BETA International rewards innovation

Feb 26 2010

The air of anticipation surrounding this year’s BETA International Innovation Awards disappeared in a round of applause as winners of its six categories were announced.

Sponsored by Equestrian Trade News magazine, the awards drew in a record number of entries, with 86 of the latest products and services vying for first place.

The panel of judges, made up of Trailblazers chairman Norman Bargh, event rider Tina Cook, chairman of both BETA and the RDA Jane Holderness Roddam, vet and published academic Professor Derek Knottenbelt, independent nutritionist Doctor Catherine Dunnett and her chemist husband, Dr Mark Dunnett, had the difficult task of selecting the worthy winners.

"We are extremely grateful to our panel of judges, who are all experts in their field," said Claire Thomas, commercial manager of BETA International organiser EMC. "The Innovation Awards have continued to grow in stature, becoming highly prized industry accolades. This year’s increased number of entries illustrates just how much they are valued by all sectors of the trade."

The Innovation Awards took place during the BETA International trade fair, held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 21 to 23 February. This year’s winners were... 

Safety & Security

WINNER

Company: Ride-Alert

Product: Ride-Alert

Designed to bring security for riders and peace of mind to them and their friends and family, Ride-Alert is the first system to offer identification without the need for personal ID, along with an Incident Response Network. It features an ID wristband to be worn by the rider and a tag that is attached to the bridle.

Judges’ Comments: This impressive device fills an obvious gap in rider safety. It’s a credible system with cutting-edge technology and the back-up behind it to make sure it keeps going.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Company: Rodney Powell Product: PCC System This simple, safe and advanced fitting system allows shop staff to determine the perfect fitting body protector from more than 200 sizes in a matter of seconds. Its harness format takes away the risk of inexperienced staff measuring customers inaccurately and interpreting size guides incorrectly.

Judges’ Comments: It’s a great safety aid – simple, easy to use and a failsafe way to ensure the ultimate fit. A brilliant piece of ingenuity!

Horsecare Products & Equipment

WINNER

Company: Planit Products

Product: H2Go Bag

A tough, reusable bag that can hold or store 80 litres of water. It fits into a wheelbarrow for easy transport and can be poured directly into a trough or water bucket. When not in use, it simply folds away.

Judges’ Comments: As with many simple ideas, they are often the best. It is innovative, practical, sensible and economical, and will definitely save a back or two.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Company: Waterboy

Product: Waterboy Coldboy

A cold-treatment leg wrap that is perfect for use after competition or strenuous exercise. It consists of a wrap, with three chilled gel packs that are inserted into neat, handy pockets. The gel remains flexible – even after a night in the freezer – fitting the contours of the horse’s legs and giving at least 45 minutes’ cooling time, even in high summer temperatures.

Judges’ Comments: This product is versatile, well made, comes in a handy size and the name really sums it up! It may be more expensive than some other types of cooler, but we think it is worth the price and will be bought by horse owners of various levels.

Other

WINNER

Company: Equine Careers

Product: Equine Careers

A groundbreaking website dedicated to advertising office and professional vacancies within the equestrian industry.

Judges’ Comments: It is a simple idea that is of great benefit to the trade. It could provide a focus for both employers and employees, becoming their first point of call when seeking professional jobs within this sector.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Company: Equistat

Product: Equistat Pro & Lite

This system uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to give the horse’s body fat, hydration status, body mass and cellular health. It comes with a software package featuring the latest Bluetooth technology to allow the uploading of technology and the tracking of trends.

Judges’ Comments: This is an intriguing breakthrough with high welfare potential. Further development of the product will undoubtedly enhance the care of equines.

Saddlery & Tack

WINNER

Company: L S Sales (Farnam) Ltd

Product: Smart Lock System Bridles

Made from Sedgwick leather, the bridle uses a Smart Lock System borrowed from the aviation industry. It consists of a stainless-steel pin system that clicks the reins and cheeks to the bit. Once closed, the fastenings remain permanently closed until they are popped open with a flick of the finger.

Judges’ Comments: They have taken a standard piece of equine equipment, constructed it from fine British leather and made modifications to simplify its use – a great innovation!

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Company: Star Saddles

Product name: Star Saddles

Designed with a modern competition horse in mind, this range of mono-flap, wool-flocked jumping and dressage saddles is made in Walsall to the highest specification. Judges’ Comments: The quality of these saddles was incredible. The workmanship really cried out and the saddlemaker was highly knowledgeable. Their products are definitely ones to look out for in the future.

Feed & Supplement

WINNER

Company: LitoVet

Product: LitoVet

A new, natural supplement derived from rose hip for joint care, LitoVet contains the active ingredient GOPO – a property obtained from rose hips that have been dried using a special patented process. Their effect on helping to maintain joint integrity, mobility and suppleness is well documented. A special manufacturing process is used to ensure that LitoVet maintains a high level of GOPO for maximum effect.

Judges’ Comments: This product features a good proposed mechanism of action and good quality control on a level of active ingredients. There is also a degree of published supporting research in humans, as well as specimen specific trials.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Company: Battles

Product: LaminTec 5-HT

A feed supplement designed to support normal physiological functioning and circulation to the hoof and its capillary bed, LaminTec 5-HT uses ingredients coupled with published advances in inflammatory research to deliver an easy-to-use product for horses and ponies prone to laminitis, weight gain and various forms of Cushing’s disease.

Judges’ Comments: An interesting concept, which, if it progressed through further research, would be useful for animals at risk of laminitis while bringing high welfare benefits.

Rider Clothing

WINNER

Company: Horseware Ireland

Product: Tally Ho Ladies Aylesbury Breeches

These warm, comfortable breeches feature breakthrough technology in waterproofing while retaining breathable properties and thermal insulation for riding in winter conditions. Judges’ Comments: A wonderful idea for riders that don’t have the use of an indoor school. When it is pouring down outside, they can just pull on one set of legwear instead of having to wear cumbersome waterproofs. They are great for every day and are sure to keep riders warm and dry.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Company: Ariat

Product: Ariat Cobalt Quantum Devon Pro

This boot brings temperature-control management to footwear. Its integrated Core Stability Technology provides stability and cushioning for optimal support, rebound and flexibility in a classic, paddock-style boot. Judges’ Comments: The boot displays great attention to detail, bringing a new, improved design to an already successful boot. It is attractive and stylish, whether riding or walking.