Winged saddle pads and low-sugar licks: discover BETA International’s innovation winners
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.
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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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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.