There is real doubt about how safe “safety stirrups” are – but manufacturers have been urged to help work towards a safety standard.

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams gave an overview of the situation, at the BETA safety conference on 21 April.

“Please, whenever I say ‘safety stirrups’, think about inverted commas, because the one thing that’s come out of work we’ve most recently done is that there’s real doubt about how safe so-called safety stirrups are,” she said.

Ms Williams said BETA first looked into perception and use of safety stirrups in 2021, as there had been “huge growth in the use of safety to market products, but often no indication of whether the product reduced risk of accidents or injury, or whether there were any aspects whatsoever of safety around the product”.

“It’s a constant source of surprise, to people within the equestrian world and without, that so many products we use have no standards associated with them,” she said “I also find it slightly ironic that while we have standards for everything that goes on us, there’s virtually no safety standards for anything that goes on the horse.

“I thought we were nearing the start of the development of a European standard. I felt it was time, five years later, to check where we were at.”

The most recent study considered riders’ views of safety stirrups and the need for a standard, and compared them to the 2021 results.

She said BETA riders see safety stirrups as those that prevent a foot getting stuck in them, so the foot will be released “in all circumstances”, which is an issue.

Safety stirrups: absence of risk?

“To many riders, it’s a total absence of risk,” she said. “Use has escalated dramatically, covering occasional and constant use. So while adoption has increased, sadly confidence has not. They’re buying them despite having uncertainty, not because that uncertainty has been resolved.

“Riders are now calling into question the use of the word ‘safety’ in association with stirrups, and there is still confusion around what’s safe and which mechanism is best.”

Ms Williams said the survey found more demand for evidence and testing of safety stirrups, the use of which has almost doubled since 2021. Many riders expressed concern about failures of stirrups, or the use of the word “safety” for marketing rather than as a measure of performance.

“When we look at why riders aren’t using them, that tone is changing,” she said. “In 2021 they were uncertain about what was being offered. This year, we saw a real shift to riders questioning the claims of safety and the lack of evidence to justify that term.

“Now it’s more about risk resistance than price resistance; riders expressing concerns about false safety, inconsistent performance and mechanisms that might fail. We repeatedly saw a real gap in trust.

“There’s an issue of a credibility vacuum and riders making their own risk assessments because there’s no recognised standard. Brand claims are often conflicting and there are anecdotal failure stories, which tends to carry more weight than marketing.”

Attempts to establish a standard

Ms Williams said the range of products offered led to the attempts to create a safety standard, which “is going to be incredibly challenging”.

“Even among sceptics, the demand for a standard is strong,” she said. “We asked, ‘Would you be more likely to use a safety stirrup if there was a standard?’ And around 55% in 2021 said yes, this time it was 60%. So for better or for worse, there is real belief a standard will raise the bar in terms of safety.”

Ms Williams said minimum criteria for a safety standard would include reliability, independent testing and the fact the safety function should not alter the stirrup’s performance. She cited the recent case of Mark Smith, a 75-year-old rider whose unbranded stirrup broke while he was riding in a point-to-point, as reported by H&H.

“The fact a stirrup like this can be put on the market, and put riders at risk, it really does question whether we need a standard for all stirrups, never mind safety ones,” she said. “That’s what we’ve been working towards. It is a challenge.”

BETA asked manufacturers to come forward to contribute to a standard working group, four years ago, but only one came forward. The European technical committee responsible for standardising sports equipment agreed to set up a working group to start developing a standard but not enough of the countries nominated to take part put forward enough experts for it to go ahead, so the group no longer exists.

“We’re not giving up”

“We’re not going to give up as having a European standard is really important,” she said.

“I would like to, once again, extend an invitation to companies involved in the stirrup manufacturing world to come forward and start that work, to put together the key criteria that would need to go into, frankly, a stirrup standard with the element of safety included. We need to start work now. We can’t delay any longer, because it really is key for safety.”

Mark Smith, who fell when his plastic stirrup broke at the Old Berks Hunt meeting on 6 April, told H&H he wants such items banned unless manufacturers can prove they are safe, and thinks there should be a safety standard.

“The authorities make such a fuss about standards for hats or body protectors; I can’t believe there isn’t one for stirrups,” he said. “I can’t let this lie as if it happened to anyone else, I’d never forgive myself.”

Do you use safety stirrups? Would you feel more confidence if they complied with an official standard? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, address (only nearest town will be published) and thoughts.

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Normalising wearing body protectors day to day and more research into female bodies could help change attitudes towards wearing them.

Lorna Cameron, senior lecturer in the equine department at Hartpury University, spoke at the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) safety conference (21 April) about early stage investigations into body protectors and female bodies.

Her talk, titled “Safety versus comfort”, centred on the work she is doing as part of a team led by fellow senior lecturer Victoria Lewis into the impact of body protectors on comfort, rider position and considerations for female riders.

“One of the things that is a real human nature is the fact that we know what is good for us and we know what makes us safer, and then we do not do it,” she said.

She spoke of findings from a 2024 study, to which 97% respondents were female, that found that hacking, schooling on the flat and showjumping schooling were the three most common activities during which falls happened.

“So we wanted to find out, what is it that is driving our choice to either wear or not wear a body protector, and what actually are the barriers to taking that up?” said Ms Cameron.

The team set up a 24-question online survey and had 1,010 responses, of whom 97.8% were female and 89.8% were amateur riders.

Among the findings was that 61.5% of female riders reported that they felt wearing a body protector altered their position, that comfort, fit and restriction of movement were the primary barriers to wearing it, and that non-users were three times more likely to report stiffness or rigidity as reason not to wear one.

“There is some evidence that the less we use our body protectors in our everyday riding and training, the more awkward and clunky they feel when we go to a competition,” said Ms Cameron.

The team carried out a very small-scale pilot study and the initial findings “did suggest that rider position was altered by the body protector”, so decided to dig further. This included looking into research into body armour in other physically demanding occupations, such as for soldiers and police officers, in which some findings suggested women are wearing ill-fitting body protection to “fit the ‘girls’ in”.

This led the team to start looking into exercise-induced breast pain in different types of bra and body protector combinations, which they would like to investigate further.

“I had a waiting list that was five times longer than the people I could fit into the data collection day, which suggests […] there’s an issue,” Ms Cameron said.

She added that the team’s recommendations include thinking about the female form in body protector design, perhaps trying to push for more consistent wear in training and possibly while off the horse.

“I’m a coach and I do notice younger riders don’t seem to find their body protectors as uncomfortable because they grew up with them,” she said. “It would be really useful to investigate if there’s an impact on how comfortable we feel a body protector is when we’re actually using it on a regular basis in our training and what impact that might have.”

‘The manufacturers really helped us out’

FEI chief medical officer Mark Hart gave a whistle-stop summary of the FEI’s approach to safety and personal protective equipment.

He said “tradition” is one of the barriers the FEI has come up against in PPE adoption.

“In 2021 we mandated [helmets] for all disciplines, with the exception of vaulting. The manufacturers really helped us out in this,” he said. “The manufacturers figured out that when they made the helmets and they put bling on it, dressage riders loved it.”

Speaking generally about PPE, Dr Hart expressed frustration at the “total lack of harmonisation of global [safety] standards”.

“Heads and gravity and ground are pretty much the same around the world,” he said.

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Do you really know who you are getting your horse’s feeding advice from? A new register of equine nutritionists and feed advisors has been launched to give owners confidence that the information they are seeking comes from a trusted source.

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) Equine Nutritionist and Feed Adviser Register (ENFAR) aims to “promote the highest standards of evidence-based feeding advice for horse owners and the wider industry”.

The project has been led by Dr Katie Williams, of Dengie Horse Feeds, and developed by BETA’s feed committee.

ENFAR has two categories: feed advisers and equine nutritionists. Each person accepted onto the register has committed to engage in continuing professional development and to ENFAR’s code of best practice.

Both advisers and nutritionists must also complete a series of online assessments before they are accepted.

“The assessment process is designed to ensure that everyone is in the right category and be rigorous enough to ensure a minimum standard of competency and knowledge,” said Claire Williams, BETA’s executive director.

“The assessments include technical skills and knowledge, but are also looking at how effectively someone can communicate. Ultimately, we want to be sure that the candidate can advise effectively.”

A BETA spokesperson explained that currently the profession of equine nutritionist has no protected status, which means anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications or experience.

“Inevitably this means a lot of advice is of a very poor quality, which has the potential to be detrimental to equine welfare and damage the credibility of those operating professionally,” added the BETA spokesperson.

Dr Katie Williams said that the idea behind ENFAR is to “recognise those who are doing a good job and who horse owners can trust”.

“What I love about the register is that anyone who is giving advice on feeding and nutrition can apply, so ultimately it will help to raise standards across lots of different equestrian professions including veterinary personnel, bodyworkers and coaches,” she said.

The register is live on the BETA website at https://beta-uk.org/enfar-directory/ and professionals wishing to join can also apply online.

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What message do we send when we treat whips as fashion accessories?

This was a question posed at the British Equestrian Trade Association bits, bridling and saddlery conference (28-29 October), as experts looked into what all equestrians do to give horses truly good lives.

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers spoke about “Welfare in riding – our role in influencing change”.

He told guests: “At our heart, we’re all about inspiring people to put the horse at the centre of everything they do.

“We’d all like a harmonious relationship with our horses, and that’s what the public wants to see. But we need to acknowledge there’s an imbalance of power in the relationship. We control everything the horse does, and want to control how they perform under saddle. But horses are way stronger than us, and that’s where tack and equipment come in. They’re key in how we exercise our power, so it’s vital we choose equipment that respects that imbalance, and doesn’t take advantage of it.”

Mr Owers said responsibility is shared; regulators determine what can be used, riders and coaches use it, educators teach about it. And equestrian trade also has a “pivotal” role.

“If people can’t buy a piece of equipment, they can’t use it,” he said. “Equipment that might compromise welfare can’t be used if it’s not available, equipment that might improve welfare needs to be available so people can use it.”

The horse’s perspective

Mr Owers said all equipment must be considered from the horse’s perspective.

“Riding involves physical pressure on the horse, so we need to ask fundamental questions,” he said. “Where does the horse experience pressure, and can we mitigate it? Does a piece of kit lead to conflicting or inescapable pressures? If so, why are we manufacturing it?”

Mr Owers said the trade can influence positive welfare by taking into account ongoing research, citing manufacturers such as Fairfax, which develop tack and equipment based on scientific studies, and having conversations with stakeholders to guide “evidence-based, pro-welfare design”. Learning about equine behaviour and expressions is also key, to ensure horses are “happy” and comfortable.

“Any of your communication strategies could be used to educate people about welfare and promote pro-welfare messages,” he said. “And finally, while not really lorinery or saddlery, whips have a legitimate place in training horses, when used in accordance with learning theory and in a way that’s minimally aversive. And if we’re honest, so much current whip use is neither, which harms both the horses and public acceptance. What message do we send when we treat whips as a fashion accessory?

“Every sector of the horse world has its part to play in promoting and protecting equine welfare, and there are multiple opportunities [in the trade], from design to marketing to messaging. Moving towards ethical evidence-based standards may be, will be, the best strategy to positively influence the welfare of the ridden, indeed all of the horses in our care.”

Ethical riding

Madeleine Campbell, professor of veterinary ethics at Nottingham University, looked into how everyone can play their part in ethical riding.

She cited the ethical framework for involvement of horses in sport, which she published in 2021 to work through whether any issue is ethical or not.

“The central tenets can be applied to pretty much any human use of non-human animals,” she said. “If we’re thinking about the way each of us can do the best by our horses every day; what does this horse actually need? What do I need to do to meet its welfare needs as well as I can? If we have at the back of our mind these three central tenets, always, that’s a help.”

Dr Campbell said the first tenet is to minimise negative and maximise positive welfare experiences – and although the first is “kind of obvious”, “we’ve only begun much more recently to understand what actually gives the horse a positive welfare impact, then to provide that”. The second is to identify and mitigate avoidable, unnecessary risks, such as introducing frangible devices to reduce the risk of falls in eventing, and the third is to comply with laws and governing bodies’ rules.

“The question is, what does that mean in everyday life?” she said. “Part of this is around shared responsibility for equine welfare, sometimes explained as a form of safeguarding.”

Safeguarding

Dr Campbell said that in safeguarding children, everyone involved in each child’s life shares responsibility not only for protecting them but for helping them flourish.

“This is the analogy for us, that all of us involved in equestrianism need to accept we share that responsibility for equine welfare, and that is part of our ethical approach,” she said, adding that this is everyone from riders and grooms to vets, farriers and saddlers. “They all have a role to play in optimising the wellbeing of the horse, so ensuring we’re approaching our use of horses ethically, and it’s crucial they all talk to each other.”

Dr Campbell cited ongoing work on equine behavioural indicators of positive welfare states as key, as this will allow us to know, and show, when horses are having positive experiences, and that any small changes to improve welfare will add up to better lives for horses.

“I do think it’s ethical for humans to use some animals, as I do think we can give them good lives. All of us can think of a horse, many horses, who we’re confident are having good lives, and if one is, they all can.”

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The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is warning against buying unfitted safety equipment as Christmas presents.

BETA said that although riding hats and body protectors make “truly excellent” gifts, “it’s important that they’re fitted to the individual to ensure they do the best job they can”.

“Helping keep a loved one safe while they ride is the best gift, but we want to ensure that for everyone gifting a hat or body protector this year, it’s fitted properly to ensure comfort and performance day in, day out,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.

“This might mean a little creativity when it comes to what’s wrapped under the tree, and then a great excuse to hit your local tack shop after the big day and find the perfect product.”

BETA suggests giving vouchers instead of the items, and putting it in a wrapped hat box under the tree, or giving a silk or old hat with the voucher attached.

“We know people want something under the tree to give, but ill-fitting hats are uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, and ill-fitting body protectors can even hinder riding,” said Ms Williams.

BETA is also urging people not to buy second-hand safety equipment as presents.

“All safety kit has a life span and needs to be replaced at least every five years depending on wear and care, and whenever a hat sustains an impact, it needs to be replaced too as it can no longer do its job,” Ms Williams said.

“When you buy second-hand, you don’t know how it has been cared for, how often it’s been used, or if it’s been fallen on. This can give people a false sense of security, and no one wants to receive that under the tree this Christmas!”

BETA has a list of trained fitters online.

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Concerns have been raised about continued “misinformation” being shared in the horse world – and the “very real threat” this poses to equine welfare.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) said false information is a “known phenomenon” on social media, and highlighted that the safety and suitability of feed ingredients, and topical applications such as fly repellents, get “a lot of attention”.

“It is causing confusion and uncertainty among owners who are receiving factually incorrect advice in a range of areas,” said a BETA spokesman.

“In conditions where medicines and treatments may not always be effective, owners understandably seek alternative solutions and may be tempted by exaggerated product claims. The irony is often that ingredients that are generally safe attract negative attention because information from studies is taken out of context.”

BETA chief executive Claire Williams told H&H that on social media “everyone seems to be an expert”, so people are taking advice online instead of contacting qualified nutritionists or vets.

“It’s a concern because when people don’t follow the right information, they could potentially end up harming their horses instead of helping them,” she said. “If someone claims to be an expert, it’s not surprising people believe what they’re told. It’s ensuring that people go to sources that they can trust, and that those people have the appropriate qualifications.

