Structure & Membership

The British Equestrian Trade Association Ltd is a company limited by guarantee with an honorary President, an elected Chairman who sits for a two year term leading the Council of 22 that are broadly representative of the membership. As a not-for-profit company, any profits generated are reinvested to benefit its members and to undertake projects such as the National Equestrian Survey and used to support industry related activities such as the National Riding Festival or the Equine Forum.

BETA membership consists of over 800 companies who join in one of six categories. There are a wide variety of benefits available to all categories of membership in addition to the general industry support that the Association offers all members. Click here to learn how to join.

Categories of Membership

Retail – for companies retailing either from shop premises, via the internet or mail order plus mobile retailers including bridle and saddle fitters. All potential members must submit both references and photographs of shop premises, where appropriate, and all distance selling businesses are visited to ensure that they meet BETA’s high standards of professionalism, expertise and service.

Trade – This category of membership is open to the supply sector – ie manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers to the rest of the trade. Prior to being offered membership, all companies must complete a declaration of trading policy which clearly sets down the terms and conditions under which they operate, including pricing and returns policies and a clear indication of what categories of customers they intend to supply, (ie whether they will supply only to trade buyers or whether they will also supply to end consumers or yards direct).

Equine – This category of membership was set up for dealers, auctioneers and equestrian establishments such as livery yards or riding schools who derived their living from the equestrian industry. As well as discounted access to sales record forms under the VAT Scheme for Second hand horses and ponies, businesses will gain access to sources of business advice that many small businesses are often lacking.

Agent – Agent membership is aimed at individuals who act as commission agents for companies both here and overseas and wish to take advantage of the benefits offered as well as strengthening links with the industry.

Associate – Associate membership caters for organisations, service providers, training bodies and other companies interested in developing links with the British Equestrian industry.

Overseas (Retail and Trade) – This category is for companies in the equestrian industry whose base is outside the UK and is split into two categories – ‘retail’ and ‘trade’.

How is BETA Organised

At our head we have a President who works closely with the Chairman and the BETA Secretariat. Our President is a voluntary and honorary post, whilst the Chairman and his Council are elected by members at an Annual General meeting and set the direction for the Association and oversee the work of its sub-committees.

The day to day running of the Association is done by its Secretariat located near Wetherby in Yorkshire, lead by the association’s Executive Director who is responsible for the efficient running of both BETA and its wholly owned commercial arm Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd.

BETA’s President is Jane Holderness Roddam, CBE, CVO. A successful Three day Event Rider at Olympic level, and former Chairman of British Eventing, Jane is currently also President of Riding for the Disabled, Chairman of the National Riding Festival and also the Fortune Centre of Riding. She runs a successful stud and artificial insemination in Wiltshire.