup and stirrup tread.

The great news for shops is that any of the three products can

be sold and used on its own and customers can enjoy the benefits of added security without having to buy the whole system at once.

However, when combined as a package they can radically improve your customer’s grip in the stirrup, assist with lower leg stability and help prevent the foot slipping forward. The system comes in two ‘weights’. SCS3 Grip is the original, SCS3 Lite is the more slim-line version for those who prefer thinner, more lightweight soles.

In addition, the SCS3 safety stirrup releases the foot in the event of a fall, helping reduce injuries caused by dragging. The SCS3 Quick Release stirrup iron looks and feels like normal iron.

However, a composite rubber tube forms part of the outer section of the stirrup and opens in the event of an accident.

SCS3 footwear and treads SCS3 is a system of slanted grooves built into the sole of the boot. This pattern interacts with corresponding grooves on SCS3 stirrup treads.

The angle of the grooves prevents

Mountain Horse’s SCS3 footwear

Mountain Horse’s stirrup control system

the boot from sliding forwards but allows the rider to pull their foot back easily. Four grooves in the boot give customers a choice of foot position depending on where they prefer their feet to sit in the stirrups. The tread is angled to help the heel rest in a natural downwards position.

SCS3 products are permitted for use in BHS, BSJA, BD and BE competitions but are not accepted under Pony Club rules which state boots must have a ‘smooth sole’.

C

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EQUESTRIAN

BUSINESS

CM

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CMY

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Bringing buyers & suppliers together

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To get your products in front of the trade contact us NOW Tel: + 44 (0)1953 850678 enquiries@ebmonthly.co.uk www.ebmonthly.co.uk May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 39 Business

Sh Blo NE oc ck W k t ra he ng e

stable environment ltd

the natural choice for animal skin care

Sponsors of ‘Animals in Distress’ Registered Charity No. 515886

from Jenkinsons and Trilanco 40 Available Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

stable environment ltd

PO Box 646, Halifax HX1 9HP

TeL: 01422 310483 Email: info@stable-environment.co.uk

What to stock for successful sales....

coat care

abbey england

Fiebing’s Blue Frost Whitening Shampoo & Conditioner

For the first time we provide a shop window showcase on some of the great grooming kit ranges and coat care products available to stock.

T

his has proven to be a hugely popular subject for manufacturers and we have been inundated with both grooming equipment and coat care products. Notable is the luxury and ergonomic grooming equipment which really stand out from competitors, with great attention to detail and a focus towards more modern designs.

Coat care is a huge sector, with standard shampoos and conditioners maintaining popularity year round and as Sizes: the show 500ml season commences

show shines, oils and finishing sprays get a boost in popularity.

Shampoos aimed at specific colours are popular and now there is also a move towards more funky and fun products, with modern packaging designs taking a similar line to human shampoo product design. These items look great on the shelf when you stock the full range so try grouping together ranges rather than displaying by type as it could encourage customers to purchase a full set.

RRP: £8.00

Fiebing’s Blue Frost Whitening Shampoo & Conditioner contains special brightening agents which enhance white and grey hair whilst targeting tough stable and grass stains with ease.

Containing Aloe Vera it also promotes skin health and removes any residual build-up of fly sprays and environmental pollutants.

Sizes: 500ml

RRP: £8.00

abbey england

Fiebing’s Satin Sheen

Charles &free Cowith Keep manes andOwen tails tangle

Fiebing’s Satin Sheen, distributed by Abbey England. Satin Sheen produces a healthy sheen and soft coat that repels dirt and dust.

Non-toxic and safe for use on even sensitive horses, Satin Sheen guarantees a professional ‘show ring’ look.

Sizes: 1 litre

RRP: £12.00

Animology

Animology

Mane Tamed

Muck Out

Voted the Best New Grooming Product 2015 by judges at this year’s PATS new product awards, Charles Owen Co in product Animology Mane Tamed is& a leave that that effectively de-tangles mane and tail hair, leaving it in great condition with a high gloss finish. The advanced, vitamin enriched formulation contains conditioners and spf/uva filters to help provide long term protection and care for the hair.

The complex formulation of this shampoo blends silk and wheat proteins with vitamins and Charles &exceptional Co conditioners, toOwen help deliver levels of care and protection to the skin and hair.

The deep cleaning action penetrates deep down to the skin lifting dust and dirt to the surface in order that it can be easily washed away.

