etn - equestrian trade news - may 2012

May 2012Volume 36,

No 5 Monthly

ETN is the official mediapartner of BETA International

201317-19 February 2013NEC, Birmingham, UK

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Any doubt that saddle fitting in this country has reached animpasse was swept away when Bates Australia introduced itsnew EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution (exclusive to Bates and WintecSaddles) to the trade last month (see News in this issue).

What’s controversial about this system that combines Bates’well established EASY-CHANGE Gullet System with the new EASY-CHANGE Riser System is that it gives consumers the option tocustom fit their own saddles.

While Bates Australia go to great pains to recommend thatconsumers seek professional advice (but without saying whoseexactly) when selecting and fitting saddles, this is probably thefirst time that consumers have been empowered in this way by amainstream saddle manufacturer.

Of course, the initiative also requires retailers’ support if it’s towork. And perhaps therein lays its most intriguing aspect.

The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution is about making a properlyfitting saddle accessible and affordable for every horse owner;and more importantly, for every horse to have a comfortablesaddle.

So will this initiative prompt an epidemic of DIY saddle fitting?Far more likely is that it will raise awareness of the importance ofa correctly fitted saddle – and make horse owners more waryabout buying on the likes of ebay with random results.

The majority of retailers who were at the EASY-CHANGE FitSolution launch were forward-thinking and with a thirst for newideas. Everyone ETN spoke to was enthusiastic about the systemand keen to offer it to their customers.

Nothing is perfect. As saddle design guru Ron Bates pointedout, horse owners in remote rural areas around the world can’ttrot down to their local saddle fitter – they have to do their bestto make their horses comfortable themselves.

They also need a means of doing the job which is simple,measurable and easy to activate in circumstances that aren’talways ideal. But doesn’t that also apply to the conventionalsaddle fitter working in the field?

Any saddle fitting solution ultimately relies upon the ability,knowledge, ‘eye’ and experience of the saddle fitter – howeverqualified. As Ron added: “It’s easy to hear what riders think abouta saddle, and not so easy to learn what the horse thinks.”

The really top-notch, specialist saddle fitters will see this newsystem as a fresh weapon to add to their armoury. No-one who isat the top of their game feels a need to shirk innovation.

To the vast majority, the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution will openup a whole new business opportunity, provide new revenuestreams and get saddle fitting talked about and betterunderstood by consumers.

For the sake of horses’ backs, let’s hope so.

Liz Benwell

CONTENTS MAY 2012

Comment NEWS ....................................................................4

PRODUCT NEWS ................................................10

RETAILER PROFILEAlan’s Ark ...........................................................14

SUPPLEMENTS FEATUREWe ask the experts about claims.....................16Do feed balancers sell in summer?.................18Alltech takes on the world................................20Latest news and products.................................24

PEOPLE ...............................................................27

LONDON 2012 OLYMPICSHow the trade will celebrate ............................28COVER STORY: NAF – official supplierto Equestrian Team GBR ...................................32

SPONSORS..........................................................33

GOOD MANAGEMENTProducts to save time, trouble and temper ....34First aid focus.....................................................38

SADDLERY MATTERSKen Lyndon-Dykes cleans his tack ..................39

BETA MEMBERS’ PAGE .....................................40

COUNTY COURT JUDGMENTS ..........................42

FRONT COVER: Seen in action are World ClassPerformance Riders Guy Williams, LauraBechtolsheimer and Lucy Wiegersma. Imagescourtesy of NAF, official supplements supplierto Equestrian Team GBR. Find out more abouthow NAF works with the horses, riders andgrooms of Equestrian Team GBR on page 32.

