BETAs fabulous fourth year as CIC 3* sponsor at Bramham

The British Equestrian Trade Association enjoyed a fabulous fourth year as sponsor of the CIC 3* at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials, where large crowds gathered to watch top-class horses and riders compete on Yorkshire turf.

In this Olympic year, Gemma Tattersall was crowned the BETA CIC 3* champion after rid-ing to victory on Christopher Stone's Chico Bella P. All riders in the competition – along with those who took part in the BETA-sponsored Pony Club Team Show Jumping, won by the Bedale & West of Yore branch – were presented with a commemorative BETA sta-ble plaque.

The sponsorship is part of BETA's commitment to raising the profile of rider safety and the work of the trade association and its members. Free safety checks for riding hats and body protectors were offered throughout Bramham’s four days and all those who took part received a discount voucher giving them 10 per cent off the price of a new garment when bought from a participating BETA retail member.

A luxury prize draw featuring about £1,500 worth of equestrian clothing and equipment for horse and rider was undoubtedly the star of the BETA stand, where goody bags were handed out and doggy bandanas, rosettes and packets of sweets for humans and horses were offered in exchange for donations to BETA's two supported charities, the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and HorsebackUK.

BETA's popular Tradestand Holders Breakfast took place early on Saturday morning, when members of the trade tucked into hot bacon and sausage rolls as winners of the BETA Best Stand Awards were announced. The awards featured a new format, with three categories – Lifestyle, Pet & Fashion, Food & Beverages and Equestrian & Saddlery. Stands were judged according to BETA's set criteria and awarded either a silver or Gold standard.

In the Lifestyle, Pet & Fashion section, silver went to small animal feed specialist Harring-tons, ladies' tailored fashion retailer Brace and pet retailer The Waggy Tails Store. Gold was won by jewellery company Hi-Ho Silver, ladies' shoes, bags and accessories retailer Carl Scarpa and footwear and accessories retailer Fairfax & Favor.

Food & Beverages saw caterer Crispy Duck Wraps take silver and family drinks company Condessa Welsh Liqueurs win gold.

In Equestrian & Saddlery, silver went to sign maker, engraver and rosettes specialist Richardson Designs, feed company Dodson & Horrell and equestrian retailer R & R Country, while retailers Equine & Country,  Ayr Equestrian and Inch's Saddlery were awarded gold.

“It was great to be back at Bramham and a great privilege to sponsor riders at the very top of their game and young equestrians at grassroots level,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “The event is a fantastic opportunity for us to get out and meet people of all ages and abilities who are really passionate about horses and riding. It gives us a chance to tell them about the latest BETA initiatives and explain what we can do for them. Bramham felt even more special than usual this year, with Rio only a matter of weeks away and all the celebrations that were taking place at the show and throughout the rest of the country to mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

”The event also turned out to be the perfect occasion to unveil our new BETA Best Stand Awards format, which did a fine job in recognising and rewarding all the hard work, dedi-cation and commitment on display.”