October 2021 Volume 45, No 8
WINTER WONDERLAND
Christmas gift ideas and seasonal care
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WESTGATE? Wholesaler has big plans
PLUS
• • • •
BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 REPORT AMTRA ACCREDITED CPD FEATURE BEST-SELLING SUPPLEMENTS AND BALANCERS PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS
I N TROD U C I N G THE C OLD S TREAM
STICHELL QUILTED COAT & GILET Quintessential Equestrian Sportswear Become a stockist today 01522 529 206
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Editor’s comment D
elivery has become a potent weapon as retailers do battle for online sales. It’s also the thing bricks-and-mortar stores can often do better than their online competitors – provided they have the item in stock. And there’s the rub. What with Brexit, Covid and soaring freight costs, 2021 has turned into an annus horribilis as far as getting hold of goods is concerned. Woe betides any retailer who didn’t forward-order rugs and other winter essentials... But what right have I to spout nuggets of wisdom? It must be so tough to be a real-life retailer right now. I can only begin to imagine some of the difficult decisions that must be made daily; what to stock, how much and, increasingly, where and how to get hold of it. Fans of wool and sheepskin numnahs know how brilliantly this natural material performs. But could wool – and particularly British wool – be put to wider use in the equestrian world? I was shocked to hear from sheep farmer acquaintances that the price they get for wool is so poor, it barely covers the cost of shearing. Hence, many farmers have this year’s fleeces - and even some from 2020 - still sitting in a barn. One said he may as well burn them.
FRONT COVER:
So why isn’t wool used to insulate horse rugs? After all, it does a really good job when worn by sheep! And wool-filled duvets are all the rage, with users praising their warmth, breathability and durability. I’ve no idea how the economics would add up, but surely it’s an idea worth exploring? The environmental benefits of using sustainable, natural, locally sourced rug filling would be a great selling point too. My farrier tells me there’s an alternative meaning to the saying ‘no hoof, no horse.’ During the First World War, cavalry soldiers were told to cut off a front hoof when their horse was killed. Each horse had a serial number branded into its hooves, so when the dismembered hoof was handed in, it identified the animal. Only when a soldier produced his dead horse’s hoof was he issued with a new mount. Hence ‘no hoof, no horse.’ Of all the brilliant products featured in this month’s ETN, hats off to the Elico Spooky Lycra Helmet Cover. It’s fun, it’s a talking point and it’s perfectly timed for Halloween. Well done, Jenkinsons Equestrian! Call me old-fashioned, but I squirm when I hear horsey people talk about crops when they mean whips. I was always taught that a crop was something you shouldn’t ride on - or part of a chicken.
October 2021
In this issue... NEWS
4
PRODUCT NEWS
12
BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021
Report and pictures from Stoneleigh
18
PEOPLE
23
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WESTGATE?
We catch up with the well-known wholesaler
SUPPLEMENTS & BALANCERS Autumnal feeding advice The value of feed balancers All about boswellia Product gallery
AMTRA ACCREDITED RAMA CPD FEATURE & QUIZ Nutrition module
24 26 28 30 32
34
BENCH SADDLER OF THE MONTH
38
TURN BACK THE PAGES WINTER CARE
Stay ahead of the rodents Seasonal products to stock
SMS CPD FEATURE & QUIZ
Test your tack cleaning knowledge
WORKING DOGS
39 40 42 44
Why not cater for canines too? Feeding tips from a top gundog trainer
46 47
CHRISTMAS GIFTS GALLERY
48
COUNTY COURT JUDGMENTS
54
Volume 45, No 8
WINTER WONDERLAND
This snow-loving horse is wearing the Bucas Anniversary Turnout which PLUS was designed to celebrate the renowned rug manufacturer’s 35th year. The Anniversary Turnout has a rip-stop outer and T-bar with snap-lock magnetic front closures. It’s available in a selection of insulations and linings. Zebra Products is the UK distributor of Bucas rugs. More information at www. zebraproducts.co.uk or tel 01352 763350. Christmas gift ideas and seasonal care
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WESTGATE?