4 MAY 2012 EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS www.equestriantradenews.com

Allen & Page .....................................................13Animalife ............................................................3Barrier Animal Healthcare ..................................34Brinicombe Equine ............................................22Carrots UK Ltd ...................................................29Classified ..........................................................41Dodson & Horrell Limited.....................................7EKKIA S.A.S.........................................................8Faulks & Cox Ltd................................................35Finest Brands International ................................IFCFynalite.............................................................37GWF Nutrition.....................................................9Horka .................................................................8Horse World Live ...............................................15Horslyx .............................................................25Karoo Equine ....................................................11Life Data Labs Inc ..............................................22Likit ..................................................................20Maxavita Equine Health Ltd ...............................18Natural Animal Feeds..............................19 & OBCRobinson Animal Healthcare ..............................36Sherwood Forest Ltd..........................................12Smart Grooming................................................37Snowhill Trade Saddlery ...................................IBCSouth Essex Insurance Brokers .............................5SP Equine Health & Herbal .................................23TopSpec ............................................................21Waldhausen GmbH & Co KG..............................31Web Directory ...................................................42britishequestriandirectory.com/TSD.....................27

ADVERT INDEX

Equestrian Trade NewsStockeld Park,Wetherby,West Yorkshire LS22 4AWTel: 01937 582111Fax: 01937 582778 – SalesEmail: sales @equestriantradenews.comWebsite: www.equestriantradenews.com

Publisher:Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd

Editor:Liz BenwellEmail: [email protected]: 0845 6185007

Advertising Sales:Nicki LewisEmail: [email protected]: 01937 582111Fax: 01937 582778

Advertising Copy:Nicki LewisEmail: [email protected]: 01937 582111

SubscriptionsDistributed on a controlled-circulation basis to theretail trade. Paid-for annual subscriptions are £39.95(UK), £73.00 (Europe), £86.00 (rest of the world).

The magazine is independent of all groups. Editorialviews expressed in ETN are not necessarily the officialview of any organisation or group.

Copyright:All material is copyright Equestrian ManagementConsultants Ltd.

Design & Print:G.H. Smith & Son,Market Place, Easingwold,North YorkshireYO61 3ABTel: 01347 821329Fax: 01347 822576Email: [email protected]: www.ghsmith.com

ISSN 1462-9526

SPEEDI-BEET may help reduce thenegative effects of spring grass such aslaminitis or excitable behaviour.

Not only is the fast-soaking feed’s sugarand fructan content much lower than grass,but Speedi –Beet can also be used as aprotective first feed of the day, saysmanufacturer British Horse Feeds.

Non-structural sugars and fructans inspring grass can account for 17-20% of thedry content and up to as much as 30%. Thetotal sugar content of Speedi-Beet is just5%.

Gram for gram, soaked Speedi-Beet alsohas more fibre (cellulose, hemicelluloseand pectin) than fresh spring grass – so itsupplies a proportion of the horse’s energyneeds, resulting in a lower grass intake.

The greatest risk to laminitics is the firstfeed of the day where intake isproportionately highest and the risk ofoverloading the small intestine with sugarsis most likely.

Offering 1.5 – 2.0 kg of soaked Speedi-Beet before turnout provides a low sugarfirst feed and encourages subsequentfeeding at a lower rate, suggests BritishHorse Feeds. The rate of passage isslower and there is more timefor the sugars to beabsorbed out of thesmall intestinewhich reduces thechance of hindgutmalfunction.

Fresh thinkingon laminitis EASTER weekend saw the opening of a new retail outlet near Ripley, Derbyshire.

Snaffles Saddlery, launched by amateur show jumper and former event rider Joanne Smyth,aims to offer a variety of price points and put the emphasis on customer service.

The shop is housed in a converted barn and, unusually for a tackshop, has under-floor heating.It’s all part of creating a warm and welcoming environment, says Joanne.

“You’ve got to offer a bit more these days. For instance, we invite customers to have a coffeeand a chat with us, so hopefully they will be keen to come back.”

Snaffles Saddlery stocks big name brands such as Horze, B-Vertigo, HKM, Sherwood Forest,Pikeur and Mark Todd; plus a bit and massage pad hire and advice service.

