24 Mar 2022

Companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the equestrian industry were celebrated at the 2022 BETA Business Awards. Winners of these prestigious accolades were announced during a newly formatted day incorporating the British Equestrian Trade Association’s Business Conference in the morning, followed by a reception and lunch with the awards presented in the afternoon.  The awards took place at the Hilton East Midlands on Thursday 24 March.
Coinciding exactly with the 2 year anniversary of the first lockdown, guests revelled in the opportunity to mix with other members of the equestrian industry for what was for many the first opportunity in months, if not years.

The BETA Conference, with its theme of Back to Business, saw a range of interesting and engaging speakers cover wide ranging topics. This was followed by a champagne reception and then lunch, before the awards ceremony started.

“This year saw a set of deserving winners in the Business Awards,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. “The bar is always set extremely high but the last year has seen so many challenges impact on the trade from both the pandemic and Brexit that those who received a trophy this year have truly represented the very best in the industry
We send our congratulations to them all and our thanks to the companies who sponsored the awards.”
The winners of the 2022 BETA Business Awards are…  

WEATHERBEETA GROUP RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Tia Partington, RB Equestrian Ltd, Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire
This award recognises employees showing excellent customer service, great product knowledge and a passion for professional retailing. The winner receives a cash prize in addition to the award and their employer is given BETA training vouchers.
The judges said: “Tia is clearly a focused team player who is determined to serve her company well. Brimming with enthusiasm and ambition for the future she must clearly be a big asset to her employer.”

EQUINE CAREERS SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Simone Highmore, Allen & Page, Thetford, Norfolk
This award, open to both employed and self-employed sales representatives and agents, goes to the individual judged outstanding in his or her approach to customer service.
The judges said: “Simone was a delight to talk to. She is clearly a very reliable, dedicated and knowledgeable pair of hands.  The enthusiasm for her career shone through.”

TSM MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS AWARD
Winner: Redpost Equestrian, Totnes, Devon
Runner Up: HorseHage & Mollichaff
This award celebrates effective communications and the increased value a company’s marketing campaign has brought to its brands. Aspects such as media advertising, sponsored riders and social media are assessed to see how powerful a role they play in solving business problems and generating revenue.
The judges added: This was a really competitive group of finalists. Due to the high quality of entries we have awarded winner and runner up.
Runner up: HorseHage and Mollichaff.  This company has made a real shift in the way they market the company and has created a new marketing stream to launch their new products as well as making good use of popular influencers.
Winner: Redpost Equestrian- this entry stood out for its innovative and professional approach using technology through video and an online app to achieve their clearly set out goals. They showed a sustained growth in business and a clear correlation between the marketing and growth of revenue and social media engagement set out in the application.

ZEBRA PRODUCTS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
This award for tack shops and feed merchants – whether or not they are BETA members – relies on customer nominations. It is divided into two categories: Equestrian Retail Store and Online/Mail Order Retailer.
Equestrian Retail Store
Winner: Manor Equestrian, Annesley, Nottinghamshire     
Runner-up: Riseholme Feeds, Wysall, Nottinghamshire
The judges said of the winner “The quality of care and diligence was first class. Beautifully laid out shop the gentleman who served me knew his topic incredibly well”

Online/Mail Order Retailer
Winner: Griggs Equestrian, St. Austell, Cornwall
Runner-up: Supplement Solutions, Preston, Lancashire
The judges said of the winner: Great website and easy to use with good search options. Well packaged product on arrival. Returns information was easy to find on the website and refund issued promptly. The phone enquiry was also dealt with professionally and pleasantly with lots of advice for a ‘non-horsey’ mum.

STUBBS ENGLAND NUTRITIONAL HELPLINE OF THE YEAR
This accolade goes to the company that offers excellence in nutritional advice and service to customers – consumer, trade and retail.
Joint Winners: TopSpec Equine Thirsk, North Yorkshire
             Allen & Page, Thetford, Norfolk
The judges put all finalists through their paces this year, and the competition was hard. The two winners were too close to call even after 6 mystery callers and so to choose one over the other was not justified. Instead for the first time ever we have awarded two winners this year, for their fantastic efforts of customer service, nutritional advice and keeping the horses’ wellbeing at the forefront of their minds over sales.

BETA EXPORT AWARD
This award is presented to the company that has shown substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period.
Winner: Equilibrium Products, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
The judge said: Both finalists were excellent, showing steady growth during a year full of challenges.  The winner showed impressive export growth as a result of careful research, planning and preparation. All of these combined with internal restructuring, strategic use of a wide range of advisors as well as innovative use of new routes to market and training through digital platforms have yielded new customers in new markets and even better prospects for the future.

