Equestrian brands Thermatex and Griffin NuuMed have stopped manufacturing, it is understood.

A UK stockist, Pioneer Endurance, shared the news on social media on Wednesday (12 November). H&H has attempted to contact both Thermatex and Griffin NuuMed via email and telephone, and parent company Baaj Capital. The brands’ websites are no longer live and it is understood that their factory, in Cardigan, Wales, closed on 7 November.

The news follows a rocky two years for the brands, which were originally manufactured by Vale Brothers. Thermatex is well known for its long-lasting cooler rugs, and Griffin NuuMed’s products included numnahs and saddle pads.

In September 2023 Vale Brothers announced it had gone into administration – putting 80 jobs at risk across Thermatex, Griffin NuuMed, Harry Dabbs and Jeffries Saddlery. At the time, managing director Mr Wilkes told H&H that this was owing to the effect Covid had had on the business, but also the Russia-Ukraine war; he said material costs had increased between 10 and 150% in 18 months, and on average 35%.

In March 2024 Vale Brothers was given a lifeline when it was bought by Jeffries Lifestyle Ltd – a holding company set up by Baaj Capital – and it was announced that the brands were secure and would continue to operate.

This summer, saddlery manufacturer Bliss of London acquired Jeffries Saddlery, Harry Dabbs and Vale Brothers – in a deal hoped to “give these brands the future they deserve” – but Thermatex and Griffin NuuMed were not part of this deal and continued to be owned by Jeffries Lifestyle Ltd.

Yesterday (13 November) H&H reported that manufacturer Charles Owen will stop UK production from 19 December, as a result of the lease on their Wrexham premises expiring. A Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the decision had been “incredibly difficult” – but added that although UK production will cease, “we still have every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond”.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Deal secures leading British equestrian brands to ‘give them the future they deserve’

‘We’re absolutely still in business’: sale secures future of major equestrian brands

Hopes to save jobs as major equestrian manufacturer files administration notice

Charles Owen update after shock news it will stop manufacturing in the UK

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

In six decades of work for the legendary Calcutt & Sons, Ian Compton has overseen some remarkable innovation in saddlery and riding attire

In 1959, I went to work with Joan Calcutt, who had started a second-hand tack business supplying the local riding fraternity. We worked tirelessly seven days a week, expanding the business, which included attending local shows and gymkhanas. At the time of Joan’s death in 1980, we had become one of the largest saddlers and riding outfitters in the country.

The following years were very innovative and productive, and I have been fortunate in employing very talented tradespeople as well as loyal staff, some of whom have been with me for more than 40 years.

Those of my generation will remember that only clipped horses had a jute night rug with an under-blanket, secured by a roller. With the help of a seamstress, we made a heavy canvas New Zealand rug with a gusset over the shoulder and no surcingle – which gave freedom of movement over the shoulder and didn’t slip. They lasted for years, unlike some of the enormous selection of synthetic materials now available.

All bridlework was in London tan and hand-stitched. The increasing popularity in showing and the riding clubs meant we designed our own working pony saddle and a straighter-cut flap on a general purpose (GP), which we called our “GD” (general dressage).

When Monty Roberts first visited England, we made his prototype quarter rug, which was his way of solving the problem of nervous racehorses entering the stalls, and we also supplied him with a quantity of sweet iron bits for his theory of making horses salivate.

A most unusual request came from Sheikh Mohammed, who summoned me to visit him in London. He produced a very heavy Argentine breaking saddle, similar in shape to an Australian stock saddle, and wanted a very lightweight version for endurance riding.

We had a carbon-fibre tree made which was covered with a full sheepskin seat and weighed 3.5kg. They were very successful and we received repeated orders.

We led the way with polo equipment in the 1970s. Alan Kent, the English eight-goal polo player, enquired if we could supply a patron with a set of tack, so with samples he lent us, we embarked on supplying the clubs with bridlework, specialist bits and the Calcutt’s polo saddle for many years.

From another chance meeting, we started making polo helmets. An orthopaedic company produced a thermoplastic shell and so we started making polo caps with a choice of team colours, followed by a faceguard. Production only recently ceased, with the changes to safety certifications.