The shop is adjacent to Joanne’s yard. “We’ve also got someone here who is an expert inParelli and natural horsemanship, another good source of advice for our customers,” she said.

Joanne and her team spent “two very long days” at BETA International when deciding what tostock in the new shop. “It was so useful. We now have a good working relationship with about 20reps; I’ve been so impressed with how helpful they all are.”

New shop opens in Derbyshire

CONSUMERS will be able to buy HarryHall, Caldene, Masta, Cottage Craft andThe Riding Sock Company items fromMatchmakers International atBadminton.

This is the first time the company hastaken a stand at the event, to be held on3-7 May.

Under its Harry Hall label,Matchmakers International is alsosponsoring the buggies in whichcompetitors and grooms travel aroundthe Badminton site.

Matchmakerstakes tradestandat BadmintonTHE acquisition of food group BOCM Pauls by

ForFarmers for a reported €85 million willmake the Dutch based company Europe’slargest feed producer.

Hickstead Horse Feeds is included in thedeal that was announced on 29 March.

“Hickstead Horse Feeds is part of BOCMPAULS and so will be acquired by ForFarmersGroup,” Nick Major, sales and marketingdirector told ETN.

BOCM Pauls operates 11 compound feedmills in the UK and produces more than 1.9million tonnes of feed. The company’sturnover is €600 million.

ForFarmers produces 8.8 million tonnes offeed, has 2,500 employees and an annualturnover of €6.6 billion.

Hickstead HorseFeeds changes hands

www.equestriantradenews.com

EXPORT SUCCESS: Nottinghamshire-based Whittaker Coachbuildershas just completed a custom-made horsebox for the Crown Prince ofDubai. His Highness Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed AlMaktoum was on hand to receive the horsebox, which carries ninehorses, at the Nad Al Sheba Stables. It will be used to transport hisendurance horses.

“We supplied a six horsebox to the Crown Prince of Dubai’s stablesin Newmarket last year and were delighted when we were contactedabout designing and building a bespoke coach that would be used inDubai,” said director of Whittaker Coachbuilders, Jayne Whittaker.

Nine horse stalls left only a five foot long living space, yet themakers still managed to squeeze in walnut high gloss units, leatherupholstery, a flat screen television, chrome lighting, fridge andcombination oven and air conditioning. The body wrap graphicsshow the Prince riding at dusk.

ONLINE retailer EquestrianClearance.com been awarded the exclusivelicense to develop the British Showjumping (BS) clothing range.

The new collection is launched this month, to be followed later in theyear by a horsewear range.

“BS merchandise is very important to us and when we saw thedesigns and quality we knew EquestrianClearance.com were the rightpeople to develop the range with,” said Maria Clayton of BS.

EquestrianClearance.com already sponsors BS’s Senior Newcomersseries. “It’s opened a number of opportunities,” said Katie Farmer of theretailer.

The official BS clothing collection includes jackets, gilets, polo shirts,hoodies, socks and baseball caps, with horsewear to feature rugs,saddlecloths, bandages, travel boots and headcollars.

Pictured are EquestrianClearance.com managing director LorraineMeadowcroft (seated) with Maria Clayton of BS (third from left) and KatieFarmer (fourth from right) with models sporting BS gear.

Retailer scoops showjumpers’ contract

GET the Gallop is a new websitethat aims to offer equestrianconsumers group buyingdiscounts in the manner of globalphenomenon Groupon.

Founder Caroline Almgrensays the site will be offering dealson equestrian items, services andevents. “One offer will beselected as a daily deal, thepromotion being available for upto two weeks, depending on thesupplier’s wishes.”

The site also aims to become ahub of information and opinionwith blogs plus an equestriantalent scheme called KeepGalloping funded by 10% of Getthe Gallop’s profits.

Get the Gallop works withsuppliers on a commission basisand claims that dealing with thesite is “risk free”.

