Innovative new products recognised at BETA International

Mineral licks, cushioning pants and rhubarb and custard flavour energy gel (pictured right) were among the award-winning products recognised in the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) innovation awards at last month’s BETA International trade fair in Birmingham.

The products were judged by a panel comprising event rider Nicola Wilson, commentator Mike Tucker and his wife, judge and selector Angela Tucker, Trailblazers director Wilf Hobson, vet Dr Angela Bodey and nutritionist Dr Catherine Dunnett.

“Our judges did a tremendous job, as usual,” said BETA’s Claire Thomas. “The innovation awards celebrate the finest traditions of design, invention and originality, and this year we were pleased to include a pet product category for the first time.”

The award in the feed and supplements category went to Equi Matters for its Redmond Rock Mineral Lick.

The lick is made from natural deposit found in Utah, USA that does not disintegrate in wet weather and its hard, natural state makes it difficult for horses to break up. The judges said it was an “easy and economical way of providing minerals.”

The horsecare products and equipment award went to Trus-Steed for its new product Safe Zone — sachets designed to help combat viral and bacterial contamination.

The sachets can be hung in the stable, trailer or box to help reduce the risk of cross-contamination by producing a powerful biocide and odour control agent. The judges said the overall concept was “outstanding”.

Highly commended was Fabtek’s Mudtek range of antibacterial boots, pastern wraps and bandages

The winner of the new petcare category was the Maelson Dry Box 15 — a multi-purpose food storage container with a hermetically sealing lid to keep food fresh and dry — by 3P Enterprise.

In the rider clothing category Asmar Equestrian won for its all-weather rider jacket judged to be an “elegant, multi-functional garment, well tailored to allow plenty of movement and flexibility”.

Highly commended was PJH Brand Management’s “under armour coldgear compression mock” — a base layer garment designed to wick away moisture from the skin and circulate body heat to keep riders warm without weighing them down.

Equilibrium Products won the saddlery and tack category for its Tri-Zone Airlite tendon and fetlock boots. The boots are designed to provide high levels of leg protection while maintaining lightness, flexibility and breathability.

Ribot Pants by Dainese SPA won the safety and security award. The riding pants offer protection to the coccyx, hips, inner thigh and knee areas. They cover areas of possible impact with water-repellent rubber, providing high levels of safety without the need for bulky materials. They were judged to be “discreet, functional and fully washable”.

Highly commended was Belstane’s Sam Shields Helmet that can be custom-made to suit the rider’s head size and shape.

A final award for other products was presented to TORQ for the TORQ gel — a rhubarb and custard flavour energy gel for riders to sustain nutritional levels. It is free from artificial colours and flavours, and contains five essential electrolyte salts to aid re-hydration.

Highly commended was Equi-Ping — a device designed to offer a safety link between a tethering ring and a horse tied by a lead rope.

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