In the 1960s, only cotton and cavalry twill was available for riding in, so a nylon stretch material was introduced and the rest is history.

Before Harry Hall was acquired by Austin Reed, the factory was 20 minutes away. I frequently stocked up on legwear, and before the factory closed we purchased a quantity of redundant stock including 60 pairs of ladies’ cotton breeches. These were put in the loft and forgotten about, and by chance were rediscovered recently; because they were “full cut”, they all sold within weeks.

Due to the popularity we purchased a heavy beige cotton and are now producing men’s and ladies’ breeches in beige.

Although business has changed dramatically with the advent of the internet, our specialities have become more traditional, not less. We have acquired a hunt button engraver after our engraver retired, and I have resurrected the Henry Keats business making hunting horns.

The saddlery businesses that do survive will become more essential in providing a service in repairs and bespoke bridlework and hunting attire. With the support of the riding public, I hope our old traditions will survive.

● As told to Aurora Eastwood

You can also read this feature in the 27 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

You might also be interested in…

How bridle pressure affects a horse’s performance *H&H Plus*

Ye olde tackroom: horsey items to take you on a trip down memory lane *H&H Plus*

11 warning signs your tack room is out of control

Are you looking to buy equestrian goods but struggling to find any tack shops in London that stock what you need? Help is at hand with Horse & Hound’s selection of five of the best horsey shops in the capital.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, check out our buying guides – you might be able to find your perfect product online.

1. Decathlon

Decathlon is a chain of sport shops with an affordable equestrian range and there are stores all over London. It offers a great range of rider clothing, tack and yard equipment.

Find stores in: Surrey Quays, High Street Kensington, Brent Cross, Ealing, Wandsworth, Greenwich, Chingford, Bromley and Croydon.

Visit the website

2. College Farm

Easily accessed on the Northern Line, College Farm is a large equestrian and pet store in Finchley. It sells everything from saddlery and riding wear, to feed and rug washing services. The shop can be easily accessed by car, with free parking on site.

Address: College Farm, Fitzalan Road, London, N3 3PG

Opening hours: 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday; 10am-1.30 Sunday

Visit the website

3. Riders & Squires

This Kensington-based tack shop stocks polo equipment, jackets, breeches and jodhpurs, hats, gloves and body protectors. For horses, there are also bits and saddle pads.

Address: 8 Thackeray Street, Kensington, London, W8 5ET

Opening hours: 10am-2pm/2.30-6pm Monday to Thursday, and Saturday; 10am-2pm/2.30-7pm Friday; closed Sunday

Visit the website

4. Schnieder Boots

This shop specialises in riding boots and equestrian clothing, with over 2,000 pairs of boots suitable for a variety of purposes.

Address: 16 Clifford Street, off New Bond Street, London, W1S 3RG

Opening hours: 2-6pm Monday; 10.30am-6pm Tuesday to Friday, closed at weekends

Visit the website

You might also like:

Find the best riding boots for every occasion

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

12 of the best ways to enjoy horse riding in London

From gentle hacking to fast-paced polo, London has it all, and a city job doesn’t mean riding has to stop

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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

How nice would it be if all it took to transform from your hat-haired, post-yard self to a clean and polished member of non-horsey society was two flicks of your fairy godmother’s wand?

On reflection, Cinderella’s transformation was pretty easy. A few swift magic waves and there she was, ball-ready, plus no farrier required to replace her lost shoe.

Anyone who had horses will know that there are never enough hours in the day.

Trying to fit in jobs, families and a social life requires planning skills of the best PA, with extra time factored in for errant equines and becoming presentable enough for non-horsey society.

While Cinderella’s fairy godmother (sadly) is just a fairytale, a new equestrian store has come up with a way to help riders speed up their magical transformations.

Pointers Equine & Country founders Emma Grellis and Emily Purvis have set up The Muddy Nail Bar at their Forest Green store in Surrey, where riders can have their rugged hands sorted out while picking up essentials for the tack room.

No more apologising for your eau de horse, goodbye to surreptitiously pulling stray bits of hay out of your hair, all is welcome here.

“We decided to combine my nail technician skills within the shop as we know horsey people generally have pretty unloved hands so it’s nice to give them a bit of a pampering,” said Emma.