Equestrian’sanswer toGroupon?

MERIAL Animal Health gave awaySmart phones and chocolate eggsin a competition run on its standat BETA International 2012.

The winners of chocolate eggswere Annelliese Lewis from Ride‘n’ Stride in Chepstow, JayneStewart from Carousel Saddleryin Warwick and Kaye Stanley fromMilbury Hill in Whitehaven.

And those correctly answeringquestions about Merial’s SMARTworming plan to win a Smartphone each were Steph Bell(pictured below) from Bridge InnSaddlery in Merseyside, CatDeene (pictured top) from BotleyMill inSouthamptonand SarahBrooks fromthe RusticRetail C Ltdin Brecon,Powys.

Easter winners


A saddle fitting system - exclusive to Batesand Wintec Saddles - which enablesconsumers to adjust their own saddles waslaunched to the trade by UK distributorWeatherbeeta at the end of March.

“It will change the dynamic of the saddlefitter and end consumer,” said Ron Bates ofBates Australia. “It’s the most importantdevelopment since Wintec arrived 25 yearsago – it will change the industry.”

One leading saddle fitter described it as “abit of a revolution in saddle fitting”.

The EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution, whichcombines the well-established EASY-CHANGEGullet System with the new EASY-CHANGERiser System, is to be heavily marketedfollowing its consumer launch at Badmintonthis month (May).

Consumers will be able to purchase EASY-CHANGE Riser Packs and EASY-CHANGEGullets to adjust the fit of the next generationof Bates and Wintec saddles, more than 60retailers and saddle fitters representing inexcess of 30 businesses heard at the tradelaunch at the Unicorn Centre inGloucestershire.

Weatherbeeta is backing the launch withhigh profile point of sale, including in-storemerchandising material and a video. Retailertraining and store manuals are offered.Promotional activity will happen at consumershows, with a strong consumer advertisingcampaign already booked.

“We’re going to make a big effort to makesure consumers understand the system, togive them confidence in the adjustability oftheir saddles,” said Weatherbeeta’s marketingmanager Michael Mullavey.

Introducing the EASY-CHANGE Fit solution,Ron Bates told retailers it offered ameasurable, symmetrical and reversiblesaddle fitting system. He also emphasisedthat “all marketing material will includerecommendations that consumers seekprofessional saddle fitting advice.”

Bates and Wintec saddles putfitting into consumers’ hands

He also claimed that the system “lays bare”saddle fitting. “This is the first systemmarketed to the end consumer and not hiddenaway,” he added.

“We don’t want to keep saddle fitting asecret – we want consumers to know that thissystem is fantastically flexible and, because ofthat, just what can be done for their horses.”

Since the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solutionenables accurately measured adjustments tobe made on the spot, Ron believes this willactually create more business for saddlefitters.

“People will get you back more often,because they know so many adjustments arepossible. And when they do, show thecustomer what you are doing, involve them.Don’t hide behind your car! Saddle fitters willnever get a better opportunity to give a betterservice to their customers.”

The day was concluded with ademonstration of fitting one saddle to threevery differently shaped horses using theEASY-CHANGE Fit Solution.

What retailers and saddlefitters said:• “This system looks to be of benefit to horsewelfare in terms of comfort. It’s alsoaffordable and covers a massive range ofsaddles across every discipline. I also like theway it sets out to educate the public.” SimonKerslake, who saddle fits for the Countrywidegroup of stores.• “I like the fact that a great deal of thoughthas gone into the way this system is puttogether. Will it make everyone fit their ownsaddles? No – because consumers who careabout their horses are going to refer to asaddle fitter because they want the peace ofmind that comes with a professional’sconfirmation.” Sue Hill, Forever Saddles.• “It’s a bit of a revolution in saddle fitting. Theway we fit saddles is going to change – and