Animology ‘Easy Rinse Technology’ ensures that the shampoo is rinsed out quickly and efficiently.

Sizes: 200ml

RRP: £9.99

Sizes: 750ml

RRP: £9.99

Animology

Aqueos care ltd

Patch Work

Anti-Bacterial HorseShampoo

Patch Work by Animology has been created in conjunction with equestrian experts to deliver Charles Owen &highest Co standards extraordinary results and the in equestrian stain removal.

In creating Patch Work, Animology has developed a product that effectively helps to remove even the most stubborn of stains from a horse’s body, hoof, mane or tail.

Sizes: 200ml

This anti-bacterial horse shampoo Charles Owen & Cokills bacteria,

fungi and viruses including strangles and ringworm. Powerful, fast acting and safe this effective deodoriser combats Itchiness, soothes minor skin irritations and is gentle on skin, leaving coat, mane and tail soft. The shampoo is alcohol and phenol free and tested to EN1276, EN1650 and EN14476.

RRP: £9.99

Sizes: 1L, 1L with hose applicator, 5L RRP: £8.99, £22.00, £30.00

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 41 Business

Let’s Talk Products Hy Equestrian

Hy Equestrian

HySHINE Pro Grooming Bag

HySHINE Pro Grooming Brushes

This smart zipped portable grooming bag features an exterior zip pocket, six additional open pockets and an interior zip pocket with name identifier and a space for pens. The wipe clean lining and a detachable carry handle makes this bag very convenient to use. With a reinforced base and studs to keep it off the ground, an attractive Hy emblem and zip pullers.

A complete set of eye-catching Charles Owen & Co

Charles Owen & Co

Sizes: One size

Colours: Black, Pink, Grey

RRP: £17.00

Grey/Pink brushes, with ergonomic handles to put the fun back into grooming! With a two tone soft touch handle and coloured bristles. This set includes: Long Bristle Dandy Brush, Mane and Tail Brush, Goat Hair Body Brush, and Sponge Brush. Sell alongside the HySHINE Pro Grooming Bag for a complete set.

Sizes: One size

Colours: Black, Pink, Grey

Lincoln Equestrian

Lincoln Equestrian

Magic White Horse Shampoo

SilkyShine Hair Polish & Detangler

The perfect solution for removing Charles Owen & Co

those engrained stains, this new shampoo has been scientifically created for whitening the coat of grey and white horses. A pH balanced shampoo with a combination of effective conditioning agents that will leave the coat shiny, bright and sparkling clean in no time at all. Ideal for that winning performance.

Lincoln Silky Shine is a fantastic Charles Owen & Co combination of a superior hair polish with a detangler to help tease out knots. With additional provitamin B for that manageable, smooth feel. A perfect addition to any grooming kit.

Sizes: 500ml, 1 litre

Sizes: 250ml, 500ml, 1 litre

RRP: £7.50, £13.90

RRP: £17.00

RRP: £6.30, £9.50, £15.00

Carr & Day & Martin

Carr & Day & Martin

Equimist 360 Coat Care Range

Gallop Shampoo Range

These multi-award winning& products Charles Owen Co will

Unlike some shampoos, the&Gallop Charles Owen Co range is specially formulated

condition and polish the horse.

Choose from Canter Mane & Tail; Canter Coat Shine; Stain Master; and Dreamcoat.

All of the Carr & Day & Martin Coat Care range now benefit from the new Equimist 360 bottles, winner of a BETA Innovation Award, 2014. The fine misting application and wide spray pattern ensures total coverage and a perfect finish every time.

Sizes: 600ml 500ml, 1 litre

RRP: £13.90 £11.70 RRP: £7.50,

to have an equine pH neutral formula, which will not irritate the horses’ skin.

Choose from - Conditioning Shampoo; Extra Strength Shampoo; Stain Removing Shampoo; and Medicated Shampoo.

For those in need of a competitive edge there is the Gallop Colour Range, four luxurious shampoos that intensify the natural coat colour without the use of dyes.

Sizes: 500ml 500ml, 1 litre

RRP: RRP: from £6.10 £9.20 £7.50,-£13.90

Flint’s Yard

Windowbox Limited (IV Horse)

Fun! Shampoo

IV Horse Coat & Skin Conditioner

Introducing new Fun! Pony Shampoo. Due to

the huge demand for a safe&shampoo Charles Owen Co to use

on horses and ponies with sensitive and itchy skin, Flint’s Yard has developed the Fun! range of shampoo. Packed with natural goodness, Fun! is perfect for ponies with sensitive skin.

