BETA

🏆 Celebrate the Classics with the NEW "Test of Time" Award! 🏆
Is there a specific piece of equipment in your tack room that you simply couldn’t live without? As part of the BETAs 2026, we are thrilled to introduce the Test of Time Award—a category dedicated to the iconic products!
Unlike awards that focus on the latest trends, this accolade honours valued equestrian products and equipment that have made a lasting impact on the horse or rider and remain popular year after year.

We are looking for the "true originals" that have proven their worth over a decade of use. Here is what you need to know:

Who can nominate? Manufacturers, retailers, and members of the public are all invited to submit their favorites.

What qualifies? Products (not brands) that are currently available on the UK market and have been for at least 10 years (since at least January 1st, 2016).

You can nominate up to five products, but only one vote can be placed per product category.
All nominations will be shortlisted for a final vote to identify the ultimate overall winner.

All entries must be submitted by 4th June 2026.

Head to the BETA website now to submit your nominations and give your favourite "tried and tested" products the recognition they deserve! Join us as we celebrate industry excellence.

Link to the nomination form in the bio>>>

Head to the BETA website now to submit your nominations and give your favorite "tried and tested" products the recognition they deserve!

🏆 Who Is Your Top Online Equestrian Retailer? 🏆
Nominations are now open for the @zebra_products Retailer of the Year – Online! This award recognises online and mail-order stores that maintain the highest standards of service and quality for the equestrian community.
If you’ve received top-tier service from an online retailer, you can nominate them by completing the nomination form - link in the bio >>>

Being nominated is just the beginning! To ensure the winner truly represents the "best of the best," the judging process is rigorous. Once nominated, retailers will be sent a detailed questionnaire by BETA to complete for the next stage of evaluation.
Shortlisted stores will be assessed by independent mystery shoppers and through incognito telephone calls to test their product knowledge and customer service.

Entry Deadline: 29 June 2026.

Winners will be celebrated at the BETA Gala Dinner on Sunday, 27th September 2026, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. It will be a glittering evening featuring a three-course dinner and live music.

Thank you to our category sponsor, Zebra Products, for supporting excellence and high standards in online equestrian retail!

The search for the @absorbine_europe Retailer of the Year (Equestrian Store) is officially on!
This prestigious award, part of the 2026 BETAs, recognises the high standards and exceptional service provided by equestrian shops and feed merchants across the country.

We want to hear why your favourite store deserves this accolade. This award celebrates quality, knowledge, and the extra mile in customer service.

How to Nominate

Customers: You can nominate your favourite store by completing the online form on the BETA website. The link to the nomination form is also in the bio>>>

Retailers: You can get involved too! Print out copies of the nomination form to gather support from your customers at the till point.

To ensure we find the best of the best, shortlisted stores will undergo rigorous judging, including independent mystery shoppers and incognito telephone calls.

Entry Deadline: 29 June 2026

Winners will be announced at the BETA Gala Dinner on Sunday, 27th September 2026, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

A huge thank you to our sponsor, Absorbine, for supporting excellence in equestrian retail!

Speaker Spotlight: Inspiring the Next Generation with John Blake
We are thrilled to announce that John Blake, Chief Executive of the education charity Racing to School, will be joining us at the 2026 BETA Equestrian Business Summit!

John will be leading a vital session on "How Horseracing is Inspiring Young Minds," exploring the intersection of education, community engagement, and the future of the equestrian workforce.

John is a seasoned leader in the racing and charity sectors. As the head of Racing to School, he oversees a charity that works across the industry to support young people’s education and career aspirations. He also leads the Racing Together partnership—the sport’s collective community engagement initiative designed to create meaningful social impact nationwide.

With a career spanning broadcasting, writing, and leadership roles—including serving as CEO of the Professional Jockeys’ Association and Fundraising Director for World Horse Welfare—John brings a wealth of experience in building "social license" and connecting the public with the power of the horse.

💡 Why this session matters:
The future of our industry depends on how we engage the next generation today.

📅 Event Details
When: Monday, 23rd February 2026
Where: Hilton East Midlands Airport Hotel
Theme: The Future of the Equestrian Industry - Challenges & Opportunities
Link to Booking Page in the bio >>>

Don`t miss out on this day of networking and industry-leading insights!

Rolling into February... 🐴
February is looking like a busy and exciting month for the equestrian industry! The BETA team is gearing up for a series of major events across the UK and Europe.

Whether you`re looking for the latest in safety research, nutrition, or business growth, come find us at:

Spoga Horse (Cologne): 7th – 9th February

Horses Inside Out Conference (Loughborough): 21st – 22ndFebruary

BETA AGM & Business Summit (Hilton East Midlands Airport): 23rd February

National Equine Show (NEC Birmingham): 28th February – 1st March

Don’t forget to book your tickets for the BETA AGM & Business Summit! It’s the perfect day for industry updating and high-level networking.

See you there!

📸 Credit: Ellie Hughes The perfect shot for our February page in the BETA Calendar. Thank you!