“Our manufacturers and members are controlled by a lot of legislation and they do their very best to place products on the market that are appropriate and safe, so we get worried when people take advice on social media and decide to feed something that may not be safe.”

Clare Barfoot, nutritionist and Mars Horsecare marketing and research and development director, told H&H some common myths around feed ingredients include that soya and alfalfa are bad for horses prone to gastric ulceration – when studies have proven this to be untrue.

“Now that we live in this world of social media, misinformation circulates a lot quicker than it did before. It’s a bit like wildfire,” she said.

“A nutritionist is not a protected profession, so anyone can say, ‘I’m a nutrition expert’. These people may be giving their personal opinion or they’ve read an article or scientific paper and misinterpreted it, and so they spread a lot of quite scary incorrect information, and it’s a snowball effect.

“Owners want the best for their horses – and when something is wrong they naturally want to seek a solution, so they might go to Google or social media and decide they need to buy X product because it’s going to present a cure. But unless it’s a licensed drug, it can’t.”

Ms Barfoot added that there is also a misconception that “natural always equals good”.

“That’s not always the case,” she said. “Just because something is natural it can still cause a horse harm – or at the very least, people could be wasting money buying products that just aren’t going to work.”

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Relief has been shared as it was confirmed the widely used supplement ingredient MSM will not be added to the FEI equine prohibited substances list (EPSL).

Earlier this year MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane) was listed by the FEI as a proposed controlled medication and specified substance for the 2024 EPSL. MSM is an organic compound that occurs naturally in plants such as maize, oats, apples, and alfalfa. It is an internationally recognised feed material, commonly used in equine diets at up to 25g a day to horses competing under FEI rules, without regulatory incident. MSM was listed as a controlled medication from 2011 until it was delisted at the end of 2017.

Following the proposal the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) feed committee, via British Equestrian, put forward evidence to the FEI “justifying MSM’s continued unlisted status”. A BETA spokesman told H&H the FEI proposal indicated a concern that MSM can convert to controlled medication DMSO, but BETA “does not believe there is evidence to show this is a risk in mammals”.

BETA stated that in addition to direct transfer from plant-based diets, “metabolic pathways show MSM can be formed via metabolism of methionine which, as an essential, indispensable, amino acid is required in the diet of all equines – and given that MSM is both natural and ubiquitous to the equine diet, riders are not able to avoid its presence in their horses’ diets, and listing on the EPSL could have led to regulatory issues without pure MSM having been fed.”

BETA executive director Claire Williams said the BETA feed committee provided “extensive technical evidence” to support the association’s beliefs that “defining MSM in this way could have had a significant and potentially negative impact on both equine welfare and the industry”.

“We are delighted that our challenge proved compelling enough for the FEI to reconsider its decision and change the list,” she said.

“We are immensely relieved that the proposed listing of MSM has been dropped and that the current status of ‘unlisted’ is maintained. It allows riders competing under FEI rules continued access to this important ingredient that plays a supportive role in protecting the sport horse from exercise-related oxidative damage.”

Supplement manufacturer NAF shared BETA’s relief.

“As members of the BETA feed committee, we are delighted that the FEI took our robust and evidence-led feedback to their original proposal into consideration and as a result, have not listed MSM,” a NAF spokesman told H&H.

An FEI spokesman confirmed to H&H that the proposal to relist MSM as a controlled medication was withdrawn, and it will not be on the 2024 EPSL.

“As a signatory of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the FEI must follow the WADA policy on this matter. As all the discussions around the list group are to remain confidential, we cannot share more details at this moment,” he said.

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“Riding is at risk” as 250 schools have closed since 2018 – although there has been a slight increase in participation in horse sport.

These were key findings announced at the 2023 National Equine Forum on 2 March, in a session on the opportunities and challenges for the future of the equestrian sector.

British Horse Society (BHS) chief executive James Hick addressed the sustainability of Britain’s riding schools.

“I think we can all recognise that riding schools are the lifeblood of participation,” he said. “With that in mind, should we be concerned that riding is at risk? The BHS carried out research to understand how the recreational riding landscape is changing.”

Mr Hick said the BHS asked all local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, to ask how many animal licences involving horses each had issues. Almost 100% responded.

“We’ve seen a 15% drop in riding schools,” Mr Hick said. “That’s 250 less than in 2018, leaving just 1,497 in Great Britain, giving 1.5m fewer riding lessons.

“When you think about it, that means for potential equestrians, 1.5m fewer opportunities for children, or adults, to build a love of horses and experience the benefits of riding. It’s an extreme decline, which is very concerning.”

Mr Hick added that there is a positive side; demand on rising schools has “never been stronger”. Most centres report waiting lists, he said.

“So why the decline?” he asked. “The most common reason is that owners are retiring, or the staffing crisis is preventing them recruiting enough staff to run their centres.”

There has also been a huge increase in the number of horse-related licences for non-riding businesses such as pony parties and equine-assisted learning centres, giving people their first experience of horses and “the start of a passion we must nurture”.

“We know the horse-human relationship can be transformational; we know most recreational and professional riders start their journeys as children in riding schools.”

Mr Hick said a priority must be to continue to address workforce issues – he said the BHS has had 1,400 applications for its education grant announced at last year’s forum – and provide practical business support to riding schools.

“We must come together as an industry to promote the benefits of riding in holistic terms, most importantly to the non-riding public,” he said. “I do believe riding is at risk; it’s our responsibility to collaborate and lead the transformation that’s under way.”

During a panel discussion, Defra minister Lord Benyon was asked about the possibility of business rates relief for riding schools; H&H has reported that many have been hit hard by huge increases.

“I will look at anything to reverse that rather shocking statistic,” he said. “There has been some rate relief through Covid but I think that’s tinkering with the problem, and if there’s a scheme that could be bespoke, and arranged with the Treasury, I can’t tell you at this stage. That sort of thing happens in budgets, but we’re alert to the problem and if there are clever things we can do, I’ll give them some heft in Government if I can.”

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams revealed the initial findings of the 2022/23 BETA national equestrian survey; research is conducted every four to five years to assess trends in horse ownership, riding and expenditure.

The first results from the first of three phases of research show a small increase in participation; 3.2m, or 4.8% of the population, had ridden a horse in the past 12 months, compared to 4.7% in 2018, and 4.3% in 2014.

There was a slight decline in the number of households responsible for horses’ daily care; a drop from 1.4% to 1.2%, leaving 331,000, but the number of “regular” riders, who ride at least once a month, has increased from 1.8m to 1.82m, and of those, 26% ride at least weekly.

Of an estimated 6m people who did ride but do not now, “cost remains the main factor”, Ms Williams said, especially for those aged between 35 and 64, but “change in lifestyle” is a factor in stopping riding, for the first time.

“But more than one in two lapsed riders would be interested in returning,” Ms Williams said. “Converting ex-riders tends to be easier than attracting new people, but what’s harder to overcome is that the two most common barriers are costs and lack of time. Key to the future of the sport is attracting new people and encouraging lapsed ones to return to the field.”

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The FEI is considering whether to make safety stirrups compulsory for eventing – as the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) confirmed it is “working towards” a safety standard.

The discussion arose during the FEI eventing risk management forum in Jardy last month.

Five-time Olympian William Fox-Pitt said he feels “very strongly that safety stirrups in our sport are a no-brainer”.

“I would not let anyone go without a stirrup that either has a curvy edge, where the foot comes away quickly, or one with a deformable side,” he said.

He added that there are many varieties and “some maybe aren’t good enough”, so as a sport, eventing has to find ones that fit the bill.

“There are incidents where I’ve been dragged, Harry [Meade] has been dragged. In those incidents, how lucky are we to even be alive?

“We do everything with hats, body protectors, frangible fences – surely stirrups, if we can do something, should become part of that.”

Olympic and world medallist Clayton Fredericks agreed.

“I think we should insist that each rider is coming with a safety stirrup of some sort anyway,” he said.

“I realise we want to have high standards of that, but the reality is some form of safety stirrup is better than none and being dragged. So I think it’s a no-brainer. We should make it compulsory.”

FEI risk management steering group chairman Geoff Sinclair told the forum that not having a safety standard makes it difficult to require riders to use safety stirrups, but asked those present to consider whether they should make them “highly recommended”.

Badminton and Olympic gold medal-winner Jane Holderness-Roddam said: “As a child, we always had safety stirrups and I’m horrified to think that nowadays, it’s not compulsory in all equestrian sports, really.

“There are an awful lot of stirrups out there and some I’ve seen just snap that are supposed to be safety stirrups. There definitely needs to be a standard, I think, and BETA would I’m sure be very happy to help to do that.”

BETA chief executive Claire Williams told H&H that the association is working towards setting a standard for safety stirrups.

“The first thing we need to do is to reach a consensus statement on what exactly a safety stirrup is,” she said. “We cannot write a safety standard until that is decided.”

She explained that there are many different variations in how safety functions work on stirrups. This makes it a different challenge to writing a standard for more uniform products, such as a hat or body protector, but work is under way.

• What do you think? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for potential inclusion in the Horse & Hound letters pages

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

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Waterproof rider onesies, roll-on fly spray and an Advent calendar for horses were among the innovations recognised at (British Equestrian Trade Association) BETA International 2022.

The winners of the new product awards were chosen by a panel of retailers and retail experts, on the first day of the event (11 September).

The decisions took into account guideline criteria such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging, value for money and sustainability.

“The judges agreed that the new product showcase had produced a high calibre of entries with a tremendous amount of innovation,” a BETA spokesman said.

The clothing and footwear title went to the Supreme Active Show Rider Waterproof Onesie.

The judges said: “This product is innovative, beautifully made and easy to get on. It’s a versatile product for all weathers with a breathable fabric, and it’s also good value.”

Premier Performance’s Joint Support Cookies won the feed and supplements category, with what judges said was “a great idea for a short-term solution for horses that won’t take supplements”.

“We are exceptionally proud,” said Camilla Zanna from Premier Performance. “Joint Support Cookies are a great bite-size feed supplement that you can give to all horses and ponies requiring an extra level of joint support. Feeding in cookie form is a great way of knowing that your horse has eaten all the supplement you’re giving him.”

The general title went to Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch’s Advent calendar, which is “eco-friendly, recyclable and very saleable”.

“Our Advent calendar is totally eco-friendly and made without any plastics,” said Jamie Rudgley from Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch.

“It contains four new flavours, all made using natural ingredients and are free from molasses, soya and artificial flavours. We’re really pleased to win the award and have had lots of enquiries at the show from outlets wanting to stock them.”

The winning product in horse care was the Leovet/Mackey Equestrian Power Phaser roll-on, which judges said was “easy to use and very practical when out and about… ideal for horses who hate spray”.

“The new roll-on is so useful for going around the horse’s face, eyes and nostrils, and also has the extra convenience that it doesn’t go on to your hands,” said Charlotte Ridge from Mackey Equestrian.

Shires Equestrian’s Oxi Zone training boot won the horsewear and equipment category; it is “well designed, breathable and washable”.

Goodchap’s Tricks & Trivia card game won the pet product category, and the saddlery and tack title went to Ideal and WRS Company’s Technical & Traditional II saddle range, a “clever product at a good price”.

The safety award went to the Pikeur-ABUS Air Luxe helmet. Judges said: The safety standards on this peaked helmet are a unique selling point. It’s an excellent product with good safety features.”

“The hat is available with either a short or long fixed peak, making it really stylish,” said Catherine Powell from Shaws Equestrian.

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A number of bits have been recalled as a “precautionary measure” after they were found not to meet safety regulations.

On 24 June the Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards issued a product recall for single- and double-jointed Nathe bits with “built-in plastic connectors and a pink N sticker on the bit end”. The items affected include eggbutt snaffles, D-rings, full cheeks, and three-ring bits.

“The plastic connectors of the bit become brittle and can break. A rider could lose control of the horse, fall and suffer injuries,” the OPSS alert stated.

“The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.”

A spokesman for Nathe asked customers to stop using the bits affected.

“It cannot be ruled out that the installed plastic connectors will become brittle in individual cases. This can cause the bit to break, which is associated with a corresponding loss of influence,” read the statement.

“The recall is a precautionary measure to protect riders and horses. As a precaution, consumers who have bought one of the items listed should no longer use the bit and return it to the respective point of purchase.”

The spokesman added the company “very much regrets” the situation and apologises to all of its “valued” customers for the inconvenience, and thanks them for their understanding.

British Equestrian Trade Association chief executive Claire Williams told H&H it is important that individuals only return the bits affected by the recall, being those stamped with a pink N.

“If there’s no stamp, they are not covered by the recall,” she said.

“If a consumer has one of the affected bits, it’s important they take it back to where they bought it from. On returning the bit to the retailer, consumers will get a full refund, and then the retailer will go to the distributor and be refunded themselves.”

For further information owners can contact Nathe on info@nather-pferdegebisse.de.

The barcodes of the bits affected are:

4022853239129, 4022853239136, 4022853239143, 4022853239150, 4022853239167, 4022853243461, 4022853239181, 4022853239198, 4022853239204, 4022853239211, 4022853239228, 4022853239112, 4022853239235, 4022853239242, 4022853239259, 4022853239266, 4022853239273, 4022853239280, 4022853239297, 4022853239303, 4022853239310, 4022853239327, 4022853239334, 4022853239341, 4022853239426, 4022853239433, 4022853239440, 4022853239457, 4022853239464, 4022853239419, 4022853239549, 4022853239556, 4022853239563, 4022853239570, 4022853239587, 4022853239532, 4022853239600, 4022853239617, 4022853239624, 4022853239631, 4022853239648, 4022853239594 4022853239778, 4022853239785, 4022853239792, 4022853239808, 4022853239815, 4022853239822, 4022853240217, 4022853240224, 4022853240231, 4022853240248, 4022853240255, 4022853240262, 4022853240378, 4022853243348, 4022853240392, 4022853240408, 4022853240439, 4022853243324, 4022853240453, 4022853240460, 4022853243317, 4022853240422, 4022853243331, 4022853240361, 4022853243416, 4022853239174, 4022853243423, 4022853243430, 4022853243454, 4022853243409.

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The need for more humanitarian and equine aid “grows more desperate” as the war in Ukraine continues.

Four weeks on, the British Equestrians for Ukraine (BEU) group – set up by British Equestrian, the British Horse Society, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and World Horse Welfare with the support of member bodies across the industry – continues to raise funds and coordinate supplies to the country.

“The situation in Ukraine continues to be severe, with fighting intensifying in the south and east and the need for humanitarian and equine aid grows more desperate,” said a BEU spokesman.

“Working in collaboration both in the UK and with parties in Europe and Ukraine, BEU has so far helped nine lorries of goods get delivered and assisted with funding for holding facilities and personnel to help with logistics and coordination.”

A BEU spokesman said through collective efforts, donations to the BEU fund, hosted by World Horse Welfare, stand at £164,000 and food forage and bedding in the nine-truck convoy sent to Poland at the end of last month has now been distributed through Ukraine to key locations where its most needed.

“The Ukrainian equestrian federation (UEF) is prioritising relocating equines to holding camps in safe areas over trying to get them across the border into Poland and beyond,” said the spokesman.

“The wait times for paperwork to be checked, even for microchipped horses, is generally 20 to 40 hours on the border. The camps provide housing and support for any horse and any people who travel with them and BEU has been providing logistics and financial help to set up and run the camps.”