This child friendly shampoo contains no nasties and is designed to effectively clean the dirtiest of coats, leaving hair with a glossy shine. Soap free, allergen free fragrance, no SLS or parabens.

Sizes: 250ml 42 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

RRP: £6.95

Charles Owen & Co Designed as a coat treatment to remove scurf

and feed the coat with essential oils and vitamins, including vitamin E, B5 and avocado, giving instant shine, conditioning and nourishment and offering easy grooming by providing lustre and body to all coat types.

Sizes: 500ml

RRP: £9.45

Let’s Talk Products Windowbox Limited (IV horse)

Windowbox Limited (IV Horse)

Horse) IV Horse Chestnut/ Grey/Dark Shampoo

IV Horse Horse & Pony Polish

All IV Horse shampoos are concentrated Charles Owen & Co

Charles Owen Coglossy gleam.

Enriches and enhances the& coat’s

to last and last, with luxurious lather to cleanse and invigorate the coat. Chestnut Horse Shampoo is a super gold formula to intensify the coats of all chestnut, dun and light coloured bays; Grey Horse shampoo utilises the natural whitening properties of Chamomile and does not use harsh chemicals or optical brighteners; and Dark Horse shampoo brings out the rich tones of darker coats.

Sizes: 500ml

RRP: £6.35

A unique blend of natural oils and waxes, manufactured with an extra rich formulation to give a speedy boost to the coat’s natural bloom. Leaves a rich glossy finish – perfect for the show ring.

Sizes: 500ml

RRP: £7.60

Windowbox Limited (IV Horse)

Karoo Equine

IV Horse Horse & Pony Wipes

Comfort Grip Hoof Pick

Disposable heavy duty wipes effective Charles Owen & for Co

Charles Owen & Co

The Karoo Equine Comfort Grip Hoof Pick is made with quality and function in mind. From the durable comfort grip heavy duty vulcanised rubber to the extra thick solid stainless steel hoof pick these are made to last. This hoof pick has super high tensile strength and ergonomic design. An excellent price makes this product stand out from the crowd.

cleansing and ideal to avoid cross contamination of sensitive areas. Contains a glossing oil for a show ring sheen, with chamomile, aloe vera and tea tree oil. The wipes are a specially fabricated ‘rag’ construction to offer a robust construction for long lasting use, as opposed to inferior paper versions.

Foil sealed to retain on shelf freshness.

Sizes: 50 sheet dispenser tub

RRP: £10.35

Sizes: One size

RRP: £2.99

Karoo Equine

Karoo Equine

Mahogany Crystal Grooming Set

Professional Horse Braiding Charles Owen & Plaiting Kit& Co

A premium quality horse grooming Charles Owen & Co

set designed and manufactured

by Karoo Equine made from premium hardwood sourced from sustainable forests. Two layers of mahogany stain followed by machine printed gold logo and wording give a truly beautiful finish. Those with straps have premium quality diamante crystals inserted. The manmade synthetic bristles mean longevity of the brushes come as standard. A top quality set perfect as a gift.

Sizes: Various

RRP: £44.99

The Karoo Equine Professional Horse Braiding and Plaiting kit contains everything needed prior to and during competitions.

Made from genuine suede with adjustable belt strap. A fantastic time saving addition to horse grooming requirements and an excellent product to carry alongside grooming and show preparation ranges in store.

Sizes: One size fits all

RRP: £14.99

Moorland Rider

Nettex

Padded Wash-Bag

Tea Tree Oil Shampoo Nettex Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is an antibacterial

Moorland Rider’s new Padded

Wash-Bag is theOwen perfect way wash Charles &toCo

brushes and synthetic items with hard elements in a domestic washing machine.

The black bag is made using open cell foam padding that protects the washing machine’s drum during a cycle but allows water and detergent through. The Padded Wash-Bag allows the horse owner to wash all manner of dirty horse items in a domestic washing machine, making it easy to keep products clean and hygienic.

Sizes: One size

RRP: £15.95

shampoo containing the highest Charles Owen & Cograde

Australian Tea Tee Oil that produces great results and a shiny coat. Ideal for horses with dry skin or a dull coat, this effective shampoo will add shine and lustre, bringing the skin and hair back to life immediately.

