First company accredited to BETA’s new Bedding Industry Manufacturing Standard
Bedmax becomes the first equine bedding company to be accredited by BETA NOPS Code for Equine Bedding.

Bedmax has become the first equine bedding company to become BETA NOPS accredited. The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has been planning the scheme since January 2020, which aims to minimise the risk of contamination by naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) in equine bedding products.

Carrying this badge certifies that all products from Bedmax’s range, which includes Bedmax, Littlemax, and Stockmax shavings and its recently launched Strawmax straw pellet bedding, conform to the current best practice in minimising the risk of contamination by NOPS.

Contamination by naturally occurring prohibited substances has been an ongoing problem with performance horses for some time and the FEI takes a no tolerance stance to prohibited substances. The list of prohibited substances is long, and the rules can be difficult to navigate. The problem often lies in inadvertent cross-contamination from external sources which is not just a problem for professional riders, but amateur and hobby riders too.

Prohibited substances in bedding can be absorbed into a horse’s or pony’s system if contaminated bedding becomes mixed up in hay, for example, and even tiny quantities can be detected and result in a positive doping test. Spot testing is much more common at all levels of professional and amateur competition in all disciplines, and riders need to be vigilant as fines can still be administered if they are unable to prove that all preventative measures have been taken.

BETA first launched its NOPS Code for Equine Feed in response to the increase in incidents in positive doping tests. Further research revealed that bedding is also a common source of cross-contamination, and so the BETA NOPS Code for Equine Bedding was set up to recognise manufacturers that conform to the current best practice in minimising the risk of contamination by NOPS.

Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA said: “I am so pleased to see the years of work on this scheme coming to fruition.  It seemed logical to develop this programme to complement the NOPS Feed code, when bedding and feed are so closely associated. Working alongside our independent auditors, Kiwa, we have produced a scheme that adds another level of risk assessment to bedding production that I believe is unique.  

“Congratulations are due to Bedmax on auditing successfully to the standard.  I know how much work they have put in to ensuring that they meet the standards that we have set.”
Carrying the NOPS logo also assures customers that equine bedding products are marketed fairly and legally. It means that claims are evidenced and offers peace of mind that bedding products receive the same amount of scrutiny for the risk of prohibited substances as feed.

For Tim Smalley, Managing Director at Bedmax, NOPS accreditation is a landmark in the bedding company’s 21-year commitment to excellence.  “This is a very positive step forward for both Bedmax and the equine industry, especially professional riders and trainers. Unlike feeds and supplements, you don’t get a list of ingredients on a bag of bedding so it’s important to know that the manufacturer has taken steps to ensure the product does not contain prohibited substances.

“I am delighted that we are the first bedding company to carry the BETA NOPS badge and  I hope this will help all equestrian organisations in their drive to make competition at all levels as clean and fair as possible. We pride ourselves on providing customers with the highest quality of equine bedding, and this is a milestone achievement for us as a company.”

– All media enquiries to Barbara Huddart – Barbara.huddart@bedmax.co.uk – 01668283044

WHY WORKING TOGETHER IS KEY TO HORSES’ BACK PAIN REHAB

Value of collaborative treatment and popularity of therapy exercises revealed by winning study.

Isabelle Anderson, from Chelmsford in Essex, has won the 2021 BETA Equine Thesis of the Year competition.

The equine sports therapy and rehabilitation graduate represented Writtle University College in Sunday’s final to claim the award for excellence in undergraduate study.  
She collected a £200 cash prize, a trophy and “something really special to put on my CV.”

Isabelle added that she hoped her success would inspire other students who, like her, needed to re-take a year of their studies.
“I felt embarrassed at the time, but I now feel happy that it was the right thing to do,” she added. “I’m surprised but over the moon at having won the BETA Equine Thesis of the Year.”
Isabelle was one of four finalists to present her thesis to a panel of judges, watched by an audience of academics and industry figures.
Her winning study was ‘Owner satisfaction with rehabilitation practices for chronic sacroiliac pain in equines in the UK since the year 2000’.
Her work looked at owners’ experiences of the notoriously difficult-to-diagnose common cause of equine back pain and poor performance.
It revealed often variable collaboration between what Isabelle described as “the valuable triad” of horse owners, vets and paraprofessionals such as chiropractors.
“Further and larger studies into veterinary-client-paraprofessional relationships could improve equine rehabilitation and welfare by highlighting communication barriers and challenges,” she said.
The popularity and effectiveness of exercises such as carrot stretches, pole work and hill work, along with training aids, for horses with sacroiliac pain were also analysed.

