BETA’s sponsorship triumph at Bramham

The British Equestrian Trade Association returned to the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials as sponsor the CIC 3* for a sixth consecutive year as part of its drive to promote the work of BETA and its members, and put rider safety firmly in the spotlight.

Izzy Taylor triumphed on Sophie Dodds' Be Touchable to claim the title for a second year running. She took to the podium with French rider Gwendolen Fer, whom she narrowly beat to the top spot, and Japan's Toshiyuki Tanaka, who came third. BETA executive director Claire Williams was joined by Bramham president Nick Lane Fox to present the riders with their prizes.

BETA also handed out the ribbons to the winners of the Pony Club Team Show Jumping as part of its ongoing support for this event. Rugs and shopping vouchers to be spent with its retail members were given to the Bedale & West of Yore team, which was champion for a third consecutive year. Vouchers were also presented to the West Lancashire County team in second place and Rockwood Harriers in third. Every rider in the Pony Club competition and British Equestrian Trade Association CIC 3* was given a BETA stable plaque.

Many riders and visitors to the event took up BETA 's invitation to undergo a free riding hat and body protector check on its stand. All those who took part received a discount voucher worth 10 per cent off the price of a new safety garment when bought from a participating BETA retail member.

There was no doubt that the star of the BETA stand was the luxury equestrian hamper. Those who signed up to the trade association's National Equestrian Research Panel were automatically entered into a prize draw to win it. This important initiative allows consumers to feed back their views to the industry on a wide range of issues.

Visitors to the stand also received special BETA/Bramham rosettes and BETA doggy bandanas in exchange for donations to the Riding for the Disabled Association.

As part of its commitment to supporting the equestrian trade, all stand holders were invited to BETA's customary Tradestand Holders breakfast, where winners of the Best Stand Awards were announced. The competition is divided into three categories – Equestrian & Saddlery, Lifestyle, Pet & Fashion and Food & Beverages, with each stand judged according to BETA's set criteria and awarded either a gold or silver standard.

In Equestrian & Saddlery, retailers R&R Country, Ayr Equestrian, Hope Valley and Nags Essentials were awarded gold, while silver went to supplement company Feedmark, safety garment specialist Treehouse Sporting Colours, retailer Wychanger Barton Saddlery and bitting expert Neue Schule.

In the Lifestyle, Pet & Fashion section, gold was won by Little Farming Folk, selling children's tweed clothing and accessories, country clothing and accessories company Joshua Jones, African holiday specialist Aardvark Safaris, insurance expert NFU Mutual and luxury leather and suede boots and bags company Fairfax & Favor. Silver went to pet accessories company The Waggy Tails Store, bronze and felt artist Clare Ashton Designs, waterproof leather boots and luggage specialist Dubarry, country clothing store Bredon Hill Shooting and manufacturer of warm, wicking fleeces for dogs Equafleece.

Food & Beverages saw gold go to family-run Yorkshire Pastree, maker of tarts, pies, quiches and sausage rolls, while Pizza, with its stone-baked pizzas and crispy duck wraps, took silver.

“BETA's sponsorship at Bramham is a great way for us to reach out to, and engage with, a diverse range of horsey people,” said trade association executive director Claire Williams. “We always meet a great crowd of enthusiastic and knowledgeable equestrians – and, of course, they are on our home turf, just down the road from the BETA office.

“The four days spent at Bramham give us a wonderful opportunity to talk about BETA initiatives, highlight the importance of shopping with a BETA retail member and generally to keep our finger on the pulse with what is important to riders in this region.”

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES...
Contact: Deborah Hayward, BETA Press Officer
Email: deborahh@beta-int.com
Telephone: 01937 582111/01765 635314