“It’s great as people can come straight from the yard and not have to think about ‘dehorseying’ beforehand.

“We all fork out for new shoes for our horses every month so why not treat ourselves?”

The pair took over the store in November and completely gutted the space, reopening on 1 December and also have an online shop and booking system.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

11 skincare treats for riders this Christmas

Riders’ skin goes through a lot in winter. Give it some love with a few of the H&H team’s suggestions

The non-horsey partner’s guide to the summer show season

5 reasons to date an equestrian (and 5 reasons why you probably shouldn’t)

Clients even sit on a specially designed saddle stool — created by Emily — while their hands are treated.

“Emily is really creative and took the idea and ran with it, my face must have been a picture when she started to butcher a stool and an old saddle we bought on eBay to make the saddle stool,” added Emma.

“It has been a massive success both in store and online with 10 bookings in the first week of being open.

“Gel nails have been the most popular treatment so far as they are perfect for making nails look nice and to make them stronger with no damage to the natural nail.

“I’m even brave enough to tackle feet so with this flip-flop weather you can be sure to have as nice hooves as your horse!”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

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

Country and equestrian chain Countrywide Farmers Plc has gone into administration with more than 700 staff facing an uncertain future.

Mole Valley Farmers Ltd had been in negotiations to buy out Countrywide’s retail arm.

But an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the sale brought the deal to a halt.

Countrywide Farmers, which employs around 735 people, has its headquarters in Evesham, Worcestershire, and operates 48 shops across England and Wales.

No initial redundancies have been made as a result of the administration.

Countrywide has been restructuring over the past year, which included the sale of its LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) division. That sale was successfully completed on 1 March, with more than 60 employees transferred to DCC Flogas.

Mole Valley Farmers had agreed to buy the retail section of the business in October 2017, subject to CMA clearance. But on 6 March, the CMA announced it was referring the process to an in-depth phase two investigation.

David Pike, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said the CMA’s announcement means the sale “cannot proceed”.

“Unfortunately, given the significant trading difficulties and cash flow pressures, this has led the directors to consider their options and take the difficult decision to place the company into administration,” said Mr Pike.

“It is our intention to seek a purchaser for the business in whole or part and we have appointed Hilco Capital to assist in running the stores while we explore and develop available options.

“We encourage anyone who has an interest to contact us immediately.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

New hat and body protector rules revealed ahead of 2018 season

Competitors are urged to check their kit meets the correct standards ahead of the start of the season

Hunts come to the rescue after snow hits

Hunt staff showed their ‘generosity of spirit’, while sabs made pranks calls to a number set up for those who

Excess rider weight can cause lameness

Results of a landmark pilot study show the negative effect heavier riders can have on horse performance

A statement from Countrywide’s directors said its board has taken “extensive and appropriate professional advice” throughout the 12-month review.

It added the sale to Mole Valley Farmers was taking longer than expected, and following the news from the CMA — which was likely to mean an additional six-month delay — concluded Countrywide would be “unable to meet its financial obligations for this extended period of time”.

“Following their appointment, the administrators will determine the appropriate course of action and future for the business,” adds the statement.

“It is with significant regret that the Countrywide retail business, which trades from 48 stores and employs over 700 staff, will now face a very uncertain future.”

A spokesman for Mole Valley Farmers Ltd told H&H that the announcement is “a sad outcome for all concerned”.

“Mole Valley Farmers had been working with Countrywide to identify a solution that would satisfy the CMA requirements and secure the future of over 600 staff and retail stores,” said the spokesman.

“However the protracted review and recent ruling has prevented us from acquiring the business as we had hoped.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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

Tradesmen and DIY supplier Screwfix is the latest retailer to branch out into the equestrian market.

The 30-year-old company’s new range was launched in June and offers a range of items for the horse owner.

The 158 equestrian products on offer include yard equipment, tack and grooming kit.

“Our equestrian range is part of our new extended Rural Supplies collection,” said a spokesman for Screwfix.

“We have released a capsule range, but will continue to review the collection both online and in our publication using feedback from our customers.

“We are working with various brands and partners such as Stock Shop, Tub Trug, Wolseley, Bentley and will continue develop the range.”

The company has 400 stores across the UK and offers a seven-day delivery service as well as click and collect.