Ideal for horses with sensitive skin, Nettex Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is gentle on the coat yet penetrates deeply in order to restore condition and shine.

Sizes: 500ml, 1 Litre

RRP: £7.50 (500ml), £10.15 (1 litre) May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 43 Business

Let’s Talk Products noble outfitters

Quistel

Essential Tote

Organic Bio-Restoring Horse Spray Lotions

Noble Outfitters’ Essential Tote features a

durable 600-denier 100% polyester Charles Owen & Co canvas

fabric exterior and an easy-to-clean, hard shell plastic interior.

Perfectly sized compartments, pockets, and dividers means that all tools, equipment, sprays, sponges, and shampoos each have their place. Dirt and hair that normally accumulates at the bottom of grooming kit bags is no longer a problem, as the heavy-duty mesh bottom allows dirt to fall through.

Sizes: One size

RRP: £39.95

Charles Owen & Co Quistel’s Organic Bio-Restoring Lotion comes in a handy spray bottle and has been specifically formulated for topical use on the horse’s coat and mane.

As with the Equine Shampoo, the Lotion Spray is rich in Arnica and is highly recommended for use as a topical spray onto sensitive or damaged skin.

Sizes: 150ml, 500ml, 1L, 5L

Quistel

Supreme Products

Organic Bio-Restoring Horse & Pony Shampoo

Heritage Coat Shine

Charles Owen Co Specifically formulated for & pony and horse mane,

skin and coat, the Quistel Organic Bio-Restoring Shampoo’s unique properties ensures that the skin and coat is clean and healthy.

Being rich in Arnica the highly concentrated shampoo is recommended for sweet itch and mud fever plus it stimulates re-growth on bald spots.

Sizes: 250ml, 500ml, 1L, 5L

RRP: from £9.50

Supreme Products Heritage Coat Shine is specially

formulated for thicker or coarser coats. A must have Charles Owen & Co item for every showing enthusiast, Heritage Coat Shine will have the horse’s coat gleaming as well as help it to lay flat. Heritage Coat Shine can also be used as a detangler. Containing Citronella for its beneficial antibacterial and antiseptic properties, Heritage Coat Shine comes in a handy spray bottle.

Sizes: 1 litre

Supreme Products

Supreme Products

High Shine Shampoo

Hot Oil

Supreme Products High Shine Shampoo is an essential product for anyone looking to achieve a vibrant coat, whatever the colour of the horse.

A valuable product early in the season and just after clipping, High Shine Shampoo will remove any residue build up and restore the coat to produce a full lustre and shine.

RRP: £9.99, £16.99, £59.99

ultimate shine to the coat when hot clothing.

Charles Owen & Co

Hot Oil will clean the coat and remove grease and dirt, while adding condition and shine for show ring perfection.

Containing Panthenol and Collagen to help strengthen and repair damaged or dry coats, Hot Oil also has the added benefit of UV protection and moisturising oils.

Sizes: 250ml

Vale Brothers Ltd

Vale Brothers Ltd

KBF99

Equerry S-Line Brushes

KBF99 anti-bacterial grooming products

are clinically proven to kill bacteria Charles Owen & Co and

fungus without the use of chemicals.

These revolutionary brushes and grooming tools are made with the KBF99 additive incorporated, this was tested at Coventry University and effectively killed 99.99% of the bacteria/fungus test culture (Strangles, Ringworm and E.Coli).Customers have also reported excellent results against mud fever, rain scald, scurf and thrush.

Sizes: Dandy brush, Long Dandy Brush, Body brush RRP: £13.50 44 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

RRP: £16.99

Supreme Products ‘Hot Oil’ is designed to create

Charles Owen & Co

Sizes: 500ml, 1L, 5L

RRP: from £9.50

RRP: £10.99

S-Line groomingOwen brushes feature Charles & Co

a choice of attractive and modern looking designs and are ergonomically designed to maximise comfort in the hand.

Features include: soft edge to aid grip, removable hanging loop for easy shop display or storage, choice of designer labels for consumers, great value for money, display boxes of ten brushes.

Sizes: Dandy brush, Long Dandy Brush, Body brush (Med, large) RRP: Medium from £6.00. Large from: £7.10

Let’s Talk Products Veredus

wahl

Blue Snow Shampoo

Equine Grooming Tools Wahl’s collection of Equine Grooming Tools has an ergonomic handle that has a soft rubberised surface to offer maximum user Charles Owen & Co comfort and makes grooming tasks simpler and easier. Includes the innovatively designed Wahl Body Brushes: the Stiff Body Brush removes mud and dirt, the Soft Body Brush is perfect for polishing, and the unique Combo Body Brush.

