Leading equestrian retailers and suppliers were celebrated at two awards events taking place at the BETA International trade show this week.
The New Product Awards, sponsored by Equestrian Trade News, recognised innovation and excellence across eight product categories, while companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the equestrian industry were celebrated at the 2023 BETA Business Awards during the British Equestrian Trade Association’s annual Gala Dinner.
BETA executive director Claire Williams said: “This year saw another set of deserving winners in the Business Awards receiving our rebranded and newly designed awards and four additional categories to the array of awards.
“The bar is always set extremely high and those who received a trophy represented the very best in the industry. We send our congratulations to them all and our thanks to the companies who sponsored the awards.”
A full list of winners is below.
New Products Awards:
Bedding & Yard Equipment
Winner – Elico Hebden Jute hay bag by Jenkinsons
Judges’ comments: A well designed, easy to fill, smart, eco-friendly, convenient product. Commercially viable at a good price.
Highly commended – Shake and Graze chaff net by Trickle Net
Clothing & Footwear
Winner – Exmoor Country Coverall by 3 Donkeys Clothing
Judges’ comments: Innovative, high quality garment of good designed practical work clothing particularly for the equestrian professional, with a wide range of practical applications.
Highly commended – Cabotswood Rutland yard boot
Feed, Supplements & Forage
Winner – GASTRO MAG by Equine Products UK
Judges’ comments: A handy product, useful for a wide range of customers, aiding equine comfort.
Highly commended – Banana Flavoured health lick by Rockies/Tithebarn
General & Gift
Winner – Wild feet novelty slippers by Platinum
Judges’ comments: Perfect gift at a good price, well presented.
Highly commended – Maxima Mix n’ Munch, Christmas treat cracker
Horsewear, Horse Care & Equipment
Winner – Horse cooling rug by Equidaw of London
Judges’ comments: Very well designed product responding to welfare requirements within our industry.
Highly commended – Equilibrium Products Massage Pad Heatsense
Saddlery & Tack
Winner – Mono flap ‘Hattie’ Dressage Saddle by Harry Dabbs
Judges’ comments: Beautifully made and designed saddle, but the judges could not keep their hands off it!
Highly commended – Advantage Cross Country Saddle by Henry James Saddlery
Safety
Winner – Equi-light Hi-viz vest
Judges’ comments: Well designed, easy to wear safety product, with good additional features. Love the hidden pockets and can be worn all year around.
Highly commended – HS1 Carbon by Gatehouse
Sustainability
Winner – Weatherbeeta Greentech 1200D Detach a neck, medium turnout rug
Judges’ comments: A double winner by providing a long lasting high quality product that has been made from recycled materials.
Highly commended – Premium cardboard bedding by Best Animal Bedding
2023 BETA Business Awards Winners
WEATHERBEETA GROUP RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Steph Lynch – Houghton Country
CITATION TRADE SUPPLIER of the YEAR
Winner: Bliss of London, Aldridge, Walsall
EQUINE CAREERS SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Sarah Rushby, Saracen Horse Feeds
HOLDSWORTH PR MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS AWARD
Winner: Equilibrium Products, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
ZEBRA PRODUCTS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Equestrian Retail Store
Winner: Redpost Equestrian, Totnes, Devon
Online/Mail Order Retailer
Winner: Redpost Equestrian, Totnes, Devon
Best New Retailer
Winner: Bolerolux Equestrian & Country Wear , Goxhill, Barrow upon Humber
STUBBS ENGLAND NUTRITIONAL HELPLINE OF THE YEAR
Winner: TopSpec Equine Thirsk, North Yorkshire
SEIB Insurance A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AWARD
Winner: Charles Owen, Wrexham, Clwyd.
EQUINE FITTERS COUNCIL EQUINE FITTER OF THE YEAR
Joint Winners:
John Hirrel, Barlaston Horse Supplies, Barlaston, Stoke on Trent
Lorna Hancock, Lorna Hancock Saddle Fitting, Lincoln, Lincolshire
BETA RIDER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FITTER AWARD
Winner: Amanda Burrows – A2B Equestrian, Ferring, Worthing.
BETA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Tim Smalley
