APRIL 2023
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ETN | NEWS
News Celebrating 60 years with big prize SEIB Insurance Brokers is giving away an £8,500 horse trailer to mark its 60th anniversary. Barry Fehler, former CEO of SEIB and now a non-executive director, started the firm as a brokerage for home, car and life insurance in 1963. Later that decade, he began offering equine polices when unable to find the right cover for his expensive show hunter, Princes Street. “SEIB became the first company to
Equestrian Trade News East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AW Tel: 01937 582111 Email: info@equestriantradenews.com Website: www.equestriantradenews.com Subscriptions Distributed on a controlled-circulation basis to the retail trade. Paid-for annual subscriptions are £39.95 (UK), £73.00 (Europe), £86.00 (rest of the world). Design & Print Designed and produced on behalf of EMC by DJ Murphy Publishers: www.djmurphy.co.uk Email: abi@djmurphy.co.uk Tel: 01428 601020
specialise in equestrian insurance,” he says. “We went on to offer the first horsebox insurance on the market, this then led to SEIB introducing horsebox breakdown cover.” SEIB’s current CEO Suzy Middleton described the company’s 60th anniversary as “a major milestone.” SEIB is now part of the Benefact Group and has donated £250,000 to good causes since 2018 through its annual SEIB Giving Awards.
Advertising Manager Evie Edgar Email: etn@djmurphy.co.uk Tel: 01428 601031 Abi Cannon Email: etn@djmurphy.co.uk Tel: 01428 601028 Digital Manager Nicki Lewis Email: nickil@beta-int.com The magazine is independent of all groups. Editorial views expressed in ETN are not necessarily the official view of any organisation or group. Copyright All material is copyright Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd
Publisher Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd Editor Liz Benwell Email: editor@equestriantradenews.com 4 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS APRIL 2023
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SEIB founder Barry Fehler with another great supporter of equestrianism, Desi Dillingham.
NEED MORE NEWS? Receive ETN’s weekly e-newsletter directly to your inbox. It’s free and you can sign up at www.equestriantradenews.com ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Abbey England Absorbine Battles BETA International Black Nova Designs Charles Owen Champion Citrus Lime Dengie Dodson & Horrell Fieldhouse Gallop Equestrian Supplies Horse First Horslyx Jenkinson Jenkinson LS Sales Mackey Equestrian NAF Nettex Premier Equine Puddys Red Gorilla Saddlery Brands International Saddle Wise South West Snowhill Trade Saddlery Spillers STUBBS England Zebra Products Ltd
15 45 15 33 33 51 53 58 IFC 37 25 5 23 43 3 9 44 17 7 41 11 33 OBC 26-28 58 IBC 39 21 OFC
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NEWS | ETN A pan-industry group has been formed to tackle the threat wormer resistance poses to horse health and the equine industry. The initiative, known as CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly), brings together prescribers, diagnostic providers, pharmaceutical companies, trade organisations, technical experts, horse owners, charities and policy makers. Members acknowledge a need for coordinated action to slow the development of resistance and maintain efficacy of our limited treatments. “I hope CANTER will raise awareness and stimulate action across the equine community towards sustainable parasite control,” said Dr Claire Stratford of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and core steering group lead. “Our aim is for CANTER to become the trusted source of information for prescribers and horse owners and to facilitate informed discussion about this important aspect of horse health.” The group is to publish best practice guidelines by the year’s end. This will give prescribers – including RAMAs and SQPs - evidence-based information on sustainable, responsible and practical strategies for parasite control in equines. Faecal egg count guidance will be produced to inform protocols on collecting, processing and interpreting
the results and promote effective use of diagnostic and monitoring tools. A research arm has been formed to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities, and a communication strategy is being developed. “The aim is to support a consistent approach to parasite control across the equine community and to become a ‘single source of truth’ on issues related to antiparasitic resistance in equines, in an area that has traditionally seen some mixed messaging,” says CANTER, other members of which include Claire Shand of Westgate Labs and Claire Williams from BETA. David Rendle, president of The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) added: “Anthelmintic resistance represents a huge threat to equine health and welfare. “Universal adoption of a diagnostic led approach to parasite control and a dramatic reduction in the use of anthelmintics is what’s needed to address this, and I hope, what CANTER will provide the impetus for. “If horse owners don’t make these changes now, it will be too late.” Badminton and Burghley winner, Piggy March, is supporting the campaign. For more information and to download a free parasite risk profile, visit www.canterforhorses.org.uk