Charles This extra strongOwen shampoo& hasCo exceptional

cleaning properties specifically designed for white and grey horses. When applied to the horse’s coat, the powerful cleaning action removes dirt and tough stains, restoring the coat to its natural colour.

Sizes: 500ml

RRP: £14.62

Sizes: N/A

RRP: from £3.99

wahl

Westgate EFI

Equine Shampoo Range

Well Gel Cleanse & Condition Shampoo

Wahl Shampoos are based on natural ingredients and contain no harmful detergents or cleansers. The concentrated formulas are Charles Owen & Co powerful, yet gentle, and will actively remove dirt, grease, stains and odours, rejuvenating the hair as it cleans.

Available in a range of formulations including Aloe Soothe, Copper Tones, Diamond White, Dirty Beastie, Deep Black, Oatmeal and Tea Tree.

Sizes: 500ml, 5 litre

RRP: from £6.99

A high quality shampoo on Aloe Vera and Charles Owenbased & Co

containing only natural ingredients including lavender, roman chamomile and achillea millefolium, renowned for their antibacterial properties. Also contains macadamia nut oil for its conditioning, hydrating and protective qualities.

Well Gel Shampoo is free from chemicals and especially kind to sensitive skin.

Sizes: 300g

RRP: £10.15

contacts: Abbey England

Hy Equestrian

Noble Outfitters

+44 (0)1565 650343

+44 (0)1522 529206

+44 (0)1572 772508

www.abbeyengland.com

Hy-Equestrian.com

www.nobleoutfitters.co.uk

Animology

Karoo Equine

Quistel

+44 (0)1772 786864

+44 (0)3335 776750

+44 (0)800 6226190

www.animology.co.uk

www.karooequine.com

www.quistel.com

Aqueos Care Ltd

Lincoln Equestrian

Supreme Products

+44 (0)1672 562007

+44 (0)1522 529206

+44 (0)1377 229050

www.aqueos.co.uk

Lincoln-Equestrian.com

www.supremeproducts.co.uk

Carr & Day & Martin

Moorland Rider

Vale Brothers Ltd

+44 (0)8455 004040

+44 (0)1782 397796

+44 (0)1922 624363

www.carrdaymartin.co.uk

www.moorlandrider.co.uk

Flint’s Yard

Nettex

+44 (0)1548 521777

+44 (0)1634 257150

www.flintsyard.com

www.kbf99.co.uk www.thermatex.co.uk

Veredus (Zebra Products) +44 (0)1352 763350

www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Windowbox Limited +44 (0)1888 544261

www.4horse.co.uk Wahl

+44 (0)1227 744330

www.wahl.co.uk

Westgate EFI +44 (0)1303 872277

www.wefi.co.uk

www.nettexequine.com

Coming next month....

Numnahs and saddle pads are featuring next month.

Everything from classic saddle pads, to the latest in non-slip, high grip memory foam technology will be showcased so if you have a product that you would like to be included email letstalkproducts@ebmonthly.co.uk to receive submission information.

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 45 Business

business matters

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS Mark Lumsdon-Taylor muses on the phrase ‘expert advice’ and considers who is best qualified to give advice, and who should in fact listen to it!

Mark Lumsdon-Taylor ❚ Director of Finance and Resources, the Hadlow Group He attended Keele University where he read Law and Economics. ❚ On leaving, he joined Macintyre Hudson a leading London accountancy firm undertook an ACA training contract and quickly rose to become a director of audit. ❚ Joined Hadlow College with an initial brief as a ‘troubleshooter’ to design and implement fiscal recovery and to effect change within the College’s central services. ❚ Appointed Director of Finance & Resources in 2004 after extensive work involving further recovery and reorganisation of the college’s activities, (Hadlow is rated Outstanding by Ofsted) ❚ Awarded Accountancy Age UK Finance Director of the Year (Public Sector) in 2007, was a runner up in 2010 and was shortlisted for the 2013 Award. In 2008, Hadlow College was awarded the title ‘KEIBA Large Company of the Year’ for its performance in business.