Runner-up Isabel Badham, who graduated from Harper Adams University, researched ‘The effect of different water depths on the activity of the equine longissimus dorsi muscle while walking on a water tread mill.’
Field trials with racehorses examined whether altering water depth promoted a difference in activity on the left and right sides of this major back muscle.

The other finalists were Sophie Avery, who graduated from The Royal Veterinary College, with her thesis ‘Risk factors for equine glandular disease associated with general management and husbandry of domesticated horses.’

And from the University of Limerick, Rebecca Dillon, who presented ‘An evaluation of racehorse performance using the speed gene test and the dosage system.’

The judging panel was headed by research consultant Dr Georgina Crossman with equine nutritionist Katie Williams, vet Karen Coumbe and Equestrian Trade News editor Liz Benwell.
“The standard of dissertations submitted this year was very high, and the finalists really brought their research to life through their presentations,” said Dr Crossman.  
“As a judging panel, we felt the finalists were all excellent ambassadors – articulate, intelligent and with a passion for their subjects.  
“Isabelle Anderson’s dissertation was well structured with a clear research method, and her presentation highlighted the need for shared decision making when considering horses with chronic sacroiliac pain.”
The four finalists were chosen from the original entries by a preliminary panel.
Claire Williams, BETA executive director, said the quality of work put forward bodes well for the future of the equestrian industry.
“BETA took on the Thesis of the Year competition to promote the abilities of graduates coming through, to give them a showcase and a platform from which to jump into future careers.
“This year’s entries have proven we’re in a good place with such young talent coming into our industry.All four finalists can be very proud of what they have achieved.”

The BETA Equine Thesis of the Year is an annual competition. Entries are already open for 2022.
UK and Irish universities and colleges offering equine-related degrees are invited to submit one entry each.

Nominations are open for the 2022 Retailer of the Year award, which for the first time in 16 years has a new sponsor, Zebra Products UK Ltd. The accolade is designed to reward member and non-member retailers who offer excellent service and advice to the riding community. Nominations can be for bricks and mortar shops or online/mail order retailers.
The accolade is one of the British Equestrian Trade Association’s 8 Business Awards, which celebrate high levels of achievement displayed throughout the industry.  

Simon Middleton, Managing Director of Zebra Products said: “We are delighted & honoured to be able to sponsor the Retailer of the Year awards. These prestigious awards provide a superb platform to support & acknowledge some of the UK’s greatest equestrian retailers. They also enable Zebra Products to be able to give something special back to the industry. The very best of luck to all the entrants!”
BETA executive director Claire Williams added: “We are delighted to welcome support from Zebra Products as the new sponsor of this award. This is one the most sought after award by retailers so it is appropriate for it to be supported by a company such as Zebra Products”

Nominations for the Zebra Products Retailer of the Year award should be made by 31 January 2022. Forms can be completed online via www.beta-uk.org, Zebra Products, through the link ROTY Nomination form or using the downloaded form which can be posted to BETA, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AW, or emailed to agy@beta-uk.org.

Winners of the awards will be announced during the BETA Conference and Business Awards ceremony in March 2022.

The search for the winner of the BETA Equine Thesis of the Year Award, which recognises and rewards excellence in undergraduate study, is almost over. Four finalists are now in the running and will present their thesis to a panel of judges during an online event on Sunday 31 October.

Universities and colleges offering equine-related degrees throughout the UK and Ireland were each invited to submit one entry, with the following making it through to the finals:
● Writtle University College – Isabelle Anderson. Thesis: Owner satisfaction with rehabilitation practices for chronic sacroiliac pain in equines in the UK since the year 2000.
● Harper Adams University – Isabel Badham. Thesis: The effect of different water depths on the activity of the equine longissimus dorsi muscle whilst walking on a water treadmill, measured by surface EMG.
● The Royal Veterinary College – Sophie Avery. Thesis: Risk factors for equine glandular disease associated with general management and husbandry of domesticated horses: A multicentre retrospective case-control study.
● University of Limerick – Rebecca Dillon. Thesis: An evaluation of racehorse performance using the speed gene test and the dosage system.
The BETA Equine Thesis of the Year finals will start at 2pm and are open to both the public and members of the academic community. Tickets are available free from Eventbrite, at

Each finalist will present her work and, while it is being considered by the judges, will take the opportunity to respond to questions from the audience. The judges will then return to announce the winner and runner-up of the award.

“The Equine Thesis of the Year Award is a fantastic way for us to mark the extremely high standard of undergraduate study that is being produced at our universities and colleges,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “There is some incredibly impressive research taking place and some exciting and diverse ideas, which will certainly give our industry – and equestrians – plenty of food for thought.