The spokesman added that the British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine (BVPU) has now linked into the BEU fund for monetary assistance to support the need for veterinary supplies, alongside their own fundraising which has raised £44,000 for humanitarian aid. The British Equestrian Veterinary Association Trust has contributed, as has the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

BEVA president-elect and BVPU team member David Rendle will travel to the Polish/Ukrainian border this week to assess the situation and veterinary stands. He is currently coordinating a lorry of donated supplies to leave the UK, and will work with BETA chief executive Claire Williams to ensure the lorry is full of any additional equine, pet and humanitarian supplies.

BETA is also working on a supply source and transport provider for haylage and bedding to Europe so BEU can fund more economical ways to get supplies to Ukraine efficiently. The current requirement is for low-protein, small bale forage and shavings, UEF has reported good stocks of hard feed.

“The situation in Ukraine remains utterly dire but thanks to people’s generosity we are starting to have some impact in getting aid to where it is needed, through donations of supplies and funding. The initial response to the appeal has been amazing and to have legends like Lucinda Green and Carl Hester supporting our collective effort is incredible,” said Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare chief executive.

“However, the stark reality is that the desperate need to support Ukrainian horses and the wider sector will remain for months to come, whatever happens on the ground. So we would implore everyone to continue to donate and to fundraise in support of this much needed initiative.”

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More awareness around minor traumatic brain injuries in children is needed, including the importance of rest and not dismissing the condition as “just a bit of concussion”.

A published study has suggested that persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) – when concussion symptoms continue beyond the expected recovery period after the injury – is underdiagnosed in children. Parents of 205 children aged eight to 15, who attended hospital after a mild traumatic brain injury six months to three years before the research, completed a survey used to measure the severity of symptoms. It was found that 25% were suffering from PPCS, which had not been previously diagnosed. PPCS symptoms can include headaches, difficulty concentrating and irritability.

Shai Efrati of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research in Israel, who led the work, told H&H PPCS in children is often missed and symptoms can be blamed on behavioural or mental health issues.

“It means we are not looking for PPCS in children. In adults, we seek the cause for cognitive decline, but in children they are told they have a mood problem,” said Dr Efrati.

Dr Efrati said children need to be given more time to recover after concussion.

“We need more awareness that after a mild traumatic brain injury, you are more at risk of developing PPCS. I would like more screening when a child is discharged from hospital with concussion; they should be re-evaluated a month later to make sure their symptoms have resolved and if not, they should receive treatment.”

Major trauma consultant Diane Fisher, the British Equestrian Trade Association’s chief medical officer, told H&H she believes language around concussion needs to change.

“People say, ‘It’s just a bit of concussion’ and we need to remove the word ‘just’. Concussion is a traumatic brain injury – and changing the wording changes how a parent is going to view that injury,” said Dr Fisher, adding that children should rest, without screen time.

“Watching television is one of the worst things you can do – for the brain it’s like running a marathon. While recovering, you want the brain not to have to function very hard,” she said.

The Pony Club’s concussion guidance includes a flowchart and a rule that following a concussion diagnosis, a child must not ride for three weeks.

Pony Club chief executive Marcus Capel, who is part of the British Equestrian concussion (BEF) working group, told H&H there are plans for more rider concussion education in the Pony Club, and the BEF working group is producing a pocket guide – similar to those used in rugby – which will include guidance for children.

“Sometimes a parent might want the child to get back on after a fall, but we want to empower coaches to use our guidance and say, ‘In my opinion, they shouldn’t get back on and I want them to get checked by a doctor,’” said Mr Capel.

“We also want to empower riders so they learn when it’s right not to get back on, and to be able to say if they’re not feeling OK.”

In November BETA launched a rider accident reporting form to collect information, which is hoped will inform design of safety equipment. The form is available online or via a QR code and asks people to provide details of any accident that they were involved in, and, if possible, supply images or video of the helmet and/or body protector worn at the time. The form can be completed here.

“We want all injuries reported even if it’s a case of ripping a fingernail off – we want everything. Then we will have our own database across every single horse sport and we can look at what is actually happening, right now we don’t know because equestrians are not the best at going to hospital,” said Dr Fisher.

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Equestrian organisations have come together to launch the British Equestrians for Ukraine appeal, to aid the developing equine crisis in the country.

The appeal has been set up by British Equestrian (BEF), World Horse Welfare, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and the British Horse Society, with the support of member bodies across the industry, to help facilitate a supply chain to meet the immediate need for goods on the ground in Ukraine. Money will also be raised to help buy supplies and cover the costs associated with transport.

“This is a dire situation, and alongside the immediate humanitarian crisis, we must do everything we can to prevent the unnecessary suffering of all equines and help those who care for them,” said BEF chief executive Jim Eyre.

“We’re fortunate that our equestrian community is blessed with so many willing to help those in need. However, it’s apparent that careful coordination is required to make sure urgent goods get to those in need through the correct channels. We hope that we can help facilitate that while urgently raising funds for the emergency requirements and beyond. I’d like to thank all those involved in getting the fund and export effort launched, particularly Alec Lochore, Alice Fox-Pitt, Roly Owers, James Hick and Claire Williams.”

Financial contributions can be made to the appeal via the British Equestrians for Ukraine fund on the World Horse Welfare website. Donations will allow the group to work with trusted local partners including the Ukraine and Polish federations and recognised charities to provide emergency support. UK taxpayers can sign up to Gift Aid, which means the fund will receive an extra 25p from every £1 donated, at no extra cost.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is “utterly heartbreaking”, adding there has been “such a desire” from across Britain to help Ukraine’s horses and those who own or care for them.

“This fund aims to do just that and, along with the BHS, we have donated to the appeal, and would encourage others to do the same,” he said.

“Without doubt there will be huge challenges to effectively target funds where they are most needed, so we will strive to work through a network of trusted local partners in what is clearly such an unsettled and rapidly evolving situation.”

A spokesman for the group for the appeal said it is also working with leading equestrian brands and BETA members to coordinate offers of the urgently required goods and then matching them with planned haulage trips to the Polish logistics hub established by the Ukrainian and Polish equestrian federations.

“This way we can ensure lorries are leaving British shores full, with the right supplies and correct exportation documentation to expedite the goods getting into Poland and on to Ukraine,” he said.

BETA executive director Claire Williams said what had been achieved in such a short time showed what can be done by working together.

“Shipments of hay and bedding are already on their way, but the logistics due to Brexit are challenging,” she said. “Feed companies with distributors and stock on the continent are stepping up to assist while others who are experienced exporters are committing supplies to be sent over either through shared loads or direct with their usual hauliers. Other companies who are not in a position to send products have also pledged cash donations to the new fund.”

Financial donations can be made at:

Equine: British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund

Humanitarian: Disasters Emergency Committee

Companies can donate small packaged haylage/forage, hard feed, and shavings in packs weighing less than 20kg and should contact info@beta-uk.org, which can help with the logistics. Any product supplied needs to be accompanied by export documentation and should not require export health certificates.

In the veterinary world, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said the organisation is “determined” to offer as much help and support as it can to Ukrainian veterinary colleagues who are fleeing the criss and seeking refuge in the UK.

“Our financial support scheme for refugees that we launched in 2020 and expanded last October is therefore immediately available for Ukrainian veterinary surgeons with refugee status, but holding non-recognised qualifications, who are looking for the chance to rebuild their lives and professional careers in the UK,” said an RCVS spokesman.

The scheme enables UK-based vets with refused status to take the RCVS statutory examination for membership for free, provides financial support for travel and accommodation to help them attend exams and free access to RCVS library resources, and provides free membership to associations including the British Equine Veterinary Association.

The RCVS has also made enquiries with the Ukrainian Institute and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe as to whether coordinated efforts are being planned to provide veterinary support for animals that are being brought across the Ukrainian border into neighbouring EU countries, and will publish further details if and when these become available.

Equestrian retailer Foster Equestrian Ltd has announced it will donate all proceeds from purchases of Flex-On composite magnetic inserts. 50% will go to the Red Cross, and 50% to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Research looking into the rehabilitation of chronic sacroiliac pain in horses has provided an insight into owners’ experiences of the rehab journey.

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) thesis of the year, Owner satisfaction with rehabilitation practices for chronic sacroiliac pain in equines in the UK since the year 2000 – by Writtle University College equine sports therapy and rehabilitation graduate Isabelle Anderson – aimed to give an indication of the diagnostic and rehabilitation methods for chronic sacroiliac dysfunction within the general UK horse population and look at the involvement of owners and paraprofessionals during rehab.

The owners of 44 horses, which had been diagnosed by vets with chronic sacroiliac pain, completed an online survey, which included questions on diagnosis and treatment, rehab plan and outcome, together with their experience of the working relationship between their vet and paraprofessional.

Of the respondents, 93.2% involved a paraprofessional to aid their horse’s rehab, the most popular of which was veterinary physiotherapists, at 47.7%. Almost half, 48%, of owners considered that their vet and paraprofessional had a good relationship, 27% a poor relationship and 25% no relationship at all. More than half, 56.8%, of owners rated the rehab instructions as extremely clear and 36.4% understood the goal of exercises given extremely well. But of the participants’ horses who completed their rehabilitation, 55.3% of cases were deemed unsuccessful.

Ms Anderson told H&H she chose the topic for her thesis as the sacroiliac joint is a difficult part of anatomy to study, owing to its location deep in the horse’s pelvis, and she felt there was a gap in research around owner involvement in rehabilitation.

“On the whole, owners were really satisfied with their horses’ rehabilitation journeys, but what stood out for me was that more than 50% of cases were considered unsuccessful rehabilitation, which is a real shame,” she said. “Sacroiliac issues can be really hard to diagnose – sometimes it can be that owners notice something isn’t quite right, but don’t see a prolific lameness and vets aren’t involved until later.”

Ms Anderson added that the study revealed “variable collaboration” between owners, vets and paraprofessionals.

“Further and larger studies into veterinary-client-paraprofessional relationships could improve equine rehabilitation and welfare by highlighting communication barriers and challenges,” she said.

British Equine Veterinary Association president Huw Griffiths agreed that in some horses sacroiliac disease is “relatively difficult” to diagnose, image and treat.

“This study makes some interesting points from the past 20 years, regarding the impact of veterinary-client-paraprofessional relationships and the usefulness or otherwise of some rehabilitation techniques,” he told H&H.

The BETA thesis judging panel comprised research consultant Georgina Crossman with equine nutritionist Katie Williams, vet Karen Coumbe and Equestrian Trade News editor Liz Benwell. The runner-up thesis was The effect of different water depths on the activity of the equine longissimus dorsi muscle while walking on a water treadmill, by Harper Adams University graduate Isabel Badham.

“The standard of dissertations submitted this year was very high, and the finalists really brought their research to life through their presentations,” said Dr Crossman.

“Isabelle’s dissertation was well structured with a clear research method and her presentation highlighted the need for shared decision making when considering horses with chronic sacroiliac pain.”

Entries for the BETA equine thesis of the year are open for 2022. UK and Irish universities and colleges offering equine-related degrees are invited to submit one entry each.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Anyone who has been injured during their involvement with horses is asked to report details to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) as part of efforts to improve safety.

BETA has launched a new rider accident and equipment reporting form to collect information, which it is hoped will inform design of safety equipment.

“A better understanding of what happens to our hats and body protectors during an accident is key to being able to design better and safer equipment, as well as feeding into the safety standards that determine how these garments perform,” said BETA chief executive Claire Williams. “The data collected through this questionnaire will provide invaluable insights contributing to this understanding, and help us, along with our trade members, continue to be innovative in the space to help keep riders across all sports safer.”

The reporting form is available online or via a QR code that can be scanned on phones, “helping to make it more accessible to busy riders”.

It asks people to provide details of any accident that they were involved in, and, if possible, supply images or video of the helmet and/or body protector worn at the time.

“There’s a real paucity of true [injury] data when it comes to the equestrian industry,” said BETA chief medical officer Diane Fisher.

“It’s so important to get this data as we can feed it back to the industry, to the manufacturers so they can use it to help further improve what they do, as a basis for our safety equipment.

“It also allows us to research injuries in real time. If we are picking up certain injuries and trends, it allows us as BETA to step in and campaign at the time, which makes more sense than working on the back foot.

“We all accept that riding has real dangers attached, but using the protection available correctly can mitigate and minimise these risks. As equestrians we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves fit, healthy and injury free, not only in our own best interests but also in the interests of these very special animals we are lucky enough to spend time with.”

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EQUESTRIANS have been reminded of their responsibilities while riding on the road – from why high-vis is useful in court cases to the importance of thanking drivers.

In a webinar hosted by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) on 20 August, as part of its Summer of Safety series, sergeant Zoe Billings of North Yorkshire Police and BETA chief executive Claire Williams discussed how risk on the road can be reduced for riders and drivers.

Sergeant Billings, a horse owner and former riding instructor, said she rides and carriage-drives on the road and has first-hand experience from both sides of the fence.

“I’ve been to fatalities involving horses and riders. I’m also that car driver that sees the behaviour of riders and how that can influence driver behaviour,” she said. “It gives me a little bit of concern that we as riders aren‘t necessarily doing all that we can to maximise our safety.”

The importance of being alert while riding on the roads and the use of mobile phones was discussed.

“The amount of riders in groups who are so engrossed in their conversation that the car ‘suddenly appears from nowhere’. If the first person who spots the car is your horse you should be embarrassed,” said Sgt Billings. “You should never be surprised if a car appears because they don’t appear from nowhere, and especially now with electric cars – they’re quiet. Don’t be reliant on hearing that engine sound.

“It is not an offence to use your phone when you’re riding but is it a good idea? Keep calls to a minimum or answer in emergencies, but consider a bluetooth earpiece.”

Sgt Billings said she advises against waving drivers round bends.

“Yes we have a good view in an elevated position but all it takes is for a bicycle to be coming round the corner that we haven’t seen. Let the driver make their own decision on what is safe for them,” she said, adding that riders should consider thanking all drivers.

“I hate going past horses where they don’t thank you. It’s about thinking, ‘How do we react to get the best out of the driver?’ Our action will influence their reaction, and you have to think that will influence their next action. If they haven’t slowed down enough, was it because the previous time they did they didn’t get an acknowledgement? It doesn’t help.

“If it’s safe to take your hand off the rein, brilliant. If it isn’t, use a big smile and nod. It will really make a difference and they will think about it. Obviously if they have put you in danger I’m not saying thank them, but it’s about showing that extra level of courtesy to elevate the perception of riders to being responsible, friendly and courteous on the roads.”

Sgt Billings said there are a number of myths around high-vis, including riders incorrectly believing that wearing high-vis is an admission of not being safe to be on the road.

“You want to maximise your conspicuity, stand out and smack them between the eyes in terms of ‘I am here to be seen’,” she said. “If the worst does happen, showing you are visible can assist in a criminal and civil court case. Criminally, if we can show that you were there to be seen, and still a driver didn’t see you – that could help tip the balance if that driver is prosecuted or not, if there is enough evidence.

“In a civil case, if you can show you have maximised your safety and reduced your risk as much as you can that can affect payout; it can make the difference between 100% or 50%. Suddenly a £5.99 slip-over high-vis doesn’t seem such a bad idea.”

British Horse Society director of safety Alan Hiscox, who took part in an earlier webinar to discuss the society’s road safety work and its role in the review of the Highway Code for vulnerable road users, said riders have to take their responsibilities seriously, and agreed high-vis “really does make a difference”.