our role [as saddle fitters] will change to oneof the consultant. I’m reassured that saddlefitters will remain involved, it won’t reduce ourincome. You’ve got to have it in your shop.”Denise Silman, Equicraft. • “For the horse, it’s the ultimate in comfort.And for the consumer, it puts the power backin their hands. Saddle fitting shouldn’t be ablack art – the consumer and fitter shouldspeak the same language. As a Master Saddle,I don’t see this as a threat, but as anotherweapon in my armoury. This system shouldmean there’s no more ‘that’ll do’ – because itallows me to correct my mistakes.” GrahamButt, LLwynon Saddlery. • “I’m new to the business and I found the dayvery informative with everything very wellexplained.” Gillian Bell, Jet Set Saddlery. • See the June issue of ETN for more technicalinformation on the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution.

IN a bid to up its share of the mattingmarket, Davies & Co Kettering is refreshingits Equimat brand.

A new e-commerce website featuresEquimat alongside Farmat and The BlackMat as well as matting for workshops tosports hall. Later in the year, newbrochures, new products and fresh brandingwill be launched.

Davies & Co Kettering, which introducedlocked matting to the UK equestrian andagricultural markets more than 20 yearsago, is also seeking more stockists.

“We’re pleased with the way things aregoing but knew the time was right for arefocus on how we present our fantasticproducts,” said managing director AndyGregory.

Mats get refreshingrebrandASK The Vet is a new

one-off publicationfrom Horse&Hound,based on the weekly’sveterinary pages.

Edited byHorse&Hound deputyeditor Jaki Bell, itfeatures the latestthinking on commonequine ailments anddiseases and is packedwith illustrations andscientific detail.

“Presented in an easy-to-access questionand answer format, it's probably the next bestthing to a hot-line to your vet,” said Jaki.

Ask The Vet available in newsagents at£3.99.

New one-off from H&H

YOU can read the very latest news from theequestrian trade by visiting the ETN websiteat www.equestriantradenews.com andclicking onto ‘breaking news’.

Take a look,you’ll find up-to-date news isposted instantly– often to befollowed by anin-depth reportin ETN, themagazine.

The websitealso provides fulldetails aboutsubscribing to ETN.

Where to findmore news...


TWO complaints about an advertisement placed byPoint-2 Equine have been upheld by the AdvertisingStandards Authority (ASA).

The advertising watchdog says the air vestsupplier’s advertisement in Horse&Hound in March2011 was misleading and also denigrated rivalbrand Hit-Air by discrediting its business.

The advertisement stated "The Point Two 'Pro Air' jacket is theonly air jacket in the world that is classed as a body protector underEuropean Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Point Two producesthe only equestrian air jacket in the world that carries CEaccreditation for the air bag. Point Two is fully insured.”

Further text stated "Riders Beware. It has become apparent thatthere are some other brands of air jackets being peddled into themarket by agents, particularly at Horse Trials. Please be aware, thejackets in question do not have CE accreditation for the AIR BAG. Thismakes the product illegal to sell and will carry no insurance. Tomake matters worse they are producing a CE certificate that bearsno relevance to CE accreditation for the air bag. Please contacttrading standards to seek advice - you'll be entitled to a full refund.CE accreditation is there to protect the public and means that theproduct performs as the manufacturer claims and is not dangerous".A "CE Approved" logo featured below this text.

Hit-Air UK Ltd challenged whether the claims:1. "Point Two produces the only equestrian air jacket in the world

that carries CE accreditation for the air bag ..." and the "CEApproved" logo were misleading and could be substantiated;and

2. "Riders Beware ... ", " ... there are some other brands of airjackets being peddled into the market ... " and "Please contacttrading standards ... " were denigratory to Hit-Air UK anddiscredited their business.

Upholding the complaint, the ASA stated that the advertisementmust not appear again in its current form.

“We told Point-2 to take care when making claims about theircompetitors' products in future to ensure they are not misleading ordenigratory and to ensure they hold adequate substantiation for theirclaims,” said an ASA statement.