“Taking a ringside seat makes sure we can hear about the work that is being done – straight from the horse’s mouth. And maintaining the event online makes it accessible to everyone. We are really looking forward to finding out more about the theses and discovering who is crowned winner. We wish the students and their universities the very best of luck and congratulate them on making it this far.”

This year’s final judges are:
• Dr Georgina Crossman – a research consultant and owner of GK Crossman Consultancy. Georgina is a guest lecturer at various institutions, speaking on subjects such as the structure of the horse sector and the relationship between the horse industry and government.
• Katie Williams – an equine nutritionist with 20 years’ experience. She gained a master’s degree in equine science from Writtle College and received the Edgar Pye Scholarship for her dissertation on the effects of prebiotics on racehorses in training. In 2017, Katie embarked on her PhD in veterinary medicine research at the University of Glasgow. As technical and product development manager at Dengie, she is responsible for creating new products and ensuring they are legally compliant. Katie also sits on the BETA Feed Committee, provides technical support for key customers and works with the Queen’s studs at Sandringham and Balmoral.
• Karen Coumbe – a vet for more than 30 years who began her career in a mixed practice, then in 1989 co-founded a specialist equine practice, Bell Equine, in Kent, which developed into a 17-vet equine hospital approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Karen has been a partner since 1995 and became a director in 2012. She has a particular interest in equine anaesthesia and pain management, as well as sports medicine and equine performance, pre-purchase exams, ophthalmology, dermatology and ultrasonography. She writes veterinary books and is a regular contributor to magazines such as Horse & Hound.
• Liz Benwell – editor of leading trade title Equestrian Trade News. Liz began her career in journalism as a newspaper reporter, was the first editor of Your Horse magazine and is a self-confessed horsey “anorak”. She has enjoyed competing in many equestrian sports at amateur level, with long-distance riding a particular favourite, has three horses, all of which are rehomed from World Horse Welfare, and rides most days.

BETA’s bumper Summer of Safety has drawn to a close after a successful three-month-long campaign designed to promote rider safety and equine wellbeing with a social media programme that reached out to riders and owners.

In addition to daily posts packed with fact-filled content, there were twice-weekly competitions with generous prizes donated by BETA member companies and regular live interviews with leading equestrians and industry experts.

This inaugural campaign, which replaced BETA’s annual Safety Week, focused on different elements of rider safety, and horse care and health. It included riding hats and body protectors, safety footwear, equine boots, biosecurity for yards, parasite control, rights and responsibilities for riding on the road and feed-room safety.

Facebook Live sessions proved popular with riders and owners, who tuned in to hear BETA executive director Claire Williams chat to leading lights from the equestrian sector. The schedule ranged from interviews with showjumper Joe Stockdale, Alan Hiscox, the British Horse Society’s director of safety, Sergeant Zoe Billings, of North Yorkshire Police, and Petra Ingram, of the Horse World Trust, to speaking with Horses for Health Relay organiser Sophie Gifford.

BETA Summer of Safety ran from 19 June to mid-September, securing support from equestrian manufacturers, retailers, riding disciplines and organisations such as the British Horse Society, British Riding Clubs, the Association of British Riding Schools and the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.
“The campaign gave us a fantastic opportunity to engage with horse owners and riders in a really exciting and effective way,” said Claire. “We were able to pass on helpful advice and tips on a huge range of equestrian topics, and work to dispel myths and misapprehension.

“BETA Summer of Safety reinforced what an enthusiastic and vibrant nation of riders and owners we are and it was a privilege to connect with them in this way. We were blown away by the number of people taking part in our competitions and commenting on our posts, which certainly served to strike up some interesting discussion.

“After so many weeks, we have been left with quite a legacy – a huge amount of content on our Facebook page, @betaequestrian, and Instagram, @beta_equestrian, as well as the BETA YouTube channel >>>, where all the Live sessions can still be watched. We hope that this will prove incredibly useful for those seeking impartial expert advice from one easily accessed and trusted source, and we will continue to build on our current offering over the coming months.”
BETA’s next focus will be at Your Horse Live ( 12 – 14 November) when an online reporting form for equipment worn during riding falls will be launched.

The search is on for the winner of the Equine Thesis of the Year Award, BETA’s annual initiative to recognise academic excellence in undergraduate equine-related study. Universities and colleges across the UK and Ireland offering appropriate courses have each been invited to submit one student thesis into the running.

There have been 10 entries to date, from University Centre Reaseheath, Writtle University College, Harper Adams University, Duchy College, Warwickshire College, Royal Veterinary College, University Centre Myerscough, University of Limerick, Bishop Burton College and University Centre Sparsholt. Further submissions are expected before the 9 July deadline.