Branching out

Screwfix is not the first retailer to move into the equestrian market.

In 2006 Tesco unveiled its equestrian range, which promised customers change from £100 for head-to-toe riding kit.

More recently, SportsDirect.com announced it would be launching a budget range of equestrian goods (January, 2014).

Last August supermarket Aldi also revealed it would be selling clothing for riders.

Aldi’s Equestrian Specialbuys range offers yard boots for £12.99, polo shirts for £8.99 and children’s jodhpurs for £8.99.

“The equestrian range allows both pros and beginners to gain good quality, affordable gear — breaking down the entry costs for families up and down the country who want to get involved in a great sport,” said Aldi’s Tony Baines.

Claire Williams from the British Equestrian Trade Association felt supermarket brands could increase the sport’s appeal.

“At the time, many thought Tesco was showing that riding was much more of a mainstream sport, making it appear to be more accessible to a wider audience. Aldi may have the same impact,” she told H&H.

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

Riding equipment stolen from a tack shop has been recovered.

An estimated £15,000 worth of stock was stolen when Performance Equestrian’s base in Raunds, Northants, was broken into overnight on 30 June – 1 July.

Among the items the burglars took from the endurance specialists were the company’s own-brand airmesh chaps and gloves as well as Troxel Spirit, Sierra and Intrepid riding hats.

They also took a number of Ariat Tek grip, Insulated Tek grip and Terrai boots.

Dianne Beresford, who co-owns the company with her husband Steve, discovered what had happened when she arrived for work on 1 July.

Steve said a lot of stock was on the floor. The couple contacted the police, who arrived with a forensics team within 40 minutes.

“I was absolutely gutted,” he said.

“We just thought that was it – that we wouldn’t get it back.”

Steve and Dianne have run the business since 2000 and much of their equipment is made themselves.

They specialise in endurance kit and also run a stand at events.

After the break-in, they took an inventorary to work out what was missing and also put a message on their Facebook page asking for people to look out for the stolen items.

The following day, the couple had a phone call from the police telling them that it looked like they may have found a van used in the burglary.

“We thought ‘it is not going to have our stuff in it’,” added Steve.

The van – found abandoned in a nearby village – had all their stolen goods inside.

The vehicle has also been returned to its owner.

Steve praised the police and also thanked those who shared the Facebook message about the burglary.

“The people that went on social media and spread it around were absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“We never thought it would ever come back.”

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 new Countrywide store is opening in Banbury on 30 May.

The Banbury store is the 54th opened by Countrywide Farmers and will create 15 new jobs in the area.

The company said it is planning to open two other new stores in August and September but the location has yet to be confirmed

“We have some very exciting plans for expansion, all starting with the opening of our new Countrywide store at Banbury Cross retail park,” said John Hardman of the company.

The new store will have a range of products covering all aspects of country life from horse riding to keeping chickens, gardening and country clothing.

In December H&H reported that Countrywide Farmers was undergoing a major restructure to enable it to increase its focus on its equine retail business.

The company sold its farm livestock feed and forage, arable products and crop marketing businesses for a combined total of £18.4m.

As a result of the sale the company will now invest more money into its 53 stores across England and Wales.

The local mayor and representatives from Countrywide’s company charity, Dogs for the Disabled will be cutting the ribbon of the Banbury store at 10am.

Various offers will be available to mark the grand opening during the launch week including 20% off vouchers for Joules, Ariat and Hunter (only available 30-31 May).

Members of Countrywide’s reward scheme, Countryclub can take advantage of exclusive offers including better than half price off on Hunter wellies during the launch weekend.

Children can enjoy free face painting at the opening and there is a spin the wheel game with fun prizes.

“We encourage people to come along to see what the store has to offer, whether you’re looking for new horse riding accessories or feed, treats or food for your pet or big name clothing brands,” said added Mr Hardman.

The opening hours are Monday – Saturday 8.30am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.

For more information visit www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

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 new equestrian retailer has opened in the northwest offering “a traditional retail experience.”

Equiemporium in Birkdale near Southport has been set-up by Sue Atherton and Tina Marriott, a riding instructor who runs a local livery yard.

“We identified a gap in the market for a shop where riders could get support and advice,” said Sue Atherton.