Awarded the Business Finance Awards 2014 title ‘UK Finance Director of the Year Public Sector and Voluntary’. ❚ Shortlisted for the Institute of Directors’ London and the South East Young Director of the Year Award 2014 and the Institute of Directors’ London and the South East Chairman’s Award for Leadership in Corporate Responsibility 2014.

46 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

‘Expert’ is a very subjective

title – someone who is regarded as an ‘expert’ by one party may well be described as a ‘novice’ by another!

‘The expert’ may be someone who really has infinite knowledge and is genuinely amongst the most informed in the world in relation to a particular subject. On the other hand, it might be someone who knows just a tiny bit more than the person asking for advice!

But the worst case scenario is surely the person who profiles him or herself as an expert in a particular field, who actually knows next to nothing but can talk-the-talk!

Equestrian retailers are expected to provide advice every day. I think this poses the question where does information end and advice begin? When something ‘goes wrong’ – which it sometimes does – what then? What, for instance, about the parent who wanted advice about buying a back protector for a child? The product is bought on advice and then an accident occurs; the child suffers an injury and the mother claims the advice was inadequate and she wants to make a claim – even sue – the retailer? Was the member of staff ‘qualified’ to fit back protectors in the sense that she had attended a training programme? Maybe this involved a ‘Saturday girl’ whose ‘expertise’ was very limited.

What happens in the case of a parent who – against the advice of the retailer – insists on buying a larger back protector than recommended on the basis that the child ‘will grow into it’?

A friend of mine whose knowledge of saddles and saddle-fitting really does justify the title ‘expert’ is frequently appointed to act as an expert witness in court cases. More often than not the cases for which he is a professional witness concern expertise in regard to saddle fitting. A case

can involve an accident to horse and/or rider – in another it may relate to veterinary problems said to result from a poor saddle fitting – and so on. I am amazed at the complexity – no wonder arriving at a judgement is often delayed!

Trust the bankers?

High street banks continue to come into disrepute concerning the advice given to customers and claims that they have failed to stick to the rules.

Devastating reports by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) have exposed how the top banks have all put customers’ nest eggs at risk by giving poor/ inappropriate advice. There have also been many instances when customers have been told specific advice is ‘free’ but later found commission relating to product charges was payable!

Several firms run staff incentive schemes that could encourage

and resented’! The 16th century Italian historian Francesco Guicciardini said: ‘Nothing certainly is more necessary in arduous deliberations, and nothing on the other hand more dangerous, than to ask advice.

Nor is there any question that advice is less necessary to wise men than to unwise; and yet wise men derive much more benefit from taking counsel. For, whose judgment is so perfect that he can always evaluate and know everything by himself?’ A wonderful text from the 1500s that could easily apply today!

Returning to the now vexed question of ‘advice’: go to a garden centre and you expect to be able to obtain help from someone who knows about plants. Dining in a fine restaurant and you expect the sommelier to provide the very best advice about wine.

We expect the leading auction houses to be able to provide

“It is fascinating that so much electioneering consists of ‘advising’ the opposition about their poor prospects” mis-selling. Banks aren’t the only businesses that offer commission and/or similar schemes related to ‘advice’ that incorporate hidden fees or agendas! The FSA said there ‘may be other factors causing poor advice’.

The general election – arguably one that will be particularly interesting with the two main parties neck-and-neck – is fast approaching. It is fascinating that so much electioneering consists of ‘advising’ the opposition about their poor prospects. I came across a couple of interesting quotes that could be applied to a multitude of circumstances. ‘It’s true that the worst men often give the best advice – but those who need it most like it least – and the better the advice is, the more it’s likely to be ignored

advice and offer a valuation relating to an antique. We expect the doctor’s advice – often in the form of a diagnosis – to be ‘right’. We all expect ‘expertise’ that is ‘expert’.

‘Expert advice’ is available in virtually every industry and walk of life. The advice is often free – given as part of the ‘service’ offered by retailers and others. It is interesting that, even when it is free and doesn’t relate to a purchase or anything else that concerns money changing hands, there are still implications to consider.

Providing advice is a great marketing tool but it can be dangerous – especially when the results of taking the advice fail to live up to the client’s expectations! We live in an increasingly litigious society!

If you're not supporting your advertising with PR

Your customers are only seeing half the picture.

The right PR activity adds real credibility to your advertising; editorial coverage is seen as more reputable, trustworthy and perceived by your potential customers to be more independent, than advertising.