All entered theses will then be put through an independent preliminary judging round, with shortlisted students called to present their work to a panel of equestrian experts chaired by Dr Georgina Crossman during a virtual finals and awards ceremony on Sunday 31 October. The winner will receive a cash prize and trophy.

“The awards are a fantastic showcase for undergraduate study,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “Since BETA reintroduced them in 2016, they have continued to grow in both popularity and stature. A win in these prestigious awards is certainly something to write home about and a tremendous asset to add to students’ CVs as they embark on their chosen careers.
“We are really looking forward to finding out what subjects have been covered this year – and seeing how students approached and interpreted their findings.”

Last year, there were joint winners for the first time – Victoria O’Hara, of the Royal Veterinary College, and her thesis, “Use of commercial ELISA for deduction of myostatin protein in equine serum and the examination of an MSTN gene promoter SINE insertion mutation in vivo”, and Daniela Amiouny, of Aberystwyth University, with “The effects of night light and bedding depth on equine sleep and memory consolidation”.

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s annual Calendar Competition is up and running and on the look-out for the cream of the crop – 12 fab horsey pictures to be the stars of the BETA 2022 calendar. Images will be picked to represent each month with the one judged Best in Show, bagging the entrant a fantastic gift hamper.

All photographs submitted must have been taken by the person who enters them. They must not  be a professional photographer. This rule is very important, as it helps to protect the spirit of the competition, which is designed to celebrate the enthusiasm and creativity of all those who love horses.
Images should be supplied in a digital format, minimum size 150 x 115mm (1,722 x 1,358 px) at 300dpi, and must not be subject to copyright. They should be emailed to BETA, info@beta-uk.org, with the entrant’s name, address and a description of what is depicted. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 17 September 2021.

“The BETA Calendar Competition is one of our most eagerly anticipated initiatives,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “It offers a great opportunity for riders, owners and equestrian enthusiasts to showcase their photos in a really super way. With most of us having high quality cameras on our mobile phones, we can capture some delightfully spontaneous shots as they happen.

“The images selected for the calendar certainly help to brighten up offices, stores and yards and each month is printed with essential show dates to help plan for the year ahead.”

The 2021 calendar competition was won by Amanda Smith with her stunning photograph of the South Yorkshire Police team at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For further information, please telephone 01937 587062. For T&C click here >>>

22 Jun 2021

BETA Equestrian Calendar Competition 2022

Enter this year’s BETA Equestrian Calendar Competition and your photo might just be one of the lucky 12 chosen. From all the winning entries, one image will be judged Best in Show and the successful entrant will receive a luxury hamper. See how to enter the competition and check out the T&Cs.

BETA Equestrian Calendar Competition

1.    The competition will see 12 images chosen, with each selected by the judges to represent a different month of the year. The entrant submitting the image judged Best in Show will win a luxury hamper.

2. All photographs must have been taken by the entrant, who must not be a professional photographer, ie one who makes a living from selling their images. Photographs belonging to a third party should not be submitted. It is important that all images have been taken by you. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in disqualification.

4. Photographs must be supplied in a digital format with a minimum size of 150 x 115mm (1,722 x 1,358px), 300 dpi, or at least 2MB, and must not be subject to copyright.

5. Entries should be equestrian-themed.

6. Images should be emailed to info@beta-uk.org. Please include the entrant’s name, age, address and a description of what is depicted.

7. Deadline for entries is Friday 17 September 2021.

8. The winner will be notified by email as soon as a decision has been made.

9: Entrants of photographs selected for inclusion in the calendar will be notified by email as soon as a decision has been made.

10. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

11. There is no alternative (including cash) to the prize offered.

The British Equestrian Trade Association has launched its Summer of Safety – a three-month awareness-raising initiative designed to demonstrate how equestrian products play a frontline role in keeping horses and riders as safe as possible.

It replaces BETA’s annual Safety Week and highlights a wider range of products involved in equestrian activities. While Safety Week’s primary focus was on riding hats, body protectors, air vests, hi-viz and footwear, the BETA Summer of Safety will feature:
● Tack (bridles, bits, saddlery, stirrups and equine protective boots).
● Yard, biosecurity, horse and rider safety (yard equipment, security products, insurance and disinfectants).
● Horse health (parasite control, hoof care, dentistry and therapy products).
● Riding and road safety (hi-viz for horse and rider, services and digital aids).
● Feed room safety (feed storage, feed room and yard practices, vermin control, NOPS-approved companies, EGUS and companies approved for the BETA scheme and feed awareness).