The shop has sofas and coffee and encourages customers to stay and chat.

The main equestrian brands are Rigeloto from Portugal and Montoni from the Netherlands.

“We plan to have an online brochure in a few weeks and are hoping to launch our own brand of equestrian tops and jackets by the end of the year,” added Mrs Atherton.

Equiemporium has sponsored three local riders: Jonathan Stevens who is riding Balmoral Erica for The Queen at Horse of the Year Show next week; showjumper Sammy Borthwick, and 16-year-old Storm Straker.

Miss Straker was the youngest member of the British Junior European eventing team and is the niece of Olympic eventer Karen Dixon.

For more information about the new shop ring 07860929598.

A new range of equestrian clothing by cut-price supermarket chain Aldi has sparked debate, but the equestrian trade has told H&H it is not worried.

Tesco was the first supermarket to branch into riding wear in 2006 and Aldi’s new Equestrian Specialbuys range went on sale on 24 July. It offers yard boots at £12.99, polo shirts at £8.99 and children’s jodhpurs for £8.99.

“The equestrian range allows both pros and beginners to gain good quality, affordable gear — breaking down the entry costs for families up and down the country who want to get involved in a great sport,” said Aldi’s Tony Baines.

In January, H&H reported that dozens of tack shops have been forced to close, many citing internet competition and soaring running costs for their downfall. Could supermarkets launching equestrian ranges put further pressure on traditional tack shops?

Claire Williams from the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) feels supermarket brands could increase the sport’s appeal.

“At the time, many thought Tesco was showing that riding was much more of a mainstream sport, making it appear to be more accessible to a wider audience. Aldi may have the same impact,” she told H&H.

Retailer Rachel Plant from Hot Togs also thinks this is a good thing. “There is real demand for reasonably priced products that offer style and performance,” she said. “If riding can be made more accessible by offering an alternative to the higher-priced options then that has to be a good thing.”

However, Ms Williams added it was unlikely to be dedicated riders that buy from Aldi.

“The majority rely on the professional equestrian retailer,” she said. “Aldi’s range would appear to be very limited, focused on a small range of basic items, but none of the more technical pieces that regular riders need. When riders want more than this they will inevitably turn to specialist tack shops.”

H&H readers agreed.

“I wouldn’t shop there as it is better to spend more money on buying quality clothes ,” said Hannah Ross from Surrey. ”However, I would if it was for a child as they grow so quickly.”

Margaret Fitts added: ”With such cheap prices, it would be worth checking out. Although, I would question whether it was as good quality as the equestrian brands that I have relied on for years.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (7 August, 2014)

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

Dozens of tack shops around the country have been forced to close, with many citing internet competition and soaring running costs as their downfall.

Ian McNeils Horse Supplies, which still sells horse lorries in Melstead, Hants, closed its tack shop last year.

“We can earn more from renting the building than we could from running the shop,” a company spokesman told H&H.

It is not just small firms that are feeling the pinch. Derby House closed its flagship Lancashire store last year and went into administration, before being bought out in November (news, 16 January).

Traditional saddler and equestrian outfitter Calcutt and Sons of Sutton Scotney, Hants, has been trading for 60 years. It told H&H that, although support from the hunting community remains strong, it is struggling to entice a younger generation of customers. This resulted in a 30% decrease in turnover over the past few years.

“It probably started seven or eight years ago and every year it has got worse,” said managing director Ian Compton.

“We just don’t see the younger generation and I don’t really think that we can get them back. They are attuned to the internet; they don’t really go shopping.”

Look in store by online

Even once customers have been enticed inside a shop, there is no longer a guarantee that they will buy.

A common practice to which numerous H&H readers have admitted is trying items on in store, then buying them for less online.

“When I was looking for a new riding hat, I did try a few on in a shop, but found the same hat online for £20 less, so bought from the web,” said Rachel Buckle.

Other customers try to use the cheaper online price to push bricks and mortar retailers’ prices down in store.

“I will almost always try on in store if it’s something like boots or a hat,” said Dawn Trevor. “I then ask them to match an online price, or throw in something else at a reduced price as an incentive.”

Selling from your bedroom

So how are some websites able to offer rock-bottom prices?