Wholesaler has big plans
• BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 REPORT • AMTRA ACCREDITED CPD FEATURE • BEST-SELLING SUPPLEMENTS AND BALANCERS • PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS
Liz Benwell Liz Benwell
INTRODUCING THE COLDSTREAM
STICHELL QUILTED COAT & GILET Quintessential Equestrian Sportswear Become a stockist today 01522 529 206
www.battles.co.uk
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS OCTOBER 2021 | 3
ETN | NEWS
The Mark Todd winter collection has your customers covered from head to toe. From long waterproof and warm coats to quilted riding jackets. Plus our range of winter boots for riding and on the yard will ensure that your feet also stay warm and dry. To open an account or place your orders contact us on: T: 01604 263002 E: sales@wefi.co.uk
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NEWS | ETN
wefi.co.uk WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS XXXX 2020 | 15
ETN | BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 INNOVATION REWARDED
BETA International’s Innovation Awards had a fresh SADDLERY SKILLS new format for 2021. ON SHOW Products launched within the last 12 months were During each day of the judged by an independent panel of judges – this show, the Society of Master year Sue Moxon and Wendy Beal of R&R Country Saddlers (SMS) showcased took on the task. the high standard of work The awards, designed to recognise and celebrate by saddlery apprentices and areas such as a product’s design, technology, students. manufacture and environmental credentials, are Thursday saw Saddlery sponsored by BETA International’s media partner Training Centre students ETN. make a foal slip, with the Every exhibitor is invited to enter products in the challenge won by Gudrun competition, Each entry must feature elements that Thusen. Friday’s competition, are truly innovative – radically different, completely to make a bridle headpiece, viable and able to address a definite need. was won by second-year This year there was one open class with gold, Capel Manor College student, silver and bronze awards lined up for the winning Charlotte Lowes. Saturday's products. competition, to make a belt, “To be a world-leading show, it is important was won by Millie Wells of the to move with the times,” said BETA International Saddlery Training Centre. organiser Claire Thomas. “Products and the manufacturing environment are constantly evolving and the Innovation Awards have been reformatted to keep in step. “We are delighted with the industry’s extremely positive reaction to the awards and very excited about all the fantastic entries. Seeing the winners take to the stage to collect their trophies is always very special and congratulations to them all.” The winners of the 2021 BETA International Innovation Awards are...
The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) showcased the high standard of work by saddlery apprentices and students.
Gudrun Thursen winner of day one competition to make a foal slip receives her award from SMS President Bea Blakeman
Gold Winner
Company: LeMieux Product: LeMieux Arika Storm-Tek Rug A waterproof turnout rug from LeMieux’s Arika Rug Collection. Available in three weights with matching neck covers included plus a featherweight turnout for warmer months. Judges’ comments: “The rug has a fantastic 45 degree breast strap and double layer skirt for freedom of movement. Fantastic packaging, great video and value for money.”
Bronze Winner
Company: Charles Owen & Airowear Product: Shadow The Shadow back protector has been designed for riders not wearing a full body protector and who prefer a lighter weight alternative. It offers limitless movement over jumps whilst protecting against impacts from a fall. Judges’ comments: “Stylish and sporty looking, ideal for the rider who does not want to wear typical body protection, but who wants some level of protection for the back.”
Silver Winner
Company: Maxima Product: Maxima Mix ‘N’ Munch An equine pick ‘n’ mix biscuit treat with 100% natural ingredients available in 20 flavours. Judges’ comments: “A great idea customer can cherry pick flavours to suit the horse. Great marketing and retail display.” 20 | EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS OCTOBER 2021
WWW.EQUESTRIANTRADENEWS.COM
BETA INTERNATIONAL 2021 | ETN The NAF sponsored Gin & Fizz Bar was the place for networking.
TALKING POINTS
• Nice to see you in person. Many expressed sheer joy at being face-toface again with colleagues and friends from the trade after 18 months of communicating by phone and screen during the pandemic. “The show has been excellent and the organisers need to be congratulated for getting it off the ground when it’s been such a difficult time,” said Malcolm Ainge from Shires Equestrian. • Inevitably, Covid security was much discussed, the show organisers being unanimously praised for their handling of a potentially delicate situation. There were thumbs up for Covid status being checked on entry; plentiful gel stations; a well-ventilated venue and people
to connect with us. We’ve also met lots of people we’ve only spoken to virtually before, so it’s been really good.” • Run by the trade for the trade. “The organising team have been so friendly and welcoming, which is refreshing,” added Karen Drinkwater. “Often, when you get to exhibitions, it can feel like there’s a barrier. But these guys want us to do well. • The new autumn dateline. Rachel Kirby from Baillie Haylage was among those liking the show running in September. “The timing of the show works really well for us in the feed calendar. It’s been great to see what the rest of the industry has been doing too,” she added.
being respectful of personal space. • The switch from the NEC to Stoneleigh also cropped up in nearly every conversation. Claire Hayward from Perry Equestrian described the new venue as “really good, from an exhibitor’s point of view. It’s definitely easier than the NEC for loading products onto the stand. Not having to do so much walking is a massive plus. We’ve had a really busy show and been pleasantly surprised.” • Good quality buyers were another talking point. As Alison Gates from Eqwax said: “It’s been fantastic for us. We did BETA International last time at the NEC and there were more people and stands there - but the people who have been here this year seem to be far more focused. They’re here to buy. They’re here to see new products. We’ve done so well this year. I can’t believe it. We’ve taken orders on the stand, which I didn’t expect at all. We’re really pleased, it’s been great.” • Nobody knew what to expect when the show opened, as Karen Drinkwater from Polyjumps admitted: “We were a bit nervous because we didn’t know what the attendance would be like. But we’ve found that people have really wanted
Eventing legend Sir Mark Todd met visitors on the busy Westgate stand, home of The Mark Todd Collection.
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