A REALLY IMPORTANT NEW ASSURANCE,” SAYS SUPPLIER Horses competing at Badminton Horse Trials in May will find Bedmax shavings waiting for them in their stables. Importantly for competition horses, Bedmax is the only UK bedding manufacturer to achieve accreditation to the BETA NOPS scheme for bedding. Its bags carry the NOPS badge indicating that every aspect of its operations from timber traceability through production and distribution is managed to prevent the possibility of contamination by naturally occurring prohibitive substances (NOPS). “The organisers see NOPS as a really important new assurance for events like Badminton, and for their competitors,” says Bedmax’s managing director Tim Smalley. “Dope tests today are capable of detecting minute traces of NOPS, and a failed test at this level would be a disaster.” Bedmax began making purpose-made shavings for equine bedding in 2000 and has been Badminton’s chosen bedding since 2006.
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Photo: Valeri Vatel/Shutterstock.com
New campaign to combat wormer resistance
SADDLERY FITTERS’ DIRECTORY LAUNCHED
An Equine Fitters Directory is set to provide an independent, verified list of saddle, bit, bridle and harness fitters. It’s a much-needed guide in the face of overwhelming [consumer] choice, says the body behind it. The online resource will present information about each fitter or training course. It’s being overseen by the Equine Fitters Council, a not-for-profit and impartial body set up by the Saddlers’ Company and Loriners’ Company. The council says that offering voluntary regulation for fitters will contribute to public confidence in equestrian activities and lift standards of practice and horse welfare. “The Equine Fitters Directory is a muchneeded resource in an industry where the choice of practitioners, products and training providers can be overwhelming,” said a spokesman. “This makes it difficult for those seeking professional [saddlery] fitting to identify the practitioner most likely to satisfy their needs.” The directory opens for applications in early April 2023.
EQUESTRIAN
NEW IMPROVED Tim Smalley shows Badminton director Jane Tuckwell around one of Bedmax’s three factories.
The company says it’s “delighted to be able to offer competitors the peace of mind that comes with using a bedding with an unrivalled reputation for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of stabled horses.”
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EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS APRIL 2023 | 5
BRITI SH
S ARD AW
HUNT IS ON FOR THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
STRIAN TRAD UE E EQ
The 2023 BETA Trade Awards ceremony is returning to be run alongside BETA International on Sunday 10th September at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth. Here’s how you can nominate companies and individuals.
W
inners of a BETA (British Equestrian Trade Award) are people and businesses who go above and beyond for the benefit of the equestrian industry. To make sure your favourites get through to the finals, check out the list of awards below – and make a nomination.
NEW
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FITTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
This Award aims to recognize the work undertaken by riding hat and body protector fitters based in equestrian shops who go the extra mile in achieving a high level of competence and support for their customers. Nominations: Can be made by consumers from around the country for BETA member and non-member stores where they have items fitted in the last year. Retail shops can also nominate their best in-store fitter. Entry deadline: 30 June 2023
WEATHERBEETA GROUP RETAIL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Nominations are sought for employees showing excellent customer service, great product knowledge and a passion for professional retailing. The winner will receive a cash prize in addition to the award and his or her employer will be given BETA training vouchers. Nominations: The award is designed for shop-floor staff rather than managers. Nominations are invited from employers or sales representatives. An independent judging panel will compile a shortlist, then a period of interviews will follow to decide the winner. Entry deadline: 14 July 2023
ZEBRA PRODUCTS RETAILER OF THE YEAR
An award for tack shops and feed merchants – whether or not they are BETA members – that relies on customer nominations, the Zebra Products Retailer of the Year award is divided into two categories: Equestrian Retail Store and Online/Mail Order Retailer. Nominations: Customers can nominate a retailer by completing a nomination form in-store or by filling in a form on the BETA or Zebra Products websites. Alternatively, retailers can add their details to forms to make it as easy as possible for customers wishing to nominate them. On receipt of nominations, retailers will be sent a questionnaire by BETA for them to complete and return to the trade association by 14 July 2023 to be considered for the next stage of judging. Shortlisted companies will be put forward to a vote by BETA trade members. This award also involves independent mystery shoppers and incognito third party telephone calls. Entry deadline: 30 June 2023
NEW CATEGORY FOR 2023: ‘BEST NEW RETAILER’ for businesses established 12-36 months prior to the awards opening. Nominations by businesses themselves and by customers.