“We had a report with the Transport Research Laboratory in 2017 which talks about drivers detecting horses, riders, carriage-drivers, and being able to judge their approach. We have scientific evidence now that says if you wear conscious clothing it really does increase your safety,” he said.

Ms Williams added that it is important that riders wear high-vis of the correct standard.

“A lot of people don’t realise that high-vis clothing isn’t just fluorescent clothing. It’s not just the fabric, it’s the retroreflective tape that reflects lights and as a riders you need to check when picking that high-vis it meets the appropriate standard. That means it passes tests on washability and durability. A bright orange jacket is not necessarily a piece of high-vis, though it probably helps make you be seen on the road.”

• What do you think about rider responsibility for road safety? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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H&H finds out which substances may be added to the FEI’s prohibited list, what that may mean for riders and what the industry’s response is to the proposals

CONCERNS have been raised about a proposed change to the FEI equine prohibited substances list that could mean a widely used herb is no longer allowed under competition rules.

The FEI has reviewed the list and proposed changes include the addition of chasteberry (vitex agnus-castus) as a controlled substance, making banned substance cannabidiol a controlled medication, and banning 32 antihistamines.

The FEI’s list group, made up of 10 members including vets, pharmacologists and researchers, proposed that chasteberry should fall under the definition of a controlled substance. Controlled medications are substances deemed to have therapeutic value and/or be commonly used in equine medicine. They should not be present in a horse during a competition under FEI rules, without a valid veterinary form. Chasteberry is used in many supplements aimed at helping mares with hormone-related behaviour issues.

“At this stage, it is a proposal and following the thorough consultation and review process which is currently under way with the national federations and stakeholders. A final decision will be published on 1 October 2021 and any accepted changes will come into effect as of 1 January 2022,” said an FEI spokesman.

British Equestrian director of equine sports science and medicine John McEwen told H&H BEF is reviewing the proposal with member bodies, stakeholders and veterinary representatives.

“The proposal is complex and therefore is reliant on input from several parties so the best interests of all concerned are represented,” he said. “At this stage, it’s too early in the process to make any specific observations but we will make a full submission to the FEI in due course.”

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), through its feed committee, is preparing a case to put to the FEI.

“We have asked initially for an indication of the reasons behind it being added to the list. It is a feed material listed on the UK register of feed materials and used primarily to help support hormone balance in order to reduce behavioural signs associated with oestrous,” BETA executive director Claire Williams told H&H.

“The concern is that should the herb be placed on the list of controlled medications, mares would no longer be able to compete while being fed products containing it.”

Ms Williams said BETA had noted some other changes to the list that are “of interest” to the feed sector but none that have the “potential impact” that chasteberry would.

Equine supplements and products brand NAF, which uses chasteberry in some supplements, is working as part of the BETA feed committee and is “disappointed” about the inclusion of chasteberry.

“We note the FEI has raised concerns about its use in regulating mares’ behaviour. However, that makes the decision all the more difficult to understand, given the FEI allows the control of mare’s behaviour through use of altrenogest Regumate,” NAF head nutritionist Kate Hore told H&H.

“Given the considerable, and recognised, risks to equine carers – most notably women, but men – from skin exposure to altrenogest, we feel it would be a negative move by the FEI to be moving riders from chasteberry, which carries no known risks, over to altrenogest.”

“If riders, or grooms, are concerned about the proposal we would advise them to put those concerns directly to BEF, as soon as possible, so those concerns can be passed to the FEI.”

A spokesman for Nettex Equine, which uses chasteberry in a supplement, said the company is aware of the proposals and is working closely with BETA.

“Nettex Equine will continue to monitor these developments and will respond accordingly in due course,” he said.

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The British Equestrian Trade Association has surveyed riders to find out the effect the past year has had on their riding, owning and spending. H&H finds out more, and what the industry can expect

PARTS of the equestrian industry appear to be emerging from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic in a better position than had been feared, research indicates.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) looked into how Covid had been affecting the horse world, from riding and horse-owning to spending and competing, in a similar manner to its four-yearly national equestrian survey.

The research found that although the number of people who had ridden in the past year had dropped, from 3m in 2018 to 2.5m, and one in 20 riders stopped riding altogether during the pandemic, 59% of riders said they had been in the saddle as much as, or more than, pre-Covid levels. One in 10 riders has been spending more on equestrian items during the pandemic, and two in 10 a lot less, or they have stopped spending altogether, but there has been a 38% increase in online spend.

BETA executive director Claire Williams told H&H people had been very worried about the impact lockdown would have on trade, but the association had heard anecdotal evidence that things were not as bad as had been feared. This survey would confirm or disprove this, as well as acting as a mid-point between the 2018 and the 2022 major studies.

“It’s not all roses but I think the industry is coming out better than we thought it would, going in,” she said, adding that the turn towards online shopping may be here to stay; 65% of riders said they were likely to continue shopping in this way.

Those who were spending less cited reduced income and uncertainty as their reasons, while those who were spending more said they had more money as they were not competing, or more time and spare cash to review their needs.

Ms Williams said the riding figures were not unexpected; many people were unable to ride during full lockdown, but others had more free time owing to the furlough scheme or working from home.

“When you put the ‘normal’ figures against last year’s, they’re actually not that different,” she said, adding that more people aged 45+ had stopped riding or done so less frequently, possibly as younger people were home from school or university, and older riders may have been more likely to be shielding or concerned about the virus.

“But it’s a positive message,” she said. “After the first lockdown, there was a nice bounce back when the shops reopened, and people like saddle-fitters were reporting hundreds of people on waiting lists. Things are going to get back to normal; we know they are.”

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Industry experts at the National Equine Forum discussed how Brexit has been affecting business and everyday life, and look at what is being done to mitigate the impact

THE equestrian sector needs to unite to take a cohesive, coherent campaign on the effects Brexit is having on our industry, to UK and EU ministers.

Representatives from across the sector gave presentations on the impact on the sector since the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.

British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams said leaving the single market has had a huge impact on businesses.

“Europe has become a market, or markets, to which we formally export, and import from, which demands skill sets totally new to many people,” she said.

“We didn’t know what was coming. The promise of a deal meant many companies largely put off preparation; without detail, they didn’t know what precisely to prepare for. The deal, we were told, would mean we would be able to carry on frictionless trade. It wasn’t the Christmas present most people thought it was, or would have wished for.”

Ms Williams said exports from the UK equestrian trade, excluding horses and vehicles, amount to over half a billion pounds a year, over half of which is thought to be sold in Europe. There are also huge sales from UK businesses into Europe.

Ms Williams said companies have to deal with a “vast” and complicated array of documentation to export, which appear to exceed that needed to export to other countries. The markets in Europe have differences, such as in VAT rates and documents demanded, and Ms Williams said there has been confusion when paperwork is demanded, but not required or available.

She warned that extra duty is an unforeseen cost, as the tax is levied on the value of a shipment when products enter the EU, then when sold on to the UK, duty is levied again as if it were entering from a third country. If it is sold to Ireland, duty is levied for a third time.

“The trade is meeting the challenges as best they can, and slowly overcoming them, but it’s taking longer than we imagined,” she said. “Some solutions are being worked on, and for the future of our trade, it’s important we persist.”

She said it is hoped the process will become easier. There are also “glimmers of light on the horizon”, as new trade deals’ will mean access to other markets such as Japan.

Henry Bullen, director of Peden Bloodstock, spoke about the changes to moving horses.

“My two least favourite words currently are ‘Covid’ and ‘Brexit’,” he said. “That’s probably the same across the board.”

Mr Bullen said moving horses to the EU is now a “bureaucratic headache”.

“It’s now certainly more complicated to take a horse from the UK to the EU than it is to go to the US, and it’s more time-consuming,” he said. “It’s definitely more stressful.”

Mr Bullen described the new processes for moving horses; the vet checks, extra paperwork and delays at border control posts, as reported in H&H. Horses have been sent back to the UK owing to slight mistakes in the paperwork.

“The biggest problem now though is not only horse welfare but the massive increase in costs,” he said. “It’s about a 600% increase on some crossings.”

“But we are where we are,” he said. “The UK and Europe. It doesn’t meant we’re against them; we’re friends and colleagues, who work together and all have a passion for the welfare of the horse, and we need to make sure movement can continue. There’s a lot of work going on to try to reduce the burden on us all. Defra is working very hard with their counterparts in Europe, and we’re working with friends and colleagues, federations and the FEI to make sure the border process is improved, and reduce the amount of documentation.

“With the support and dedication of all of us, we’ll be able to return to happy, fast, efficient and cost-effective movement.”

Simon Brooks-Ward, CEO of HPower group that runs Royal Windsor and Olympia horse shows, questioned whether EU-based riders will come here to shows, with the extra costs, delays and paperwork, adding: “If the situation continues, do we have an international event industry? Long term, it’s unsustainable, so we have to do something about it if we’re to sustain our industry.”

Mr Brooks-Ward said it is important international shows survive, as a “shop window” to the £8bn equestrian industry, which has a 270,000-strong workforce.

He added that he recently chaired a group of top riders and coaches who met Defra, and that while civil servants are sympathetic, they are dealing with “an EU machine not minded to be helpful to the UK at the moment”.

“We need a plan,” he said. “Together, we’re a force to be reckoned with; racing, vets, sport horses and breeding, are strong. Individually, we’re just a distraction.

“The real solution will come from the EU and our friends in it.”

Mr Brooks-Ward said it is felt there are three stages to go through: to understand the situation, so one equine community needs to “force the issues” on to UK government and EU agendas. We need to understand what other industries are doing, and what the issues are. He said step two needs to be a conference of all the interested bodies, to “sell the vision”, and that financial backing is needed, to get lobbying specialists on board.

“Step three: we need to act,” he said. “One campaign, coordinated, cohered, collective responsibility and a really good lobbying firm, to hit hard where it matters. To get it to ministerial priorities in this country so it’s political. And we need to effect change among our EU friends and allies.

“As event organisers, we’re trying our best to be that shop window; we need to create that so we can have a livelihood, fun and a sustainable industry going forward.”

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British Equestrian has announced an immediate 14-day relaxation of the anti-doping rules for competing horses who may be affected by the zilpaterol feed contamination.

Following the news yesterday (23 October) that feed companies Allen & Page, Baileys Horse Feeds, Hilight Horse Feeds, Honeychop Horse Feeds, Saracen Horse Feeds, and Spillers, Winergy and Pegasus, had confirmed that some of their products had been affected by contamination with the banned substance, British Equestrian (BEF) today (23 October) stated it had worked on a “proactive solution”, which should help all parties caught up in this “unfortunate situation”.

“With immediate effect the BEF board has introduced a 14-day moratorium, during which time any horse that returns a positive result for zilpaterol through testing at an event will not be subject to any regulatory action under the BEF’s anti-doping rules (known as BEFAR), provided the positive sample is consistent with the feed being contaminated with zilpaterol,” it read.

“This moratorium period will be kept under constant review and may be extended depending upon updated information relating to the contamination.”

The statement added that the moratorium covers horses competing under national rules of any BEF member bodies, who are signed up to BEFAR. Horses who are competing in international shows are still subject to the rules and testing requirements of the FEI, and will not be covered under the moratorium for any such shows.

Article continued below…

Feed contamination update: more major companies affected

Major feed companies that distribute in the UK have confirmed a number of their products have been affected by contamination

Suspected feed contamination: ‘significant progress’ made in investigation by supplier

Gain Equine Nutrition has today (9 October) issued a statement on its investigation

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BEF interim chief executive Iain Graham said this is a situation where “reason and logic” are required.

“We’re grateful to the BEF board and BEFAR technical committee for facilitating this moratorium. The British Equestrian Trade Association and some UK feed brands have worked extensively to provide the facts which were a vital part in the process,” he said.

“We hope this will put riders’ minds at rest and give time for the feed companies to work with their clients towards eliminating any contaminated feed from the supply chain. My thanks to all concerned.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Major feed companies that distribute in the UK have confirmed a number of their products have been affected by contamination with the banned substance zilpaterol.

Yesterday (21 October) British Equestrian (BEF) said it had been made aware that “several” feed companies may have products contaminated with banned substance zilpaterol, which was in a shipment of molasses used in the manufacturing process.

The news comes after Gain horse feeds’ announcement at the beginning of the month on suspected zilpaterol contamination of some of its products. Zilpaterol is used as a feed additive in the USA and other countries to promote weight gain, mainly in cattle. It is not approved for use in Europe.

Today (22 October) the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) said it wanted to clarify the situation on behalf of its horse feed manufacturing members.

BETA said the companies affected by the contamination that have been confirmed to date are Allen & Page, Baileys Horse Feeds, Hilight Horse Feeds, Honeychop Horse Feeds, Saracen Horse Feeds, and Spillers, Winergy and Pegasus.

A spokesman for BETA said unless horses are participating in affiliated competitions and could be subject to dope tests, these feeds are safe to use.

“It has very recently been confirmed that the cane molasses containing zilpaterol hydrochloride supplied by ED&F Man Ltd into Ireland did then enter the UK some months ago and was supplied to a few equine feed companies. In that period there have only been positives detected under the rules of racing in France from feed originating from one Irish company,” read the BETA statement.

“In the absence of any confirmatory analysis from ED&F Man Ltd as to whether and/or what levels of zilpaterol were in any molasses supplied into companies, once aware that the contamination may have affected the UK supply, all companies took precautionary measures and stopped using the shipment of molasses in question and replaced it with an alternative source or another raw material.”

The spokesman said BETA has been working with its members in their efforts to identify the nature and scale of the contamination, that has been “beyond their control”.

“All have tried to act in the best interests of their customers to deal with an impossible situation. A number of these companies are in direct contact with their known clients to advise on the situation and provide any advice and instructions they can,” he said. 

“ED&F contacted companies to confirm the material was contaminated but at lower levels than was the case in Ireland.”

 The spokesman added that BETA had received confirmation from the UK’s Food Standards Agency that it was taking no further action due to the very low concentrations in the feed, which are not considered significant in terms of feed safety and are not a risk to equine health.

“The level of zilpaterol which has been found in feed was less than one part per billion, well below the level which would trigger food or feed safety considerations,” he said.”

The statement said the racing and sporting regulatory bodies have “different priorities” from BETA’s feed regulators and so while posing no health risks to horses, it is prohibited for horses competing under rules.

“The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has offered a seven-day moratorium in racing during which any horse that returns a positive result for zilpaterol through raceday, out-of-racing or elective testing will not be subject to BHA regulatory action, provided the positive sample is consistent with the feed contamination.

“Elective testing undertaken through the BHA has indicated that zilpaterol is not present in horses that had contaminated feed withdrawn for four clear days. Investigations are ongoing, so this is not yet considered a confirmed withdrawal period for the substance.”

In a statement on 11 October Gain Equine Nutrition said that ED&F had issued an “urgent action and recall notice” recalling products suspected of containing “minute traces” of zilpaterol. The notice added that although initial levels detected are extremely low, the substance in question is banned in the EU.

The BEF said as a banned substance, zilpaterol may be detected in samples taken from horses competing under FEI discipline member body rules, where the FEI and/or BEF anti-doping rules will apply, and subsequent penalties could be imposed in the case of any positive samples.

“Riders of horses who are liable to be tested, and have not been contacted by their feed manufacturer already, should contact them immediately for any update the manufacturer may be able to offer on the status of their products,” said the BEF spokesman.

