BETAs 2024

The British Equestrian Trade Awards winners have been announced at the Gala Dinner this evening/yesterday evening, and we’re excited to share the winners of each category of the BETAs with you now. A big congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted and a huge thank you to each of the fabulous sponsors that supported the awards:

Weatherbeeta Retail Employee of the Year
Highly commended – Elliot Charlesworth – Lillico’s Country Store

Comments from the judges: “Elliot is a shining example of someone who makes our industry tick. He has steadily provided reliable service and support to Lillico’s and their customers over the last 25 years. In acknowledgment of this the judges have, for the first time ever, decided to present this highly commended award.”

Winner – Tessa Groocock – Tower Farm Saddlers

Comments from the judges: “Tessa was a delight to talk to and her accomplishment in winning this award is well deserved. She has shown herself to be a capable, focused and dedicated employee who is committed to her customers, work and the team at Tower Farm Saddlers.”

GBH Exhibition Forwarding Export award

A return for this award, which is to be awarded to the company who has generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity over at least 3 years.

Winner – Saracen Horse Feeds

Comments from the judge: “All of the companies have obviously invested energy and commitment to exporting their products, but the winner this year has clearly demonstrated that exporting forms part of the DNA of the company, and they have embraced their international partners into their UK family. They have taken on board the particular needs of their international partners and adapted their approach and, where necessary, their products to suit.”

Holdsworth PR Marketing Effectiveness Award

The goal of the award is to recognise the contribution marketing makes to solving business problems and improving business results. As such, the emphasis on judging was looking at the demonstration of how the contribution of the company’s marketing has made to business improvement.

Runners up – The GPC and Agria

Comments from Judges: “A great entry with lots of data and examples of the campaign of what was achieved, and they have clearly executed a great all-round marketing campaign.”

Winner– Baileys Horse Feeds

Comments from Judges: “This campaign was a clever way to engage with their audience, using illustrations from Emily Cole with a cheeky pony keeping an eye on its weight control programme, which was used as a sensitive way to talk about equine obesity, an important topic that increased knowledge for retail stores and consumers about the subject. It was an inexpensive campaign to set up, but one that achieved a large social media reach and increased sales.”

Equine Careers Sales Representative Award

The award aims to reward excellence in product & customer knowledge. Nominations are received from retailers and judging consists of an interview with the finalists.

Runner Up – Emily Welch – Shires Equestrian
Winner – Claire Bibby – NAF

Comments from the Judges: “Claire is bright, positive, professional and passionate about her job. She is always there when her customers need her. A thoroughly deserving winner this year.”

Equine Fitters Council, Equine Fitter of the Year

This award aims to recognise the work undertaken by saddle, bridle and bit fitters. The judges assessed nominations, along with a questionnaire completed by the finalists, and calls to customer references.

Winner – Vicki Delaselle – Delaselle Saddlery

Customer comments: “The winner has taken time to bond with my complicated horse and now lets them treat him and touch him like one of the family. The horse’s welfare and comfort is their top priority.”

Zebra Products Best New Retailer of the Year

This award was open for entries for stores that were established 12-36 months prior to April 2024.

Winner – Equine Resources Indonesia

Comments from nominator and judges: “Hannah is committed to improving equine welfare and knowledge to share with her customers in Indonesia. Hannah has attended courses in the UK to gain contacts and develop ideas for her store, which is a very impressive site in the middle of Jakarta.”

Zebra Products Retailer of the Year – Retail store

This award received hundreds of nominations as always. The final decision is based on the number of nominations received, independent mystery shop visits, online orders and calls.

Runner up – Tower Farm Saddlers, Rugby

Comments from nominators and judges: “They go above and beyond to help you. They are very friendly, a great store.”

Winner – RB Equestrian

Comments from nominators and judges: “An equestrian destination store with staff that always greet you, know their regular customers and stop to have a chat, so friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and so good with beginners who need help and advice. It’s always a pleasure to shop there, there is a great range of products and brands, always up to date with the latest seasonal clothing. Great stock levels so you can always leave with what you went for. An all-round great shopping experience!”

Zebra Products Retailer of the Year – Online/Mail Order

Runner up – The Centre Line

Comments from nominators and judges: “Stunning customer service no matter the time of day. The mystery call was so good I could have purchased three items there and then!”

Winner – Redpost Equestrian

Comments from nominators and judges: “Knowledgeable, fast, efficient and friendly company, always willing to help. Excellent website with great product search function and suggestions of similar products. Returns policy easy to use with form included with the package.”

Stubbs England Nutritional Helpline Award

This award gives recognition to the role that a reliable and accessible nutritional advice line plays in the selection of feeding stuffs.

Runner Up – TopSpec

Comments from judges: “The nutritionist was a good listener who asked a lot of questions about my horse before giving the advice. I am now seriously thinking of starting to use their products for the first time.”

Winner – Allen & Page

Comments from judges: “Excellent advice and very helpful with samples sent to follow up the advice. This one stood out above the rest for me this year.”

Citation Trade Supplier of the Year

This award was nominated for by retailers to the supplier judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.

JOINT WINNERS – Bliss of London & Hucklesby Associates

BETA Rider Safety Equipment Fitter Award

This award recognises riding hat and body protector fitters that work hard to ensure riders are given the correct fitting and standards advice when purchasing their safety items.

Runner up – Emma Butt – Romsey Saddlery

Winner – Arlyne Peaker – RB Equestrian

Comments from judges: “Arlyne was knowledgeable about the various safety equipment standards and how the garments should fit. She came across confident in giving this advice to her customers and her passion shone through.”

BETA Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner – David Booth, Westgate Laboratories

There will be more about David Booth in this week’s ETN Newsletter.