A Gatehouse HSI skull cap is sold in tack shops for around £145, but H&H found the same hat being sold for as a little as £96.05 online.

It’s all down to overheads. Sole online retailers do not have to pay for the rent, heating and electricity costs that come with running a store and therefore can afford to sell products cheaper.

However, there are complaints from within the industry that traders who are not holding stock are exacerbating the situation.

These so-called “bedroom traders” — often individuals working from their own homes — only place orders with a wholesaler once a customer has paid for an item. This process means that, with virtually no overheads, they are able to offer bottom-line prices that most stores cannot match.

“I think the explosion in micro online sites, all attempting to be cheaper than the others, in some respects is to blame,” said Paul Bentham, sales and marketing director of Robinsons Equestrian.

“I can sympathise with small independent retailers. Every year it is becoming more and more difficult.”

Another independent retailer complained: “You will find products online cheaper then what you can buy them in for.

“The big brands aren’t keeping tabs on what’s going on and how cheaply their products are being sold from wholesalers.”

It’s not all doom and gloom

Some independent retailers are finding a path for success in this climate. Knowledgeable staff, an online presence and a well-stocked shop seem to hold the key to success.

“I much prefer to go to a shop where I can ask for advice and actually see what I am purchasing,” said H&H reader Rosie Walsh.

“The key to a good tack shop is stock and variety,” added Aurelia Stephenson.

Kirstie Johnston recently opened Forelock & Load with her brother — an equestrian and shooting shop — on the family farm between Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket in Suffolk.

“I think now you have to go the extra mile to be able to stay afloat,” Ms Johnston told H&H. “We want to provide a knowledgeable base and a place to exchange advice so that it’s more than a shop.”

Ms Johnston is hosting a “Dressed to thrill” field fashion show next month (28 February) to promote the store.

At the other end of the scale, Countrywide Farmers launched a new equestrian catalogue in September, containing more than 7,000 products. The brand aims to offer “more choice than ever before” with four shopping options — in store, by phone, online at home or online in store using new kiosks with touch screen computers.

Robinsons has opened another three stores in the past five years, as well as developing its internet platform.

“Retailers can get caught into this very common trap where we think of equestrian people as different from the rest of the human race and they are not,” said Robinsons’ Paul Bentham.

“They are used to being approached via multiple channels and they expect the same thing in our industry.”

This story was originally published in 23 January 2014 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Parents of horsey boys are calling for retailers to shift away from the predominantly feminine bias in children’s riding clothes.

Models in catalogues and on websites are almost exclusively female, and there is a proliferation of pink and purple, from breeches to hoof picks.

Susan Fletcher, mother to Harry, 13, believes the lack of masculine kit available does little to encourage boys to keep riding.

“I couldn’t find 1 stall at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) selling a tweed hacking jacket for a teenage boy,” she said.

“One stand said they had only brought girls’ jackets [to the show]. Everything is geared to girls — pink brushes, bling jods, nothing in masculine colours. When you look at the top showjumpers there are more men than ladies so shouldn’t we try to encourage boys into the sport?”

Diane Wyatt, who has an eight-year-old son, said although she has found some cream jods, “they didn’t fit his shape well”, and some “blue chaps were still a bit girlie”.

“For younger kids, it should be more unisex,” she said. “[Riding] is often seen as girlie and the market reflects this. But I have seen a lot of men’s riding gear around if we persevere.”

The Pony Club membership is around 13% male and the latest British Equestrian Trade Association survey (in 2011) shows 75% or riders are women.

Lucy Nicholas, a director at leading equestrian retailer The Saddlery Shop, said that while she “would welcome a bigger, better variety of boys from [her] wholesalers”, matters are unlikely to change.

“The lack of demand — I believe it’s 94% girls to 6% boys — leads to a lack of supply from the wholesalers,” she said. “It’s cheaper to mass produce so a small quantity of product will push the cost up. Parents would not be happy to pay twice the price for boys’ jodhpurs.”

Ariat agreed: “It really is a demand issue,” said a spokesman. “There are just too few boys wanting riding clothes for it to be possible to produce efficiently. We do offer some styles as ‘Youth’, with means they could work for girls or boys.”

This article 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