CITATION TRADE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.
Winner: Perry Equestrian (A.Perry Ltd), Cradley Heath, West Midlands
The judges said: From highly commended last year to winner this, Perry’s showed that they had really listened to the feedback given last year and changes made to the business were clearly illustrated, inching them ahead of the other finalists.  They provided clear details about their environmental policy and showed how this had made a difference to themselves and customers alike.


BETA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Frank Baines
Frank Baines founded Frank Baines Saddlery in 1981 and ran it until he retired from the business in 2016. The Saddlery is currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary. You could say that saddle making is in Frank’s blood, with family connections to the trade going back over 200 years. He was inspired as a young boy by his bridle-making Grandfather, and his Great-Great-Grandfather, who he was told had walked 40 miles to Walsall at the age of 13 to become a bridle maker. Frank himself became a Saddler’s Apprentice when he was 15. After many years of learning his craft, Frank started winning awards and became recognised nationally for his saddle making skills. Frank was driven by a desire to improve horse welfare and rider comfort, his creative and innovative flair was at the forefront of his saddles.
During his time running the business, Frank was extremely passionate about training and ensuring traditional skills were kept alive. In 1991, when there was a shortage of skilled workers, Frank set up a training scheme to gain the necessary skills and take the national Skill Assessment and Qualification Scheme for Saddlers. The company went on to be awarded the first National Training Award – for its investment in training staff and commitment to workforce development. The award was presented by HRH The Prince of Wales, and the company was honoured to receive letters from then Prime Minister, John Mayor and HRH Prince Charles, both of whom acknowledged the importance of developing a strong workforce to secure the future.
Frank not only founded his own company but breathed into it a spirit which is still held by the company today – an understanding of the relationship between the saddle, the welfare of the horse and performance. He has acted as a judge in the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Saddle making competition in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and served on the Company’s Trade Liaison Committee for 10 years.
Despite being retired Frank was recently a key driver in the establishment of the new Leather Skills Training Centre in Walsall.  He has dedicated his working life to the saddle making industry and through his commitment to training has not only ensured that traditional skills are carried on and taught to future generations outside his own company, but inspired a generation of new saddlers to come forward and enter the trade.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is delighted to announce the list of five finalists for STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year.

The STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year was open to companies providing feed advice to customers over the phone, and relied on nominations. After nominations were received, a shortlist was created with each feedline receiving calls from judges who had set questions to ask and points to note. These included specific advice around a horse, but also customer service questions, follow ups, and how much detail was asked about the horse before products were suggested. The award will be awarded to the feed or supplement manufacturer’s technical helpline offering the best service in nutritional advice and assistance to customers.

“Getting the right feed is so important for our horses, and we’re very lucky as an industry to have so many incredible companies providing high quality feed that’s easy for us to access,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA. “The easiest way for most horse owners to tap into this advice is through a company’s feedline, and we know what a huge impact the care and attention given at this point can have on owners and their horses. The five finalists all received lots of nominations from happy customers, so all should feel proud to get to this point. It was a tight competition.”

The finalists for the STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year are:
Allen & Page Ltd – Thetford, Norfolk
Baileys Horse Feed Ltd – Braintree, Essex
Blue Chip Feed Ltd – Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Science Supplements Ltd – Hartwell, Northamptonshire
TopSpec Equine Ltd – Thirsk, North Yorkshire
 


The winner will be announced at BETA Business Awards which will be held after the association’s annual conference on 24th March 2022. The BETA Business Awards themselves will also be livestreamed through the association’s Facebook Page so people at home can see if their favourite retailer has won.

The British Equestrian Trade Association announces STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year

The British Equestrian Trade Association announces Zebra Products Retailer of the Year finalists

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is delighted to announce the list of finalists for Zebra Products Retailer of the Year. The award has been split with one award going to those with physical retail stores, and the other to online/mail order retailers.

The Zebra Products Retailer of the Year award was open to BETA and non-BETA members and relied on businesses being nominated by customers or themselves. After nominations were received, all retailers received a questionnaire that needed to be completed for the next stage of judging. After this, a shortlist was put forward to BETA trade members before each finalist received a visit from a mystery shopper who rated the business on a list of criteria.