So every time you spend money placing an advert and you don’t support it it with at least a press release, you’re missing a major opportunity to let your potential customers know that crucial little bit more about you and your products.

But there’s more to successful PR than just a press release. Successful PR is about doing things at the right time, to the right people, using the right media, for the right reasons.

So, if your PR doesn’t do all that, time after time, then you need to talk to PressPoint.

www.presspoint.co.uk

01953 851513

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 47 Business

ken lyndon-dykes

fit versus fat

Ken considers the ‘fit versus fat’ debate and how it relates to horses, humans and canines alike.

The competition season has started – cheering news for retailers who know all too well that customers will stop eating regular meals in order to have enough money to equip their horse and themselves with the best and the latest in terms both clothing and equipment!

In some cases the ‘going without meals’ might be no bad thing! ‘Obesity’ continues to be a subject that is hitting the headlines in both the medical

inactively playing computer games to activities out in the garden! What about the child who spends literally hours of inactivity glued to the television?

Surely there is a synergy here?

I also notice there seem to be far more fat dogs these days than there were just a few years ago! Running after a ball or a stick was a dog’s favourite – and very active – pastime.

Today a lot of dogs are given toys to play with such as the

“I find it fascinating that I can have a good guess at what the horse’s main discipline is by noting his condition” and the lifestyle-related media. I was contemplating the problems involved and realised similar situations exist in the equestrian world. There is always a tendency to overfeed rather than underfeed.

The horse owner buys a feed that has been carefully formulated by a highly qualified nutritionist to fulfil the needs of a horse undertaking a specific job. The feed is measured out carefully – meticulously even – in accordance with the instructions on the bag. But the client loves the horse and she expresses this by adding another half scoop. Then, because her horse has a sweet tooth, she adds a large dollop of molasses.

The weather is not very good and so what was going to be an hour-long hack turns into a quick jog around the block. The horse is returned to his stable to play with the toys the owner bought when she visited her retailer.

She had a lot of fun choosing the toys – and she spent a great deal of money! The horse, after demolishing the high protein hay in the extra-large haynet (!), enjoys playing with them.

Isn’t this a similar situation to the child who is given sweets and biscuits and crisps almost ad lib? The child who expects very large portions because that is the norm! Who prefers to sit

48 Equestrian May 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

one that incorporates a puzzle they have to solve in order to access a sweet! The dog learns fast and he becomes very adept at extracting the sweets.

He delights his owner with his cleverness and dexterity – meanwhile he gets fatter!

Looking at this laterally and in relation to my job as a saddle fitter – I find it fascinating that I

can have a good guess at what the horse’s main discipline is by noting his condition.

I am not referring to those wonderful horses that ‘do a bit of everything’ but to those that are focused on a particular discipline. Show horses carry that much more weight than, say, show jumpers. A dressage horse competing at a reasonable level will be well muscled but is unlikely to be carrying excess weight. Event horses must be fit and shouldn’t be carrying any excess flesh. (I used to event at three-day level and know firsthand the importance of fit – not fat!)

A little story about a friend of mine – it goes back a few years!

She evented with quite a good horse, a 7/8 bred dark bay, good type, that reached Advanced level. She also liked to do a bit of showing – quite unusual for a horse eventing at a high level.

The horse was shown in hunter and working hunter classes and very early that particular season he qualified for the Horse of the Year Show in the working

KEN LYNDON-DYKES ❚ Ex-international level three-day-event rider. ❚ Qualified Society of Master Saddlers’ saddle fitter and a member of the society’s executive committee, ❚ Owns and runs SaddleWorld, one of the largest saddle retailers in the UK. Ken is increasingly in demand as a professional witness and adjudicator in reation to saddlery-related claims and disputes. ❚ He is also well-known as an inspirational and interesting lecturer/speaker. hunters. I went to see the HOYS finals, then held at Wembley, and it was a quite fascinating experience.

Not being a ‘showing’ person, the judging and the way marks were allocated was a bit of a mystery to me. My friend’s horse jumped a super, fluent, balanced and confident clear round – just the sort of horse you would feel happy to take hunting. When he was ridden by the judge he performed superbly – he really opened up when asked to gallop and the transition back to canter was exemplary.