The spokesman added BEF is in “constant contact” with the FEI for further guidance.

In a statement today, the FEI said it understands the companies in question are contacting customers directly to advise on batches that may have been affected and to replace the contaminated feed.

“Anyone contacted by their supplier should follow their advice and, if required, stop feeding any potentially affected product immediately. They should also ensure that all feed equipment (bowls, scoops, bins etc.) that may have contained any contaminated product is cleaned thoroughly with detergent and plenty of water.”

Article continued below…

Suspected feed contamination: ‘significant progress’ made in investigation by supplier

Gain Equine Nutrition has today (9 October) issued a statement on its investigation

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The spokesman added that in line with the FEI’s previous advice, it is strongly advised horses that may have inadvertently ingested zilpaterol are withdrawn from competition.

H&H has contacted ED&F for comment.

The products affected are:

Allen & Page products made up to 10 October:

• Stud & young stock mix
• Quiet mix
• Herbal quiet mix
• Old Faithfuls special
• Quiet cubes & Sustain

The Allen & Page manufacturing date can be found on the white sewn in label and is shown after batch number in the bottom right-hand corner.

Baileys Horse Feeds range of cubes, primarily:

• No.2 Working Cubes
• No.4 Top Line Conditioning Cubes
• No.11 Racehorse Cubes
• No.23 Racing Light Cubes
• No.24 Ease & Excel Cubes

Of these, only those with batches dated prior to 8 October 2020, which will appear as 08102020 printed on the bottom of the bag, are affected.

Hilight Horse Feeds:

Range of cubes with batches manufactured prior to 8 October 2020

Honeychop Horse Feeds:

A limited number of their fibre range up to manufacturing week (41) which can be found on the label on the front of bags.

Saracen Horse Feeds

Range of mixes (not the cube range)

Mixes with a best-before date prior to 8 April 2021 may be affected.

The dedicated Saracen line 01622 713 887 should be contacted with any questions.

Spillers, Winergy and Pegasus:

Mixes and fibres manufactured before 10 October 2020. All cubes and balancers are unaffected.

Mixes with best before date 9 February 2021 or before

Spillers Happy Hoof with best before date 9 April 2021 or before

All other chopped fibres with best before date 9 February or before

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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The number of riders in the UK, and the amount of money they spend, are on the up – but many of those who cannot ride cite lack of access to horses and facilities.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) says the results of its National Equestrian Survey 2019, released today (26 June) show a “cautiously optimistic” view of the industry, but that there is “still work to be done”.

The survey, the only one to investigate the size and shape of the UK equestrian industry, was part-funded by Sport England through the British Equestrian Federation.

“It is the sixth one to be conducted over the past 25 years and plays a crucial role in providing a clear and accurate picture of the industry today,” a BETA spokesman said.

The survey shows that the steady decline in the number of riders in the country over the previous 10 years appears to be recovering, although the UK horse population has shrunk by about 100,000.

“This latest survey is one of the most robust ever – based on 6,151 nationally representative interviews – with some conducted online for the very first time,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.

Ms Williams said the survey covers riding population, activity and economy, as well as specific reports on feed, bedding, clothing and horsewear.

“The survey provides a valuable tool for allowing us to spot trends and track changes over longer periods of time,” she said. “We can also take the information to examine the relationship between external and internal influences.

“On the whole, this new survey gives a positive overview of the industry, with an upturn in some rider figures and an increase in annual spending, which is great news for equestrian businesses that can continue to support a sizable and lucrative market.

“This good news, however, is tempered by the fact that a greater number of lapsed riders are citing the loss of access to horses and equestrian facilities as a barrier, which continues to be something of a challenge and a sign that there is still work to be done in this area.”

The survey highlights new spending patterns and changing trends since the 2015 study.

Continues below…

Yard owner who suffered smashed face calls for horses to be taught better manners

‘I just hope this might make people sit up and pay attention, and put the groundwork in’

Happiness survey results

New Horse & Hound Online survey reveals horses make us happier than our partners

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Among its other key findings are that the economic value of the sector is £4.7bn of consumer spending annually, up from £4.3bn in 2015.

The number of people who have ridden at least once in the past year has increased from 2.7m in 2015 to 3m, while the number of regular riders has risen from 1.3m to 1.8m.

There are 374,000 horse-owning households in Britain, down from 446,000 in 2015, and the estimated horse population of Britain is 847,000, down from 944,000.

Lack of access to horses and riding facilities is a barrier preventing 22% of lapsed riders returning to the sport.

For more on the survey results, see next week’s H&H magazine, out 4 July.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Innovations in helmet safety were recognised at the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) trade awards.

Helmets that contain the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) received the top prize and highly commended award in the safety category at BETA International on 20 January.

Charles Owen took top honours for its MS1 pro jockey skull, which is one of several of its helmets to include the technology to “top up” the protection its hats already provide.

“This is a genuine innovation in safety, lightweight, with good fit, shape and ventilation, and removable liner,” said the judges.

In helmets that use MIPS, the shell and the liner are separated by a low friction layer. This means if it is subjected to an angled impact, the low friction layer allows the helmet to slide relative to the head — mimicking the action of the scalp and helping to protect against rotational motions.

The highly commended award went to Finest Brands International’s Champion revolution MIPS deluxe hat.

“We were very excited by the use of MIPS technology, as well as the great quality and labelling. This is a product that Champion and retailers can really shout about,” said the judges.

Mountain Horse was also rewarded for its use of reflective technology in its illusion reflective jacket in the rider clothing and footwear category.

The technical padded coat features reflective thread, which has been integrated into the fabric on the upper, front ant back of the coat.

“The Illusion is a smart, practical jacket with clever use of reflective technology,” said the judges.

Show organiser Claire Thomas praised the innovation behind the winning products.

“We have been bowled over by the quality of new products being launched at BETA International,” she said.

“It’s extremely exciting to see the industry working so hard to generate all these fantastic new things, with a great deal of enthusiasm, time and money being invested in them.

“We were thrilled to see the winners collect their trophies and our congratulations go to all those who played a part in their success.”

The full list of winners is as follows:

Rider clothing & footwear

Winner: Mountain Horse’s illusion reflective jacket

Highly commended: Ariat Europe Devon pro nitro boot

Country clothing & footwear

Winner: Sioen UK’s baleno Pembroke jacket

Highly commended: Aigle International UK’s mujal vest

Highly commended: Grubs Boots’s cyclone boot

Feed & supplements

Winner: NAF’s five star magic

General

Winner: Stride Innovations’ steady wrist band

Highly commended: Crafty Ponies’ stableyard set

Horse care equipment & clothing

Winner: Equilibrium Products’ therapy hind and hock magnetic chaps

Highly commended: Comco’s silver bandage pads

Highly commended: Horseware Products’ Amigo Bravo 12 reflectech plus med rug

Pet products

Winner: Product Global’s mud daddy portable washing brush

Highly commended: The Golden Paste Company’s TurmerEase

Saddlery & tack

Company: Bliss of London’s sportiva dressage FLX saddle

Highly commended: The Bombers International Trust’s relaxed performance Weymouth bit

Safety & security

Winner: Charles Owen/Airowear’s MS1 pro jockey skull

Highly commended: Finest Brands International’s champion revolution MIPS deluxe hat

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider whose brain “bounced around like a ping-pong ball” when she was kicked in the head after a fall says her experience shows how easily accidents can happen.

Claire Howie was unable to work for months owing to the brain haemorrhage she suffered in August 2014 and has had to “rebuild her life” as a result.

“But my hat saved my life that day,” she told H&H.

Claire is among riders backing British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) first safety week, which runs from 26 April until 6 May.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage riders to ensure their safety equipment is properly maintained, fitted and fastened, as well as being up to the appropriate standard.

Claire, an HGV driver who schools other people’s horses as well as eventing her own, was riding a five-year-old mare belonging to a client when the accident happened. “She’d been going well,” Claire said. “We came round to this pretty harmless cross-pole and the mare decided she didn’t want to jump it.

“I don’t recall a lot but the horse’s owner was videoing it and I saw it afterwards; she came round to the jump, refused at the last minute and dropped her shoulder and I went out of the side door, in the direction of the fence.

“Because she was young, she spooked herself because I’d come off, did a 360-degree spin and kicked me. I’d hit the fence with the front of my head and in a split second, she kicked me in the back of the head.

“My neurosurgeon later said it was as if my brain had been bouncing around my head like a ping-pong ball.”

Claire is now riding again and has almost fully recovered but the brain injury she suffered meant she spent days in hospital and “two months in bed” – but also more long-term symptoms.

“I lost my house, I lost everything because I couldn’t work,” she said. “I had to rebuild my life – but if I hadn’t been wearing my hat, my skull would have been caved in.”

Continues below…

‘My hat saved my life’ says rider who broke neck in fall

The injured rider is calling for others to ensure their hats are up to standard and professionally fitted

Days-old foal saved by transfusion from fellow equine patient

The filly was given the life-saving treatment thanks to another horse in the surgery for a bone scan

‘It absorbed a tremendous blow’: findings on hat involved in serious fall

An examination of a hat credited by its owner for saving her life showed it had 'done its job exceptionally

“It was the quality and build of it too. It’s not about having all the bling, it has to be good quality, fitted properly and up to standard. If I see people riding without hats now, it gives me the heebie-jeebies as I know what could have happened to me.

“You think you’re a good rider and you know your horse but this shows how easily these things happen; it only takes one freak accident and it’s all over.

“We wear safety equipment for a reason; your life is important.”

For more information, visit the BETA website or search for #BETASafetyWeek on social media.

For more on the first BETA safety week, see this week’s H&H magazine, out 26 April.

Also in this Thursday’s edition, don’t miss our full Badminton preview, including cross-country course walk with Mary King and full form guide for every horse and rider.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A high-vis turnout rug, a washable tweed jacket and a supplement for gastric ulcers were among the winners of the 2017 BETA International innovation awards.

The judges of the products, which were exhibited at the British Equestrian Trade Association event at the NEC Birmingham (21-24 January) said they were “bowled over”, both by the number and the quality of the award entries.

Harry Hall scooped the horse care equipment and clothing category, with its Protechmasta infra-red rug, and the safety and security award for a high-vis turnout rug.

Rachel Bowles, of Harry Hall, told H&H the difference between the Protechmasta and other therapy rugs is that the ceramic is within the fibre of the rug, rather than in a layer on top, which means it will not wear off with washing.

“It also gives more coverage, which helps the infra-red do all that great stuff like breaking down lactic acid,” she said. “The rug is undergoing clinical trials but early indications are that the horses get huge benefits.”

The judges said the rug would “appeal to professionals and amateurs, and help a variety of horses”.

Ms Bowles said Harry Hall is “absolutely over the moon” to have won both awards, adding that the high-vis turnout rug would benefit owners whose horses have to be led across or along roads en route to and from their fields.

Stable & Barn director Charlotte Boyes was delighted to win the general category for her tack trolley, which impressed judges for its “multi-functionality”.

She told H&H: “I didn’t expect to win. Now there’s lots of hard work, I’m not going to sit back and celebrate!”

The feed and supplement award went to GastroKind, which was supplied to judges with “clinical examples of it being successfully used by horse owners”. A spokesman for maker Science Supplements said: “Our ethos is to continually produce the best products based on the most recent research and clinical evidence. To win this award for a second time is a very proud moment and a first for any supplement company.”

Musto’s machine-washable Gore-Tex shooting jacket for ladies won the country clothing award, as judges said it is “ideal for various outdoor pursuits”.

A Musto spokesman explained the Gore-Tex is under the wool layer, which makes it waterproof. The tweed has also been treated differently to the norm, which means it can be machine washed without damaging the fabric.

“We’re ecstatic,” she added. “We’ve come back to BETA after seven years and to make an impact has boosted our confidence and shows Musto is back and better than ever.”

Doggy Bag won the pet products section for its “doggy towel”, which judges said is “a really useful product for all dog owners”, and Italian company Kask was “very proud” to win the rider clothing and footwear category for its merino wool-lined helmet.

Neue Schule took the saddlery and tack award for its turtle tilt Weymouth.

Related articles:

• Want to beat the bounce? New guide on the best bras for riding
• Winged saddle pads and low-sugar licks: discover BETA International’s innovation winners
• Is your horse too hot in his rug? There’s an app for that

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said Neue Schule founder Heather Hyde, who explained the “turtle top” is the company’s mouthpiece designed to be more comfortable for horses when a rein contact is taken.

The turtle tilt Weymouth has a larger weight-bearing surface, so there is less pressure on the horse’s tongue, and there is greater separation between it and the bradoon, so it is easier to differentiate between the bits, and less chance of the horse’s tongue being caught between them.

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A bra guide for riders has been published after research found 40% of ladies suffer from breast pain when in the saddle.

The Horse Rider’s Guide to Bras has been produced by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

It is based on large-scale research by Dr Jenny Burbage, a biomechanics specialist at the University of Portsmouth, and Lorna Cameron, of Sparsholt College.

They found that 40% of 1,324 riders surveyed experienced breast pain, which was significantly related to increased cup size (news, 8 October 2015).

They also discovered that less than 35% of women wear a sports bra while riding and at least one bra-related issue was reported by 59% of participants.

“About 900,000 women in the UK ride at least once a week and many of them will experience exercise-induced pain at some time,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.

“We thought that the study undertaken by Dr Burbage and Ms Cameron would be of great interest to both riders and retail members who stock sports and rider-specific bras in-store.”

The free six-page leaflet offers guidance on how to know if a sports bra fits correctly, and some simple checks that can be done in the changing room to quickly find out it will be suitable for riding.

It also gives details on the three common types of sports bra available — encapsulation, compression and combination — and who these are best suited to.

“This new guide should go a long way to helping riders find a bra that fits well and is beneficial in helping to keep them pain-free and comfortable,” added Ms Williams.

Related articles:

• Breast pain puts some women off riding
• Does a good bra equal good riding? Research intends to find out
• Vets use bra to save miniature pony’s eye

During the study, the researchers also found that breast pain could be stopping some women from riding.

Respondents to the survey, which they carried out between September and December 2014 placed breast pain as the fourth-greatest barrier to women riding. This was behind not having enough energy, time and work commitments.

For a copy of the guide, visit www.beta-uk.org or email Laura Clegg on laurac@beta-int.com.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British Eventing (BE) is updating its body protector rules from 2018.

The organisation has revealed that from 1 January 2018, body protectors carrying the BETA 2000 level three label will not be allowed at its affiliated competitions.

Only BETA 2009 level three body protectors, or any later revisions to the standard, will be allowed.

The decision follows a similar move by the Pony Club, whose updated rules on body protectors came into force this year.

“No garments with the BETA 2000 standard have been produced since 2011, making any body protector with this label a minimum of five years old,” said a statement from BE.

“Following discussions with the BE risk management committee and advice from BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association), body protectors with this 2000 label will not be allowed for use at BE competitions from 1st January 2018.”

BETA’s executive director Claire Williams praised BE for giving riders “plenty of notice”.

“BETA 2000 has served us well since its introduction in 2000, however now there are garments potentially being used that are up to 16 years old, so well past their “use-by” date,” she said.

“General wear and tear over long periods as well as falls can have a detrimental effect on the ability of a garment to offer the protection needed so the change to the BE rules is welcomed.”

Safety updates

New hat standard rules were brought by BE, the Pony Club, Riding Clubs, British Horse Society and British Showjumping at the beginning of this year.

