Winners of a BETA (British Equestrian Trade Award) are people and businesses who go above and beyond for the benefit of the equestrian industry.
The Gala Dinner and British Equestrian Trade Awards (The BETA’s) were once again an unforgettable evening of celebration, glamour and fun!
A huge congratulations to all our highly deserving winners, runners-ups and finalists. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our valued sponsors for their support and commitment to the equestrian trade community.
Presentation of The BETA’s:
BETA Rider Safety Equipment Fitter of the Year Award 2025 – This year the judge’s couldn’t split the top two so have awarded joint winners – Emma Butt (Romsey Saddlery) and Gillian Payne (Barnstaple Equestrian Supplies)
Equine Careers Sales Representative Award – Winner Lily Redbourn (Saddlery Brands International) and Runner Up – Vicky Rhodes (Keyflow)
Absorbine UK Retailer of the Year Award 2025 – Winner Welland Valley Feeds and Runner Up Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre
Zebra Products Retailer of the Year Award 2025 Online / Mail Order – Winner Redpost Equestrian and Runner-up Equiport
Holdsworth PR Marketing Effectiveness Award 2025 – Winner Sundown Products and Runner up – Equine Giveaways
Citation Trade Supplier of the Year 2025 – Bliss of London
Equine Fitter of the Year Award 2025 – Sophie Sperling (Sperling Saddles Limited)
Stubbs England Nutritional Helpline of the Year Award 2025 – Winner TopSpec and Runner Up Allen & Page
GBH Exhibition Forwarding BETA Export Award 2025 – Hilton Herbs
BETA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Presented by Jane Holderness Roddam, BETA President – Mr Mike Huline Dickens
Our winner has contributed enormously to our trade having trained more than 750 students over the course of his career. It’s probably not an exaggeration to say that the majority of working and Master Saddlers working today, have either been taught by him, or trained by someone who has been taught by him!
Mike’s journey in the saddlery trade began by walking past the world famous Champion & Wilton saddlery and harness shop on Oxford Street, London and the craft caught his imagination. He started there on a 5 year Apprenticeship at 16, apprenticed on the bench to Peter Pope and to Ernie Forbes, Champion &Wilton’s travelling Saddle Fitter. In his 5 year Apprenticeship he learned to make saddles, bridles, harness and side saddles later becoming well known for fitting.
After his Apprenticeship he worked for several London saddlery companies, including Giddens, before moving to Lincolnshire and setting up the saddlery workshop for Robinson’s Saddlery in Billinghay where he learned to ride and used to hunt with the Blankney
In 1972 Mike joined Cordwainers College, Hackney, London – where he set up the Saddlery Department and stayed for 25 years until his retirement, at 65, in 1997.
During Mile’s career, he became renowned as a leading specialist in Side Saddles, their fitting and repair
As one of his nominators said: “Even now, at the age of 92, he continues to support us! The man is a Legend, a titan in the industry and the Giant upon whose shoulders we stand.”