“Retailers are such a key part of the equestrian trade, and it was so lovely to see all the nominations come in with such lovely comments about the businesses they were nominating,” said Claire Williams, BETA’s Executive Director. “We’re very grateful to have Zebra Products’ support with this award too; as a leading wholesaler(?),we know how passionate Simon (Middleton, MD of Zebra Products) and his team are when it comes to the retailers all over the UK and beyond.”

The finalists for Zebra Products Retailer of the Year are:
 
Retail Store:
Millwheel Tack Shop – Warfield, Berkshire
Griggs Equestrian – St. Austell, Cornwall
Riseholme Feeds – Wysall, Nottinghamshire
North Wales Tack Shop – Llandudno Junction, Conwy
Redpost Equestrian – Totnes, Devon
Manor Equestrian – Annesley, Nottinghamshire
 
Online/Mail Order Retailer:
Supplement Solutions – Preston, Lancashire
Linney’s Equestrian – Audenshaw, Greater Manchester
Griggs Equestrian – St. Austell, Cornwall
GS Equestrian – Paignton, Devon
Equine Express – Colne, Lancashire
Redpost Equestrian – Totnes, Devon

The winner of each category will be announced at BETA Business Awards which will be held after the association’s annual conference on 24th March 2022. The BETA Business Awards themselves will also be livestreamed through the association’s Facebook Page so people at home can see if their favourite retailer has won.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has announced the finalists for the Equine Careers Sales Representative/Agent of the Year, BETA Export Award, Weatherbeeta Group Retail Employee of the Year, TSM Marketing Effectiveness Award, and Citation Supplier of the Year.

The winners will be announced at the BETA Business Awards ceremony that will take place on 24th March at the Hilton East Midlands Airport following the association’s annual conference. The Awards element will be livestreamed onto BETA’s Facebook Page so people who aren’t attending the event can celebrate the winners too.

“The BETA Business Awards is such an important part of the equestrian calendar, and we are very grateful to all the sponsors who support this event because it gives us the chance to celebrate the incredible people within our industry,” said Claire Williams, BETA’s Executive Director. “We had a huge number of entries this year, and we feel it is testament to the level of service that the trade has continued to provide during the uncertain times that a global pandemic and Brexit have brought to us.

“All finalists should feel really proud as all were nominated by the people they serve. We are looking forward to announcing the winners in March.”

The finalists for the five categories are:

Equine Careers Sales Representative/Agent of the Year (This will be awarded to the Sales Representative/Agent who is judged outstanding in their approach to servicing their customers’ and company’s needs.)
Chris Potts – SJR Supplies, Buckinghamshire
Nicola Read – Saracen Horse Feeds Ltd, Kent
Patrick Robertson – Allen & Page Ltd, Norfolk & Honeychop, Suffolk
Simone Highmore – Allen & Page Ltd
 
BETA Export Award (An award open to companies of all sizes that have shown substantial and sustained increases in export activity over a three-year period.)
Equilibrium Products Ltd – Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Saracen Horse Feeds Ltd – Aylesford, Kent
 
Weatherbeeta Group Retail Employee of the Year (An award that celebrates employees showing excellent customer service, great product knowledge and a passion for professional retailing.)
Charlotte Wright – H & C Beart, Norfolk
Georgie Walker – Redpost Equestrian, Devon
Jo Burton – Hidden Oak Equestrian, Devon
Natalie Lynn – Carrs Billington, Morpeth
Tia Partington – R B Equestrian, Buckinghamshire
 
TSM Marketing Effectiveness Award (An award that marks effective communications and the increased value a company’s marketing campaign has brought to its brands.)
Dengie – Southminster, Essex
Gray Equestrian – Leybourne, Kent
HorseHage & Mollichaff – Paignton, Devon
Redpost Equestrian – Totnes, Devon
Weatherbeeta Ltd – Rushden, Northamptonshire
 
 
Citation Supplier of the Year (This is awarded to the manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements.)
Battle, Hayward & Bower Ltd – Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Perry Equestrian (A. Perry Ltd) – Cradley Heath, West Midlands
Shires Equestrian Ltd – Leominster, Herefordshire
Westgate – Northampton, Northamptonshire

The finalists for STUBBS ENGLAND Nutritional Helpline of the Year and Zebra Products Retailer of the Year will be announced shortly.

This year’s BETA conference theme is Back to Business. Guest speakers will cover a wide range of topics from Introducing Sustainability to your business, the Future of Retailing, the Modern Marketing Mix, HR in a post-Covid world and Making sense of the Money Markets in 2022 and more.