No bucking, no throwing his head around, perfect manners, perfect performance! He ran up straight – no dishing or plaiting – and to me he produced the best performance. Much to my amazement, he wasn’t even placed! I can only assume that his advanced evening fitness level – it was the end of the season and he wasn’t carrying any excess weight – did not appeal to the judges! All the other horses in the line-up were what I – who was three day eventing at that time – would call ‘a little fat’! Horses for courses! Levels of fitness and degrees of ‘flesh’ tell the story!

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May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 49 Business

interview

5 minutes with...

Sarah Turnbull

from Supreme Products Introduce your company please: My company is Supreme Products and I am the managing director. We are based in Yorkshire and we manufacture and sell a top quality range of grooming products and garments which are aimed at riders in competitive disciplines to enhance the appearance of their horses and ponies. The business was formed in 1992 / 1993 by my mother who saw a gap in the market for a really good quality range of grooming products – we actually were competing in showing at the time and saw people using shoe polish and baby oil on their ponies! The business started out with eight products and a couple of garments and we have grown the range year on year.

Our market has developed from just showing – although there are some quite showing specific products in our portfolio – as the appearance of horses and ponies in other disciplines such as dressage and eventing is also really important.

What was your career path that led to this point?

My background is IT and I was in Project Management for 15 years working in retail systems.

I worked with companies such as Sainsbury’s and Aldi as well as a number of restaurant and pub companies. I then moved to work with banks as a Programme Director, with HSBC and RBS as my primary customers when the Chip & Pin regulations came in to force.

I was involved in the business on a part-time basis and when we incorporated in 2002 I became a director. In 2008 I made the decision to leave IT and moved in to the business full time with a view to developing it in to the retail sector and in to new markets overseas.

Find us online...

How has the equestrian industry changed over your career?

I think one of the biggest changes has been the rise of sales over the internet and on mobile and how that has impacted retailers and the industry – although I do think that people still like to ‘see and feel’ products and clothing.

What equestrian or business innovations have caught your eye recently and why?

I think over the last few years the development of the Air Jacket in the equestrian world has been a great step forward. Anything to do with innovation that has a safety angle must be applauded.

Gradually businesses and individuals in the industry are embracing new technology and the launch of our own mobile phone App has met with a fantastic response which has made all the hard work very worthwhile.

What are your top tips for business growth?

Try and stay ahead of the game…

Come up with new products, services or innovations.

Describe a typical day: The office opens at 8.30am. I have a half hour drive to work which is quite nice as it gives me time to think about the upcoming day. As a small company of nine people, I don’t really have a typical day and enjoy the really varied role I have. My first activity when I get in to the office is to reply to and sort the emails. Then I plan for the day ahead – this may be planning production; PR and advertising; sales meetings; distribution activity – all sorts of tasks. I tend to pack up my PC at the end of the day and take it home where I

Sarah Turnbull can work for a couple of hours in the evening without the phone ringing off the wall and I usually manage to get quite a bit done.

I ‘live and breathe’ Supreme Products and I am really lucky that I love what I do and get so much enjoyment from it!

What pets do you have?

I have three dogs - a Sprocker (Springer / Cocker cross) called Max who comes to the office a few days a week. He loves coming to work as he visits all the business units on the yard and ‘makes’ people play with him. I also have two 13-year-old Westies, who are a delight and still roll around on the office floor play-fighting – usually to draw as much attention to themselves as possible. Every office should have a dog!

Equestrian Business is growing, so to find out more, access news as it happens or discover how you can get your brand in front of thousands of key decisions makers thanks to our website, visit www.ebmonthly.co.uk. Trade account holders access the full site content, including online versions of the magazine. To find out more email enquiries@ebmonthly.co.uk.

50 Equestrian May 2015 2015 Business www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Quickfire questions: Describe yourself in three words: Thoughtful, determined, loyal.

What’s your favourite holiday destination and why?

Anywhere that I can soak up some sun and if I get the chance to dive (I am a PADI Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver), then all the better. I take lots of books (I now carry a Kindle) and just totally relax.

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Harrier Jump Jet Pilot! We lived in a great house on top of a hill in the middle of a wood with a huge garden and I always thought it would be brilliant to land in the garden (not very realistic, I know, but I was about 10!)… I did take my pilot’s licence but never progressed it as a career.

Do you have a motto or phrase that you live by?

No, not really…I’m not a big one for these business clichés so avoid them at work… I think the main saying that I would follow would be to ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you’

May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 51 Business

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May 2015 www.ebmonthly.co.uk

Equestrian 52 Business