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This followed the withdrawal of the European Equestrian Riding Helmet standard (BS) EN 1384 from European legislation last year.

British Dressage has also removed (BS) EN 1384 from the list of acceptable protective standards in its 2017 rule book, which will come into effect from 1 January 2017.

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New technology launched this year could soon beam vital statistics about your horse directly to your smartphone.

Horseware Ireland has developed a temperature and humidity monitor that is designed to sit underneath a rug and sends readings to the HorsePal app.

It was revealed at the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) trade fair (24-26 January) and was highly commended in the BETA innovation awards.

The app takes information from the monitor and combines it with the weather forecast for the following three days to recommend a rug for your horse.

Users will also be able to add other information, such as their horse’s condition, age, breed and whether he is clipped or not, which will have a bearing on the choice.

“We have a vision for a whole load of sensors,” Horseware Ireland co-founder Tom MacGuinness told H&H.

“We wanted something very simple for the launch to get on the ladder.

“The exciting thing is that this is the first in a whole line of upgrades.”

The current sensor requires you to be within 15 metres of your horse, but there are plans to extend this.

Mr MacGuinness added that future features will include a memory for the previous three days, a movement sensor and alerts sent direct to your phone for any unusual equine behaviour.

The app will launch as a stand-alone next month and the monitor will be available from the autumn, when the two will be integrated.

Ref: H&H 4 February, 2016

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Winged saddle pads and a low-sugar horse lick were among the winners of the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) innovation awards.

Prizes were given to new products, which showed craftsmanship, design, technology and invention.

Winners were revealed at BETA International 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham, on Monday (25 January).

Horseware Ireland had a particularly successful week, bagging two awards as well as a highly commended for three of its new products.

Its AA plantinum motion lite jacket won the rider clothing and footwear section, while its nutri-lick, featuring 60-70% less sugar than some comparable products on the market, took the feed and supplements award.

Highly commended in the general category was the Horseware HorsePal temperature and humidity monitor.

Designed to sit inside a rug, the device sends heat and humidity readings to a smartphone app.

The app also has a weather forecast and users can input details about their horse, such as condition and whether or not he is clipped.

It will then suggest a recommended rug for the horse.

HRP Equestrian’s pressure reducing wing saddle pads took home the top honours in the saddlery and tack category.

The numnahs and saddle cloths are designed to prevent pressure on the horse’s back behind the saddle.

“It is lovely to see a scientifically-based, broad-appeal product in so many styles,” said the judges.

A click-in stud system, from Klick and Ride, was the winner of the safety and security category.

The top prize in the general section went to Solar Technology International’s arena lights. The solar-powered floodlight system does not need access to the mains and each light can be clamped to any scaffold pole.

Six units, which can be operated by a sensor or remote control, will light a 40x20m arena for up to six hours.

Meanwhile, the Matchmakers International Fieldmasta 200g turnout rug with 350g fixed neck was the winner of the horsecare equipment and horseclothing category.

Among its features is “dome neck”, which takes pressure off the mane and increases air circulation to prevent hair follicles being starved of oxygen and falling out.

Trade fair organiser Claire Thomas said that there were a large number of entries across the eight categories.

“It was refreshing to see so many truly original products highlighting the strength of the trade,” she added.

“We send our very best wishes and congratulations to those who have been successful in securing an award.”

Other winners were:

• Showsheen woof pouf, from Absorbine/WF Young: a canine bath pouf that contains enough soap beads for 16 baths
• Goodyear Welted Icona range boots, from Zamberlan/Snugbug: technical mountain hunting boots
• Rockfish Wellies, from Rockfish Wellies: Wellington boots featuring an innovative “rubber compound” to create high-performance, but much lighter boots.
• AeroChill cooling boots, Treehouse: the boots incorportate HyperKwel — a non-toxic, absorbent polymer fibre used by Formula One drivers and military special forces. Soaked in water for two minutes before use, the boots provide evaporation and cooling for up to 10 hours.

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A £100 hat voucher will be given to riders who sustain a head injury while competing at a British Eventing (BE) competition.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has teamed up with BE to develop the new BETA “helmet bounty scheme”.

Any rider who is concussed during the cross-country phase at a BE-affiliated event will receive a voucher to be put towards the cost of a replacement jockey skull.

“Improving rider safety is an integral part of our work and we are tremendously pleased that the scheme — effectively a hat amnesty — will help to drive home the message that hats should always be replaced when they have been involved in an incident,” said Claire Williams from BETA.

To receive the voucher, riders must be diagnosed with concussion by an event’s medical officer.

They must then agree to give the hat they were wearing at the time of the fall to BETA and to BE, passing on details of their injury.

The voucher will be valid with BETA-participating retailers.

“We are delighted to be working with BETA on this extremely important initiative,” added BE’s Chris Farr.

“[It] will not only help riders to replace their hats, but those collected will be used by the trade association to conduct further research into improving riding hat standards.”

The scheme will be introduced ready for the beginning of the 2016 eventing season, which kicks off at Isleham on 5 March.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) already runs a similar scheme, whereby jockeys who suffer a concussion while racing under Rules are given an £80 voucher for a new helmet.

Jockeys are also required to surrender their old helmet before they are given a voucher for a new one.

Plans are also in the pipeline for BETA to work with the BHA on updating its existing scheme.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders are being reminded of the new hat standards they must comply with at affiliated competitions in 2016.

The European Equestrian Riding Helmet standard (BS) EN 1384 was withdrawn from European Legislation last year.

This means that hats made solely to this standard cannot be used at British Eventing (BE), Pony Club, Riding Clubs, British Horse Society (BHS) and British Showjumping events from 1 January 2016.

Competitors riding under these rules will still be allowed to use protective headwear that carries the (BS) EN 1384 label as well as an approved standard for 2016.

Hats will also need to be retagged next year within BE, the Pony Club and British Riding Clubs.

British Dressage will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats next year and is planning to remove it from its list of recommended standards from 1 January 2017.

However, this may be extended depending on the publication of the new harmonised European standard at a future date.

BE and the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) are also working together towards a hat amnesty in the future.

The news was revealed at the BETA conference in November.

A spokesman for BE said the organisation is working on the new initiative for 2016 and more information will be available “as soon as possible”.

Under BE rules, headwear of the appropriate standard must be worn at all times when mounted — whether the person riding is a competitor or not.

Harnesses must always be correctly fastened and competitors are strongly recommended to check their headwear regularly and to replace it if damaged or following a fall.

Only jockey skulls are permitted for cross-country.

Accepted BE hat standards for 2016 are as follows:

• British: all PAS 015, VG1 (both must be kitemarked)
• European: VG1 (must be kitemarked)
• American: All SEI ASTM F1163 2004a onwards and SNELL E2001
• Australia & New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2003 onwards (with SAI Global mark)

Riding Clubs — all hats will be retagged in 2016 at which stage no hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.

Pony Club — new white tags are being used to mark hats that comply to the 2016 standards. After 31 December 2015, hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will not be permitted for use.

British Horse Society — from 1 January 2016, hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will not be permitted for use in BHS Approved Centres.

British Showjumping — hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will not be permitted for use.

British Dressage — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2016. BD is planning to remove BS/EN1384 from the list of recommended standards from 1 January 2017, but may extended this depending on the publication of the new harmonised European standard at a future date.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Results from the recent British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) survey show that spending in 2014 was £4.3bn, up from £3.8bn when the last survey was done in 2011. This compares to £4.15bn in 2006 (news, 23 April).

And growing consumer confidence could spell good news for equestrian retailers.

Research by GfK, providers of consumer and retailer data, found that all five of the measures they use to calculate consumer confidence had increased in June.

Joe Staton, head of market dynamics at the company, said that this could translate into a “busy time for retailers”.

Simon Middleton, of equestrian kit distributor Zebra Products, told H&H the company is experiencing growth within some of the 10 premium brands it distributes. He added that the key increases are within the horse equipment sector.

These include Sprenger bits, stirrups and spurs, Veredus horse protection and therapy, and Amerigo and Equipe saddles.

“Interestingly, the rider-based products are consistently growing,” Mr Middleton told H&H.

“Brands generally are very sought after. The past era of lower-priced goods is coming to an end.

“Our retailers seem to be optimistic. We gauge this by our order book and payment patterns, all of which are very buoyant.”

The GfK index recorded that since last summer, people’s personal financial situations have improved, as has the general economic situation, and that people are making more large purchases.

The UK consumer confidence index has also risen compared to the same time in 2014.

Mr Staton said: “We’re seeing a dramatic uptick in confidence this summer, a real post-election bounce that’s put a spring in the step of consumers across the UK.”

He added the jump of six points in the overall index score takes it back to levels not seen since the late 1990s or early 2000s.

“Across all key measures we’re reporting higher levels of financial optimism for both our own personal situation and for the general economy as a whole for the coming 12 months,” he said.

This renewed optimism should signal brighter days ahead.

“We are tentatively hopeful that the industry is starting to show growth in terms of expenditure figures,” said BETA’s Claire Williams.

Retailers spoken to by H&H this week were positive.

Sue Bryant from Freddie Parker Shirts and Homeware said the “overall mood for spending” has been much more positive this summer than last.

Han Van De Braak of Aloeride agreed, and said the company’s sales have had a “steady increase over the past six months”.

Jean Hammond from Golly Galoshes said the “general attitude” is “certainly improving, as our sales indicate”.

“June and July were good — up on the previous year, but August was quiet as is to be expected. Hopefully we will have a good September,” said Julia Andrews from Kate Negus Saddlery.

Andrea Miles from Mirrors for Training said the company had “definitely noticed a boost in sales this summer”.

And Michele Griffiths from Verdo Horse Bedding added she’d seen sales this summer “increase significantly” compared to around this time last year.

Mobile shopping on the rise

Online shopping is ever increasing in the equestrian industry, with many companies relying heavily on their online shop as well as their stores.

Scottish equestrian retailer Ayr Equestrian said online sales account for 60% of sales, with the remaining 40% made up of people coming into the shop or making purchases from the show unit.

Abigail Deboys from Ayr said: “Online shopping is a growing part of our business.”

Meanwhile a report warns that retailers must make websites more accessible for mobile phone shoppers to capitalise on the growing market for mobile spending.

According to the survey from VoucherCodes.co.uk and the Centre for Retail Research, UK retailers are collectively missing out on £6.6bn a year because of a lack of investment in their mobile offering.

The top three barriers for shoppers using mobiles are slow-loading pages, websites that freeze and too many products to sift through. Security and poor payment options were also of concern.

The research is based on a survey of 1,000 online retail customers in the UK that was carried out between March and April this year.

The study shows that 15% of consumers now use their mobile as their primary online shopping device.

Consumers with a propensity to shop on mobile were also found to be more prolific spenders overall, making 47% more transactions than shoppers who use their computer for purchases.

Estimates for mobile spending suggest that it is set to grow further, with 73% saying they would they would spend more on their mobile, and 62% more on their tablet this year. This compares to only 20% saying they would increase spending on a computer.

“The growth of online and mobile spending has already had a hugely positive impact on the retail sector,” said Claire Davenport, of VoucherCodes.co.uk.

“However, there is still a great opportunity to be grabbed — and it is worth billions for retailers. Customers have expressed their intention to spend more on mobile devices, so now is the time to revisit mobile strategy to capitalise on this.”

James Lewin at Derbyshire-based Hope Valley Saddlery said online business is “hugely important” and accounts for “more than 50% of sales”.

“We get more visits from mobiles than from any other devices so it’s important people can view all the products and use the website from a mobile,” he added.

Mr Lewin told H&H mobile purchases are growing year-on-year.

Social media could also receive a shopping boost, as Facebook last month rolled out its “buy now” button to sell or purchase via users’ news feeds.

Ref: H&H 3 September, 2015

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Bucas

Nicola Wilson has signed a sponsorship deal with the premium Irish rug company.

The London 2012 Olympic silver medallist will compete at next month’s Longines FEI European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle in Scotland.

Nicola said she is a fan of the stay-dry fabric that features in many of the company’s rugs.

“It wicks moisture away and ensures my horses are always dry,” she said.

El Remanso

Argentine polo venue El Remanso will sponsor the 2015 and 2016 Pony Club polo seasons.

It will support the 14 Pony Club tournaments as well as the championships at Hurtwood Park Polo Club and Cowdray Park Polo Club.

As part of the deal, all Pony Club players will wear the El Remanso banner on their shirts for the next two seasons.

Pony Club Polo chairman Charles Whittington said: “El Remanso’s support will enable Pony Club Polo to continue to deliver the very high standard of facilities at tournaments, especially the championship events.”

Dodson and Horrell

This year’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national carriage driving championships was sponsored by the feed specialists.

It was also the 40th anniversary of RDA carriage driving.

“As a carriage driver myself I know how much enjoyment and thrill the sport can bring so becoming the new sponsor of RDA carriage driving was a

natural fit for us,” said marketing director Sam Horrell.

The championships, which are the world’s largest event for disabled vaulters, drivers and riders, were held at Hartpury College, Glos, from 17-19 July.

Battles

Sponsoring the visitor bags at BETA International 2016 is leading wholesaler Battles.

The company is sponsoring the bags, which will be handed out to visitors on arrival, under its Hy brand for a second year.

“We were so delighted with our sponsorship experience in 2015 that we are keen to return and promote the Hy brand, with its great range of products for horse and rider,” said Battles commercial manager Anna Clarke.

The brand joins fellow sponsors Charles Owen, Ekkia, Shires Equestrian, The Wine & Hamper Company, Toggi and main sponsor Neue Schule.

BETA International runs from 24-26 January at the NEC, Birmingham.

Equipe

Irish showjumper David Simpson says he is “thrilled” to be working with the saddle manufacturer.

Based in West Sussex with his string of seven horses, David won the puissance at Bolesworth International CSI4* with Gotti Van Paemel.

“I find Equipe saddles extremely soft and they fit all my horses really well,” he said.

“I particularly like the models with a carbon tree as it’s very light which makes a real difference to my jumping.”

Simon Middleton, managing director of Zebra Products – the UK’s only distributor of the saddles — said they wish David every success for the rest of the season.

Kate Negus Saddlery

Four-star event rider Kitty King has become a sponsored rider for the saddlers.

Kitty, who has been named as a squad member for the Longines FEI Euorpean Eventing Championships on Jane and Frank Inns’ Persimmon, has used the saddler’s products for years.

She also helped design their elastic grackle noseband, which was released into the marketplace this year.

“We’ve known Kitty for a long time and have always valued her input and feedback on the products we make,” said Julia Andrews from the saddlery.

“She’s a great ambassador for our brand, is incredibly knowledgeable and knows what works and what doesn’t, so she’s a valuable asset when it comes to creating new pieces moving forward.”

SsangYong

Eventer Tom Crisp will be driving a SsangYong Korando Sports one-tonne pick-up truck to events this year as part of a sponsorship deal.

The four-star rider, who is also a retained firefighter, will be representing the Korean car manufacturer as he travels to events across the UK and abroad.

Paul Williams, of SsangYong Motor UK said: “We are delighted to be supporting Tom who will be presenting our vehicles to the eventing and wider equine community.”

Tom and his wife Sophie run Team Crisp Eventing from their yard in Mayfield, East Sussex.

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Dressage Deluxe

Danielle Bott, from Shorne, Kent, has been chosen as the dressage specialist’s new brand ambassador from more than 500 applicants.