The event takes place at the Hilton East Midlands Airport Hotel, located conveniently close to the M1 with rail, road and air links.
The day will begin at 10am, with the conference concluding early afternoon, followed by a drinks reception & canapés, and 2 course meal. The Business Awards will be announced after the meal over the course of the afternoon.

Costs for the day are:
Full Conference, Lunch and Awards: £55 + vat pp for BETA members, £75 + vat pp for Non-Members.

Reception, Lunch and Awards: £40 + vat pp for BETA members, £55 + vat for Non-Members.

24 hour rate including B&B and the Conference, Lunch and Awards:
Members – £140 + vat single occupancy, £110 _ vat per person double occupancy.
Non Members – £170 + vat single occupancy, £140 pp for double occupancy.  
The overnight stay can be the night before (23rd) or the night of the 24th.

Virtual attendance – If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend the day via livestreaming, with conference and awards tickets costing £25  + vat pp.

BOOK TICKETS >>> 

Full programme >>>

Speakers >>>

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The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is showing its support to the varied and diverse range of jobs within the equestrian sector by pledging to feature passionate professionals in varying roles from 14th February to 12th March. The end date falls at the end of National Careers Week.

The BETA Careers Month boasts an impressive schedule of video content and Live broadcasts that will be shared across BETA’s social media platforms and podcast during the time. Not only does this provide a brilliant platform for BETA members and others professionals in the equestrian sector, but it also provides people looking for a career in the equestrian industry, colleges and universities, with real life examples of people doing those jobs.

“We have an incredibly diverse range of members in BETA, and running this campaign allows us to showcase many of them,” said Claire Williams, Executive Director of BETA. “We’re working with our members and people beyond who have kindly said they’ll help us to provide an engaging and interactive schedule of content including many live broadcasts that will also give those interested the chance to ask any questions they like.

“Although we feel that this campaign will be really useful for younger people looking to enter the industry, we also feel it’ll help increase understanding across the sector, and provide those looking to change career at a later point in their life with a fabulous resource.”

This campaign complements the BETA Thesis of the Year Competition which is BETA’s annual initiative to recognise academic excellence in undergraduate equine-related study. A win in these prestigious awards is a tremendous asset to add to students’ CVs as they embark on their chosen careers.

As per BETA’s successful Summer of Safety campaign that ran last year, the association is looking to encourage interaction around all roles discussed and beyond. All content will be available on BETA’s social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube, but lives will be initially stream on the Facebook Page for those wishing to participate live.

For more information about BETA, see www.beta-uk.org, and to Like the Facebook Page to ensure you get all the content direct, find it at www.facebook.com/betaequestrian 

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

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has launched a new way of collecting and recording information relating to accidents and injuries. The new Rider Accident & Equipment Reporting Form, which is available to anyone experiencing an accident and injury around horses, is part of the association’s continued drive to help make equestrian sport safer.

The Rider Accident & Equipment Reporting Form, launched at Your Horse Live, can be accessed via a web link or by QR code, which will be widely published both through BETA retail members, equipment manufacturers and on social media. The QR code is quick to scan from a phone, helping to make it more accessible to busy riders. The form is also easy fill in and allows BETA to collect additional information surrounding accidents to help inform design and protection development of safety equipment moving forward.

“A better understanding of what happens to our hats and body protectors during an accident is key to being able to both design better and safer equipment as well as feeding into the safety standards that determine how these garments perform,” said Claire Williams, Chief Executive of BETA. “The data collected through this questionnaire will provide invaluable insights contributing to this understanding, and help us, along with our trade members, continue to innovative in the space to help keep riders across all sports safer.”
The survey asks people to provide detail around any accident that they were involved in, and, if possible, supply images or video of the helmet and/or body protector worn during the accident itself.

“There’s a real paucity of true data when it comes to equestrian industry,” said Dr Diane Fisher, BETA’s Chief Medical Officer. “It’s so important to get this data as we can feed it back into industry, to the manufacturers so that they can use it to help further improve what they do, as a basis for our safety equipment going forward.

“It also allows us to research injury in real time. If we are picking up certain injuries and trends, it allows us as BETA to step in and campaign at the time, which makes more sense than working on the back foot.

“We all accept that horse riding has real dangers attached, however using the protection available correctly can mitigate and minimise these risks. As equestrians we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves fit, healthy and injury free, not only in our own best interests but also in the interests of these very special animals we are lucky enough to spend time with.”

Link to the form: .https://bit.ly/3xo6P3V

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.