EQUINE CAREERS SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR
This award is open to both employed and selfemployed sales representatives and agents, and is given to the individual judged outstanding in his or her approach to customer service. Nominations: Retailers and suppliers are invited to submit nominations, stating why they feel their nominee deserves to win. The final decision will be made by a combination of BETA members’ votes and an interview with each finalist. Entry deadline: 7 July 2023
Holdsworth PR MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS AWARD
This award celebrates effective communications and the increased value a company’s marketing campaign has brought to its brands. Marketing plans and activity will be put under the spotlight to see how different aspects, including in-store and show-circuit promotions, mass media advertising, sponsored riders and social media, play a powerful role in helping to solve business problems and generate revenue. Nominations: Retailers and suppliers are invited to put themselves forward for this award. Judging will reward the contribution marketing has made to business improvement and, because of this, low- or no-budget entries are encouraged. Entry deadline: 7 July 2023
NEW A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AWARD
A chance for employees to nominate their employer for an award who offers an excellent working environment, support and guidance on their career path and benefits to make a productive and happy work place. Nominations: Equestrian employees can submit their nominations to the BETA office. Deadline: 30 June 2023
STUBBS ENGLAND NUTRITIONAL HELPLINE OF THE YEAR
The company considered to offer excellence in nutritional advice and service to customers – consumer, trade and retail – wins this accolade. Nominations: Customers can nominate via the BETA website or download a nomination form from the BETA or STUBBS ENGLAND websites and post it to the BETA office. A shortlist will be drawn up for final judging, which will include incognito calls. Entry deadline: 7th July 2023
BETA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award celebrates an individual who has made a long-standing and significant contribution to the equestrian industry. Nominations: Biographical details of the nominee are invited from all sectors. Entry deadline: 14th July 2023
CITATION TRADE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
The manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor judged to offer the best in delivery, customer service, product knowledge and awareness of retailer requirements will win this award. Nominations: Retailers can nominate the supplier they judge best and suppliers can nominate themselves using the official application forms. Shortlisted companies will be judged by an independent panel of judges. Entry deadline: 14th July 2023
NEW EQUINE FITTER AWARD (SADDLERY, BITS AND BRIDLES)
This Award aims to recognize the work undertaken by saddle, bridle and bit fitters who go the extra mile in achieving a high level of competence and support for their customers. Nominations: Can be made by consumers for independent or employed fitters, who are BETA members or Non-Members, where they have used their service in the last year. Entry deadline: 30 June 2023
10th September
How to nominate Nominations can be made by completing a form or link on the BETA website, beta-uk.org. Forms should be sent to the BETA office by post to BETA, East Wing, Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AW, or email to info@beta-uk.org. Please provide the name and award category, reason for nomination and your own name and address. Supporting information can be included where appropriate. Entries must be received by the deadlines stated. Help and advice on making a nomination is available by contacting Agy Mossakowska in the BETA office tel 01937 587062.
The BETA’s Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony
is a brilliant excuse to dress to the nines and party with friends and colleagues as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the industry’s own. Always a glitzy affair, the evening begins in style with a champagne reception before moving on to dinner and a disco. Tickets for this unmissable evening will be available from the BETA office soon. To register your interest to book a table or individual tickets contact Tina Hustler at tina@beta-uk.org.