The company wanted to find a grassroots rider who they felt deserved some guidance, help and support.

They were looking for someone who was passionate about dressage and loved competing as well as talking about it on social media.

Alison Nye-Warden, managing director of the company, said: “Danielle works very hard to be able to compete her horse and the results are reflective of all her hard work.”

Danielle will receive £500-worth of vouchers, a branded saddlecloth and a Dressage Deluxe Lifetime Privilege Card.

Woof Wear

International dressage rider and trainer Gareth Hughes has joined the boot brand’s sponsored rider portfolio.

A member of the World Class performance squad, Gareth is also trainer for both the World Class excel squad and the Australian eventing team.

As a rider, he has won more than 30 national and international titles during the past 10 years. Gareth won team bronze at the 2013 European championships, silver at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, and was also longlisted for the London 2012 Olympics.

Equetech

The equestrian fashion brand has welcomed well-known show rider and producer Lynn Russell as their showing ambassador.

A spokeswoman for the company said their clothing is not only designed to look good, but to stand the test of time and Lynn’s busy diary is a “perfect testament” to their range.

She said: “Lynn is a great ambassador for our clothing as she is constantly in the saddle and out at shows!”

Lynn said she loves the Hexatec shirts, that the jackets are well tailored and work for “even the smallest budgets”.

“Equetech offer a really smart range of equestrian clothing designed to suit all competition activities, even down to your underwear!” added Lynn.

Kilchoman Distillery

The distillery has been announced as a sponsor for the Longines FEI European eventing championships at Blair Castle (10-13 September).

For each day of the championships, a bottle of the distillery’s Islay whisky will be presented in the main arena to the winner of the “Kilchoman moment of the day”.

Alec Lochore, event director, said: “We are pleased to have a family-owned Scottish distillery that encompasses the spirit of Scotland sponsoring at Blair 2015.”

He added he thinks the daily prize is a “brilliant gesture”.

Toggi

Toggi is preparing to celebrate 10 years in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation and the brand’s support of Equestrian Team GBR.

2016 will mark 10 years since the first pieces of Toggi Team GBR kit were created for talented equestrian athletes and their support teams.

During the decade-long partnership, Equestrian Team GBR has won 162 medals at senior level.

The kit was the idea of Will Connell, who was BEF World Class performance director at the time.

Ekkia

For a third year in a row, BETA International is welcoming back leading French manufacturer Ekkia as sponsor of the fashion show.

The Equi-Thème fashion show features professionally choreographed dance routines and autumn/winter clothing and footwear.

Ekkia president Jean-François Vignion said:“It proves a highly effective way of presenting our Equi-Thème range to an international audience of industry buyers and makes our regular appearance in this extremely attractive and appealing feature even more special.”

Ekkia joins fellow BETA International supporters Charles Owen & Co, Battles, Shires Equestrian, The Wine & Hamper Company, Toggi and main sponsor Neue Schule.

The 2016 exhibition takes place from 24-26 January.

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From an identification tag containing emergency details to solar lighting for stables, there were “some cracking products” named as winners of this year’s innovation awards at the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) annual trade fair (22-24 February).

The 2015 awards — which celebrate new and exciting products launched in the past year — attracted a record 99 entries

A panel of judges — made up of Countrywide Farmers’ equine manager Sara Blackshaw, chairman of British Eventing’s Young Rider selection committee Alex Colquhoun, North Yorkshire vet John Sommerville and show rider and producer, Sophie Webster — selected the winners.

“The awards attracted such a vast number of entries this year that our judges had an exceptionally tough task in selecting the winners,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas.

The winners of the 10 categories were:

Country fashion and footwear

Company: Ariat Europe

Product: Ariat Country Tall Boot Collection

This collection for men and women features new ATS Pro technology to ensure maximum stability with enhanced flexibility, the new Poron XRD smart rebound heel pad to provide extreme impact and high-traction Duratread outsoles.

Judges’ comments: These high-end boots, with many innovative features, are certainly worth the money. The quality and style are excellent, with nice seams and detail on the leather.

Feed and supplements

Company: The Herbal Horse and Pet

Product: Ultimate Mix

Probiotics, multivitamins and joint supplements are combined in one product.

Judges’ comments: This supplement is very appealing and smartly packaged, clearly aimed at the equestrian market. The principle behind the product is very good.

General

Company: Solar Technology International

Product: Solar Mate Solar Hub

This is the first easy-to-install solar lighting and power system designed for stables and agricultural buildings, giving good working light and allowing you to charge your phone in remote locations.

Judges’ comments: The low-cost product provides good lighting in a small equine area and is particularly useful if you don’t have electricity. We were also impressed by the 10-year warranty.

Horsecare equipement and (horse) clothing

Company: Battles

Product: Sküp (pictured top)

This is the only food scoop on the market with teeth — designed to loosen compacted feed and making feeding your horse a quicker and easier process.

Judges’ comments: This is a truly innovative product at a very affordable price. We love the fact that it stands up on its own and can be held in different ways. The clearly visible measurement marks are also very useful.

Pet products

Company: Animology/Pet Rebellion

Product: Woof food bowl

Two removable stainless-steel, dishwasher-friendly bowls sit in a shaped, high-gloss floor mount with rubber-grip feet in red, black and white colour options.

Judges’ comments: The design is innovative and attractive, and the product is well-made, cleanable and non-slip.

Rider clothing

Company: Kastel Denmark

Product: Charlotte Collection shirt

This quarter-zip riding shirt is breathable and made in a UV-protective fabric with mesh sleeve panels to provide both a comfortable riding experience and fashion flair.

Judges’ comments: What makes this clever is the mesh sleeves and breathable strips on the arms.

Rider footwear and chaps

Company: Lorenzini Titanium

Product: Spurs

Made in Italy, these spurs combine the benefits of pure titanium with the elegance of European craftsmanship.

Judges’ comments: The spurs are made completely from titanium in a lovely Italian design with very good packaging. The company has further developed the design of spurs, bringing to the market something that is different.

Saddlery and tack

Company: Neue Schule

Product: Neue Schule Turtle Top bit

This is an innovative bit that has been designed for the overactive and busy mouth. The horse is prevented from lifting the side arms _— cannons — through the joint design, ensuring the bit comes into the desired optimum alignment and giving greater stability.

Judges’ comments: This well-crafted bit is fabulous. The well-researched innovation is in the alignment of the bit’s mouthpiece. Most bits are designed to sit on the horse’s mouth, whereas this product means that when pressure is put on the mouth it sits perfectly.

Safety and security

Company: USG

Product: USG SOS

This tag with an individual ID code attaches to USG body protectors and holds all the vital information needed in the event of an emergency .

Judges’ comments: This is a really sensible product that can help riders in all emergencies. We like the quantity of detail about riders and their horses that can be stored.

Technical outdoor clothing and footwear

Company: Deerhunter

Product: Muflon

Aimed at the country outdoor pursuits market, this jacket is breathable and waterproof, and has hand warmers, a detachable hood and an array of pockets inside and out.

Judges’ comments: This reasonably priced jacket is smart and well-fitting, and its brown trim gives a hint of European design. The five-year warranty is impressive.

The winners will be able to use the innovation awards logo in their marketing for the next twelve months.

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A saddler — who has spent years promoting the importance of saddle fitting — was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) International trade fair on Monday (23 February).

Ken Lyndon-Dykes told H&H he burst into tears when he heard he would be receiving the award.

“It was such a surprise. To be recognised by your peers is the greatest honour,” he added.

Mr Lyndon-Dykes joined the equestrian trade by accident after he broke his back in a plane crash at the 1972 British Air Race. Afterwards he was told he would probably be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Mr Lyndon-Dykes had been working in the publishing industry, but now had to rethink his future career. Horses had always been a big part of his life — in his late teens he had given up his place at Oxford to run a trekking centre in Wales — so he decided to go back to the equestrian world and started selling saddles by mail order.

In 1973 Ken opened his first equestrian retail outlet, building it up into a chain of 56 shops. He also had shops within major stores including Lillywhites, Swaine Adeney Brigg and Millets.

The business was sold in 1999 to the board of directors, but Ken continued in saddlery setting up Kent-based Saddleworld.

After Mr Lyndon-Dykes’s accident, he developed his own rehabilitation programme and four years later was riding again and eventing at national and international level.

In his early days in the saddlery industry Ken became aware of the deficiencies in saddle fitting, believing not enough consideration was given to the welfare of the horse.

He helped the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) develop its saddle-fitting qualifications and courses, wrote many books on the subject and lectured widely to promote its importance.

“Ken has made a great contribution to the equestrian industry for many years, promoting the importance of saddle fitting and playing an influential role in both BETA and the SMS,” said a BETA spokesman.

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The 2015 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business awards — for companies have made a “significant contribution” to the equestrian industry — were presented last Sunday (22 February).

The 12 winners were picked from a number of nominated companies and individuals and the categories ranged from the best retail employee to the leading equestrian event.

The winners were:

• TopSpec Equine was the winner of the Haygain Nutritional Helpline award for the eighth time. In the final judging mystery callers posed questions designed to challenge each nominated helpline. The runner-up was Norfolk-based Allen & Page.
• The equine careers sales representative of the year was presented to Shane Broughal (pictured below), who told the judge that being honest and having products he believed in was the most important part of his job. Shane is a representative for Horslyx, Casco, Tredstep, Zilco, Schockemohle Sports and Prestige Italia.

• The Harry Hall retail employee of the year is Rachel Ealey who has worked for Rugby-based Tower Farm Saddlers for 13 years. “She is a delight to talk to and balanced sound product knowledge with real enthusiasm for the ranges she sold,” said a judge.
• The Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby meeting claimed the Caldene Competition Equestrian Event of the Year. The iconic show has been running for 53 years, attracts 40,000 visitors and is held at a spectacular venue agreed the judges. The runner-up was the Horse of the Year Show.
• The Blacks Solicitors trade supplier of the year was won by Battle, Hayward & Bower of Lincoln. Judges were impressed by the company’s “attention to detail and astute use of customer research.”
• The SEIB Retailer of the Year was divided into four categories; large, medium, small and mail order/Internet. The final judging took into account suppliers’ votes and visits by mystery shoppers. The winners were Wadswick Country Store in Corsham, Wiltshire (large retailer), Redpost Equestrian in Totnes, Devon (medium), Tower Farm Saddlers in Northamptonshire (small) and Supplement Solutions (mail order/Internet retailer).

• The TSM Rider award for sponsored riders who make the greatest contribution to the trade and work hard for their sponsors was divided into amateur and professional sections this year. Carriage driver Mike Hodgson took the amateur award. “He provides us with countless training features, participates in photo shoots and his next project is a series of ‘how to’ videos’,” said his sponsor, Abbey England. Canadian Para-dressage rider, Roberta Sheffield, won the professional category. Judges were impressed by her in-depth knowledge of her sponsors products and willingness to promote them.
• Bliss of London — who are one of Roberta Sheffiled’s sponsors — took the UKTI Export award (pictured top). Judges felt the company showed “clear structure to its strategy and impressive results.”
• The BETA Social Media award was presented to Weatherbeeta (pictured above). The rug company said the judges displayed “strong creative content” and had “a good mixture of technical product and fun interactive posts.”

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What has happened?

In December it was announced the (BS) EN 1384 will be withdrawn from European Legislation. This change means hat manufacturers will not be able to CE mark (an indicator of a product’s compliance with EU legislation) hats that only meet this level of certification.

The complete removal of the standard has occurred as an agreement could not be reached on updating the base European standard.

“The withdrawal is due in part to the European working group responsible for the hat standard failing to reach an agreement on this overdue revision, and subsequently causing the commission to take this drastic step,” a statement from the British Equestrian Federation explained.

Is the (BS) EN1384 safe to ride in?

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has told H&H there is no need for riders who wear (BS) EN 1384 but do not compete to change their hats.

“Hats certified to this standard have reduced injuries and saved countless lives,” said BETA’s Claire Williams. “The protection that (BS) EN 1384 offers has not changed.

“When used and fitted correctly, (BS) EN 1384 hats will continue to be as protective as they have been for the best part of 20 years, since the standard first appeared.”

What if I compete in affiliated equestrian events/riding clubs/Pony Club?

All of the sport’s main governing bodies have announced that they will be phasing out the (BS)EN1384 standard.

The organisations have released the following guidelines:

British Eventing — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All hats will be retagged in 2016 at which stage no hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use. *UPDATE: 26 August 15* The accepted BE hat standards for 2016 are:

• British: all PAS 015, VG1 (both must be kitemarked)
• European: VGI (must be kitemarked)
• American: All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2001
• Australia & New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2003 onwards

Riding Clubs — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. All hats will be retagged in 2016 at which stage no hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will be tagged or permitted for use.

Pony Club — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. Full details of the revised hat tagging procedure will be communicated out to the membership and volunteers shortly.

*UPDATE: 16 March 15* British Dressage — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2015 and 2016. BD is planning to remove BS/EN1384 from the list of recommended standards from 1 January 2017, but may extended this depending on the publication of the new harmonised European standard at a future date.

British Showjumping — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter.

British Horse Society — will permit (BS) EN 1384 hats in 2015 but not thereafter. From 1.1.2016 hats made solely to (BS) EN 1384 will not be permitted for use in BHS Approved Centres.

What happens if my hat is marked (BS) EN 1384 but also has another recognised standard?

The new regulations will only impact hats that only meet the (BS) EN 1384 standard. Where hats are dual badged — for example (BS) EN 1384 with another standard such as Snell or PAS015 — then the hat will continue to be legal in competition.

What should I do if I am buying a new hat?

Contact your preferred manufacturer and they should be able to give you further information regarding their brand.

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The NEC in Birmingham has been sold, but organisers of the two major equestrian events held at the venue have confirmed it will be “business as usual” for them.

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and BETA International have reassured fans and the equestrian trade that there will be no change for 2015.

The exhibition centre has been home to the annual British Equestrian Trade Association’s trade fair — BETA International — for the past 20 years. It is held at the NEC every February and attracts influential buyers and suppliers from across the UK and overseas, and is famed for its premier business and networking opportunities.

“The sale of the NEC is good news for exhibitors and visitors. It ensures a secure future for the venue and its long-time clients,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas

This year’s event runs from 22-24 February and will show off new products and give retailers and manufacturers the chance to meet the people behind the brands.

In October (7-11 October) HOYS goes to Birmingham. The show, which hosts top showing, showjumping as well as the Pony Club Prince Philip Cup mounted games, displays and hundreds of shops, will remain unaltered as well.

“There has been no change regarding Horse of the Year Show and we will continue to run as per normal at the venue,” a spokesman for organisers Grandstand told H&H.

Birmingham City Council has sold the NEC Group to LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Bank and the deal includes a 125-year lease on the NEC site.

The NEC Group also includes Birmingham’s International Convention Centre and Barclaycard Arena, is being added to LDC’s portfolio of more than 80 businesses across the UK.

Council leader Sir Albert Bore described it as a “landmark deal”, which would see the business go from “strength to strength”.

For more information visit: www.beta-int.com and www.hoys.co.uk

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Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher has renewed his sponsorship with long-time partner Falcon Equine Feeds. Paul Ainsworth from the company first approached Ben eight years ago at the Hickstead Derby Meeting. “That week was one of the most influential weeks of my career, winning the Hickstead Derby and the Hickstead Speed Derby,” said Ben. “Paul came and found me and decided he wanted to be a big supporter of mine and I was very keen to take up the opportunity. We’ve been together ever since. It has been an eight-year long partnership. Falcon Feeds have probably been one of my longest standing supporters from the beginning of my career.”