The campaign runs from 19 June to mid-September and is supported by equestrian manufacturers, retailers and some of the horse world’s leading organisations, disciplines and professional riders. These include the British Horse Society, British Riding Clubs, Association of British Riding Schools and the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund.

BETA’s Summer of Safety will be promoted across Facebook (betaequestrian) and Instagram (beta_equestrian) using the #BSOS21 hashtag. There will be a regular stream of helpful, informative content, such as posts from safety experts, rider tips, live sessions, competitions, video clips and podcasts to help share the key messages.

“We are really excited about the campaign, “said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “With so many of the riding public paying more attention to safety than ever before, we felt it was the ideal time to raise awareness of products themselves, how they work and the best way to care for them.”
If you would like to find out more about the BETA Summer of Safety, contact Tina Hustler, email tina@beta-uk.org or telephone 01937 587062.

The winners of the 2021 BETA Business Awards were announced during a virtual presentation ceremony on Thursday 11 March. Members of the equestrian world gathered to watch as companies and individuals were recognised and rewarded for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the equestrian industry.

This year’s winners are:

BETA EXPORT AWARD
Winner: Science Supplements – Hartwell, Northamptonshire
This award is open to companies of all sizes that have shown substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period.
The judges said: “The winner impressed with its ability to customise its export strategy to suit the market’s individual needs.”

WEATHERBEETA GROUP RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jasmin Khan – Cork Farm Equestrian, Ashford, Kent   
This award celebrates an employee who has shown excellent customer service, great product knowledge and a passion for professional retailing.
The judges said: “The winner is enthusiastic and dedicated, and has a clear business head and a real focus about her work.”

TSM MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS AWARD
Winner: The Saddle Bank – Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Highly commended: Horslyx/Caltech
This award, now in its second year, sets the benchmark for excellence in effective communications, with entrants showing the increased value they have created for their brands.
The judges said: “The Saddle Bank showed what a targeted strategy, despite little budget, could do to achieve its goals. It made great use of Facebook ads, and search engine optimisation really works for it in terms of website traffic and – most importantly – sales.”
 
CITATION TRADE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Battles – Lincoln
Runner-up: Perry Equestrian – Cradley Heath, Staffordshire
This award, returning after a year’s break, is presented to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.
The judges said: “Battles provided consistent and steadfast support to its customers through difficult times. It continuously offered excellent delivery and customer service, and was there for customers when needed.”

STUBBS ENGLAND NUTRITIONAL HELPLINE OF THE YEAR
Winner: TopSpec Equine – Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Runner-up: Baileys Horse Feeds – Braintree, Essex
This award recognises the important role that reliable and accessible nutritional advice plays in helping consumers to choose appropriate feeds for their horses and ponies.
The judges said: “TopSpec has won this award for an incredible 12th time by consistently showing professionalism, expertise and a caring attitude towards callers. It follows up enquiries and provides clear links to stockists.”

SEIB RETAILER OF THE YEAR  
An award for tack shops and feed merchants that is divided into two categories.
Equestrian Retail Store
Winner: 1st Choice Horse Supplies – Larkhall, South Lanarkshire
Runner-up: RB Equestrian – Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Highly commended: Barnyard Pet & Equestrian Supplies – Northwich, Cheshire
The judges said: “This was an incredibly close competition, but what shone through with all the finalists was customer service, expertise and a desire to maintain an excellent shopping experience while keeping staff and customers safe. 1st Choice Horse Supplies was outstanding. It excelled in offering empathetic service and a caring and considerate approach, and had a real interest in the needs of customers.”

Online/Mail Order Retailer
Winner: RB Equestrian – Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Runner-up: Redpost Equestrian – Totnes, Devon
The judges said: “Both winner and runner-up showed exemplary customer service, with clear, easy-to-navigate websites and telephone back-up that was second to none. With knowledgeable staff and a wealth of information available online, RB Equestrian just pipped Redpost to the post.”

BETA executive director Claire Williams said: “Congratulations to all our winners – everyone did so incredibly well against such strong competition. The past year’s combination of coronavirus and our departure from the single market have probably brought us more personal and professional challenges than we have ever faced before.
“I am delighted, therefore, that the virtual awards – the 18th BETA Business Awards – allowed us to celebrate members of our industry who have so bravely risen above the trials of the past 12 months. They should all be justifiably proud of their efforts. I would also like to extend my thanks to all our sponsors, without whom the awards would not be possible.”

* The Equine Careers Sales Representative of the Year and the Equestrian Event of the Year supported by Henson Franklyn awards were held over until 2022. The BETA Lifetime Achievement Award has been postponed until BETA International, in September.