Competitors at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will receive complimentary bedding from The Green Bedding Company. The bedding, which is made of hand-stripped recycled shredded cardboard, is highly absorbent, minimises odours, is non-toxic, dust and spore free. The company is supplying four complimentary bales to any competitor who would like to trial it. Stable manager for the horse trials Zanie King said: “Four free bales should make a really decent bed and is very generous of the supplier. As this is a new product I had not used it before, but I like the idea of recycling and the horses seem to like it and find it comfortable. Plus they don’t eat it, which is always a problem with straw.”

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has welcomed back Equine Careers as returning sponsor of the Sales Representative of the Year award for the fourth time. This industry accolade is one of nine BETA Business Awards designed to recognise individuals and companies making a significant contribution to the equestrian industry. “Equine Careers is the only business in the industry dedicated to these types of role,” said owner Emma Dyer. “The award is a perfect opportunity for us to support BETA and the industry — and to recognise all the sales reps and agents who work extremely hard out on the road in a job that often doesn’t get enough recognition.”

Charles Owen has welcomed Nick Skelton’s sons — Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton — to its team “Charles Owen has truly enjoyed our long association with Nick, and I am so delighted to be able to extend our partnership to his sons Dan and Harry,” said Charles Owen managing director, Roy Burek “The racing industry is where Charles Owen got its start in the competitive equestrian world and I am pleased that over 75 years later Charles Owen can keep its place in the racing world with our support of great jockeys and trainers.”

Vétoquinol, the manufacturer of EQUISTRO, has agreed a new three year partnership with William Fox-Pitt. “The well-being of my horses is my first priority,” said William. “With the constant need for better performance combined with the strict regulations of the international authorities, riders really need to find the top products, both in terms of quality ingredients and high manufacturing standards. The EQUISTRO range offers specific, individualised and trusted solutions for sport and competitive horses which meets both of these requirements.”

Charlotte Dujardin will now be supported by horse care products company Absorbine. “I am thrilled at this new partnership with Absorbine,” said Charlotte. “I am a strong believer in its products, and it means a lot to have a trusted brand standing behind me as I head to the World Equestrian Games.”

BETA International’s Innovation Awards — which celebrate new products in the market — has added a new outdoor clothing and footwear category.

The decision to add this extra category was taken in response to the trade fair’s growing number of exhibitors from the outdoor sector.

“As more outdoor companies are choosing to make their mark at the show – and reaping the rewards for doing so – we needed to develop the awards to reflect their presence,” said British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) International organiser Claire Thomas.

“Diversification continues to be a driving force for both exhibitors and visitors, and we are extremely pleased to welcome trade members from a range of related industries.”

Equestrian Trade News will sponsor this year’s awards, which are open to companies that are exhibiting at the BETA International fair (22-24 February), which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham.

All entries have to be new to the market during the 12 months preceding the show.

This means 10 categories will now be judged by a panel of experts.

They are: country fashion and footwear, feed and supplements, general, horsecare equipment and (horse) clothing, pet products, rider clothing, rider footwear and chaps, saddlery and tack, safety and security and technical outdoor clothing and footwear.

9 new products were honoured with innovation awards, sponsored by Equestrian Trade News (ETN) at BETA International (16-18 February). The products — which ranged from gut balancers to heated jackets — had to be new to the market during the previous 12 months. Judges were looking for flair, creativity and cutting-edge technology.

2 companies featured twice in the awards, with riding boot specialists Brogini both winning and taking the highly commended in the footwear category; while LS Sales (Farnam) won the saddlery section and was highly commended in the supplement category.

The expert judges were vet Beth Pritchard, show producer and rider Katie Jerram, medical doctor and body protector specialist Michael Whitlock and retailer Simon Wetherald (pictured, above with ETN‘s Nicki Lewis and Liz Benwell).

BETA International organiser Claire Thomas said that this year produced a record number of entries.

“The awards continue to grow year-on-year, which reflects just how highly regarded they are by members of the trade,” she said. “Companies recognise the value in winning such an accolade and the right to feature the award’s branding in their own marketing campaigns is priceless.”

2014 innovation awards:

Feed and supplements winner: Trilanco — Science Supplements Gut Balancer; highly commended: LS Sales (Farnam) — Simplify Fly Inhibitor Supplement

Horsecare equipment and clothing winner: Carr & Day & Martin — Equimist 360; highly commended: Equomed Lumark — Ion Diodes Magnetic Therapy

Pet products winner: Horseware Ireland — Sportz-Vibe massage rug for dogs; highly commended: Pet Rebellion — Boot Mate

Rider clothing winner: Mobile Warming — ladies’ heated jacket; highly commended: EquiSox & JockeySox — JockeySox

Saddlery and tack winner: LS Sales (Farnam)/Leslie Sutcliffe — Stride Free Exercise Saddle; highly commended: Ardall — Pro-Fit Studs and Pro-Fit Reamer Bit

Safety and security winner: Airowear — Hickstead body protector; highly commended: Charles Owen & Co (Bow) — Charles Owen V8

Country fashion and footwear winner: Oland Footwear — Montreal OC Bre; highly commended: Le Jabot & Stock Company — Le Jabot Cross Over Wrap

Rider footwear and chaps winner: Brogini — Simona Boot; highly commended: Brogini — Caldo Boot

“Other” winner: Horse & Country TV — Horse & Country TV Everywhere; highly commended: Life Data Labs — Farrier’s Finish Hoof Protectant

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials topped the 2014 BETA Business Awards to win the Joules Equestrian Event of the Year at a gala dinner last Sunday (16 February).

The award is designed for the event that works best with exhibitors.

Nominators said that the 24-year-old horse trials, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors and features 20 tradestands, “has a fantastic range of shops, with something for everyone”.

While British Eventing chief executive Mike Etherington-Smith described the accolade as “a feather in the cap for the event”, Blenheim director Mandy Hervieu (pictured above) paid tribute to support from exhibitors, who “help make [the event] a success”.

“It is lovely to hear that they also appreciate what we do behind the scenes to make it as successful for them as possible,” she said.

There were 13 awards in total.

TopSpec Equine landed the Haygain Nutritional Helpline Award — commended particularly for its initiative to send out feed wallcharts and discount vouchers to callers.

Ariat Europe’s Anna Rankine won the best Equine Careers Sales Representative, while Redpost Equestrian’s Jess Papworth was named Harry Hall Retail Employee of the Year.

BETA executive director Claire Williams said that the atmosphere was “phenomenal” leading up to the award announcements.

“Our congratulations go to everyone who was nominated,” she said. “They should feel justifiably proud of their tremendous achievement, as the standard has been incredibly high.”

 2014 award winners:

Haygain Nutritional Helpline

Winner: TopSpec Equine, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

Runner-up: Allen & Page, Thetford, Norfolk

Equine Careers Sales Representative 

Anna Rankine, Ariat Europe, Faringdon, Oxfordshire

Harry Hall Retail Employee

Winner: Jess Papworth, Redpost Equestrian, Totnes, Devon

Runner-up: Sophie Sperling, Tower Farm Saddlers, Rugby, Warwickshire

Joules Equestrian Event

Winner: Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

Runner-up: Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials

Blacks Solicitors Trade Supplier

Winner: Battle, Hayward & Bower, Lincoln

SEIB Retailer

Large winner: Wadswick Country Store; runner-up: Countrywide Farmers

Medium winner: Houghton Equestrian; runner-up: RB Equestrian

Small winner: Alan’s Ark; runner-up: Eskdale Saddlery

Mail order/internet winner: Equestrian Clearance Warehouse; runner-up: Cavaletti Clothing

TSM Rider

Amateur winner: Samantha Osborne

Professional winner: Gemma Tattersall

UKTI Export

Winner: Horslyx

BETA Lifetime Achievement

Winner: Dr Roderick Woods

Derby House is promising “much improved service”, despite closing down the equestrian side of its flagship store, at Wrightington, Lancs.

This follows the closure of seven other equestrian stores in the past two years.

The troubled retailer has been undergoing a restructure since 2011. Its Facebook timeline and Twitter feeds are full of customer complaints about slow delivery and out-of-stock items.

But commercial director Mark Reeves denied that the company is teetering on the brink of closure. He said its new combination of selling solely online and moving to fulfilling orders in-house should revive customer satisfaction.

“This summer has been difficult,” he said. “But since last week when the move was completed, everything people order is physically in stock, so the problems that have occurred with the third-party fulfilment won’t be repeated.”

H&H forum user “Lula” told H&H that she would need to “see proof that service has improved considerably” before putting her trust in Derby House again. She placed seven orders with the company earlier this year.

“Long waits for goods were annoying, but I persisted, until finally losing patience when even my refunds went missing,” she said.

The British Equestrian Trade Association said that all retailers “go through tough times”.

“We have gone back to Derby House after complaints from customers and it’s been very honest about its problems,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “Now it has corrected and addressed these issues and is moving forward in a positive way.”

This story originally appeared in H&H 31 October 2013

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Suregrow Fertiliser has announced its sponsorship of Olympic silver medallist Nicola Wilson.

Nicola said: “I am looking forward to using Suregrow Fertiliser as it will help to ensure our grass is very nutritious and in the best possible condition. The quality of our grazing is important to me as the horses definitely look forward to their time in the paddock each day”.

 Charles Owen & Co will return as sponsor of the learning centre at the the horse demonstration arena and seminar arena at BETA International, next February.

Roy Burek from Charles Owen said: “We are delighted to sponsor the learning centre, which offers a unique opportunity to learn more about new and existing products so that you can increase your sales.”

2013 Badminton winner Jock Paget is the latest addition to the “Supreme Team”.

“We love Supreme Products and have used them for turn out for many seasons,” said Jock who won the British Open on Clifton Lush at Gatcombe earlier this month. “I was very keen to work with them as their products are fantastic and produce amazing results in terms of our horses presentation.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK has announced a sponsorship deal to name a horse race after the charity. The Alzheimer’s Research UK Handicap Stakes will be staged annually at Newmarket’s July Course until 2015.

The 3-year deal has been financed by Newmarket businessman and charity supporter Simon Gibson.

Mother and daughter duo Mary and Emily King have added Rodney Powell body protectors to their list of sponsors. The pair have been kitted out with new Elite X2ESP body protectors customised in their respective team colours.

“Body armour is obviously important in such a high-risk sport,” said Mary. “But it’s also important to be comfortable as you don’t want to be distracted when you’re riding. Once on, you forget that you’re wearing it which leaves us free to get on and focus on the job in hand.”

Equi-Scuto, UK manufacturer of fully water resistant leather boots, has announced its sponsorship of event rider Hazel Towers.

British Horse Feeds has announced that endurance rider Lauren Mills is the latest addition to its Speedi-Beet Team.

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s annual trade fair — BETA International — will be supporting World Horse Welfare for the next 2 years.

World Horse Welfare showcased its extensive work at this year’s fair with the help of some of its rescued horses and former Emmerdale star Claire King — who is a patron for the charity.

“We are very pleased to be working with this world-renowned trade fair once again. The event provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our objectives and to seek new partners to support our work helping horses,” said director of fundraising John Blake.

“I am sure that the visitors and exhibitors, as members of the equestrian industry, will be fascinated with this unique perspective of another side of the horse world and learn how they can help.”

Claire Thomas from BETA added: “World Horse Welfare has a global reputation for its work with horses – from its campaign to prevent long-distance transportation of horses across Europe for slaughter, to its tireless work rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing Britain’s horses.

“We are really looking forward to supporting the charity once again by helping to raise awareness over the trade fair’s three days.”

The 2014 trade fair will take place at the NEC in Birmingham (16 – 18 February).

For further information visit www.beta-int.com

The third annual British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) feed industry conference will take place on Thursday 27 June at Whittlebury Hall, Towcester. The conference is aimed at those working in the feed and supplements industry.

A specially commissioned survey into consumer attitudes to buying habits and horse feed is the main feature, as part of a programme of presentations by key industry speakers on a range of topics, from feed labelling to raw material sourcing.

“The conference provides the perfect platform to update delegates on legislation updates affecting the feed industry, air the latest research, agree subjects requiring further discussion and to enjoy prime networking opportunities in relaxed, comfortable surroundings,” said BETA’s Claire Williams.

The conference will run from 9.45am to 3.35pm.

Cost BETA members £85 plus VAT; non-members £110 plus VAT.

To book, contact the BETA office for a booking form on 01937 587062.

This year’s SQP (Suitably Qualified Person) of the year title was awarded to Simon Wetherald at the British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) annual fair, BETA International, last month.

Simon — who is based in Leeds — owns animal feed company Bardsey Mills and online business www.wormers-direct.co.uk. He was presented the award on 17 February in Birmingham by BBC Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison.

An SQP is an animal health advisor who is entitled to prescribe and/or supply certain veterinary medicines under the veterinary medicines regulations. And the award recognises SQPs who go the extra mile to support their customers.

“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all SQPs, who work so hard to benefit the equestrian community” said Simon.

The award is sponsored by wormer suppliers Virbac Equine.

For more information visit www.beta-uk.org

What’s new in the equestrian industry? Entries from across eight categories battled it out for a trophy in the innovation awards at the British Equestrian Trade Association’s annual trade fair last week.

A panel of judges — made up of course designer Ian Stark, Olympic eventer Nicola Wilson, vet Tom Beech, William Fox-Pitt’s groom Jackie Potts and Paralympic gold medal-winner Natasha Baker — selected the winners.

“Our judges did a tremendous job,,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “The innovation awards celebrate the finest traditions of design, invention and originality, and this year we were pleased to include a Country Fashion category for the first time.”

And the winners were…

Feed and supplements

Keyflow’s Whitaker Bros Jumpmix came out on top. A medium energy feed designed specifically for horses competing in all forms of short format jumping.

Horsecare products

No one likes moving rubber matting — Grabbit, is a new tool for moving matting simply and effectively and was picked out by the judges.

Rider clothing

A smart, stylish air bag jacket from Treehouse Sporting Colours. The Elite Arena Jacket has the inflatable part discreetly zipped into the inside.

Saddlery and tack

A bit with an innovative mouthpiece, designed to increase attention and concentration and preventing desensitization of the mouth won this award. Stűbben Riding Equipment’s “2 in 1 Full Cheek Snaffle 2273”.

Safety and security

Walk Trot Canter’s USG Equiairbag is Designed to protect the rider’s entire spinal column, from the nape of the neck to the coccyx, without restricting movement. “This allows the rider to bend fully as the inflation is at the back protecting the spine. It is light and comfortable, providing much needed protection,” said BETA judges.

Pet products

Microfibre Store’s Doggy Bag. It effectively absorbs water, slobber, sand and mud. Ideal when kept in the car, simply zip dogs inside after a walk and they will be dry in no time.

Country fashion

A “stylish and warm 3-1 boot” that can be worn with or without the inner fleece lining and also can be used as a slipper as the inner bootee has an anti-slip tread. Regatta’s Snowpak 3 took this award.

And finally…

LFA Celtic/horseRATION — the first app to developed specifically for horse owners to calculate equine feed rations was also a winner. “This is an invaluable tool for any owner seeking extra guidance and should ultimately save them money,” said the BETA judges.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now