A full report of the adjudication can be found at www.asa.org.uk

Point-2 advertisement“misleading”

ONE hundred and thirty-four(134) companies have alreadysigned up to exhibit at BETAInternational 2013 at the NEC,Birmingham on 17-19 February.

New and long-standingexhibitors have booked 4,750square metres of space so far.

Westgate EFI and Neue Schuleare among those requestinglarger stands. Outdoor clothingspecialist Craghoppers’ stand willbe double the size it had for itsBETA International debut thisyear.

“The early bookings – andstand growth – are a wonderfulendorsement of the trade fair andan indication of its strengthmoving forwards to 2013,” said

Strong bookings forBETA International2013

201317-19 February 2013NEC, Birmingham, UK

Claire Thomas, commercialmanager of EMC, organiser ofBETA International.

“I’m very pleased that our earlycommitment discount plan – apopular initiative designed tosupport and reward companieswishing to exhibit at the show – hasbeen very well received onceagain.”• Big brands have been signing upto support BETA International 2013too. TopSpec returns as CoffeeShop sponsor for the fourthconsecutive year while Caldenelends its name to the visitor carrierbags for the eighth time. They joinVirbac, now in its third year asmain sponsor. Each company alsoexhibits at the show.


NEWS IN BRIEF

• BUFFERA is seeking to team up with UK andEire stockists of its Buff headwear to give awaymore than £23,000 worth of products to theirlocal riding clubs and similar. The year-longmarketing campaign aims to spread awarenessof the multifunctional brand among equestrianenthusiasts. 150 units of Buff headwear areavailable for giveaway per month – and wouldmake great prizes at local shows.

• VALE Bros has reached the final stages of theWest Midlands Exporting Growth final. More than50 companies entered the competition and nineregional finalists won their place after auditioningin front of a panel representing UK Trade &Investment (UKTI), Price Waterhouse Cooper(PwC), HSBC and independent specialists. Thewinner will receive support worth up to £5,000 and access tomentoring support from UKTI, HSBC and PwC. “I’m delighted to reachthe final stages of this prestigious award and look forward to furtherexpanding our business overseas,” said Vale Bros’ managing directorPeter Wilkes (pictured).

• SPILLERS is donating 20p to The Laminitis Trust from every bagof Spillers Happy Hoof sold this month (May).

• GALLAGHER Europe is providing the fencing for the competitors’training area at this year’s Badminton (3 – 7 May). The company has astand at the event, where retailers can take advantage of a 10%discount on their first order.

• HORSEMANSHIP, acrobatics, classic equitation and stunt ridingwill feature in a show called Adrenaline to run each evening of thenew HorseWorldLive event at ExCel, London, on 16-18 November.“We aim to bring a fresh approach to equestrian productions withworld class artists performing high action shows,” said AmandaDrury, managing director of production company EquiCirque.

• Carl and Charlotte: Dressage Superstars is a new series to bescreened on Horse&Country TV this month (May). Featuring CarlHester and his protégé Charlotte Dujardin, it’s sponsored by SaracenHorse Feeds and will include “a substantial TV ad campaign in therun up to London 2012 to strengthen brand values,” said Saracenequestrian brand manager Liz Reid.

A new equestrian fashion retailer is tosponsor the 2012 British Dressage (BD)National Championships at StoneleighPark on 13 – 16 September.

Espayo Equestrian, which has openedits first store in Mappleborough Green,Warwickshire, launched last December.

The outlet claims to hold more Animostock than any other UK retailer, with£250,000 worth of the brand’sspring/summer collection just arrived.

A speciality at Espayo Equestrian isthe ‘champagne party’ to whichcustomers are invited to bring at leastfour guests to shop in privacy, glasses ofbubbly in hand.

“We can't wait to showcase our stylishcollection of European brands to thedressage audience,” said director JackEaves of the sponsorship deal with BD.

New store sponsorsdressage championships


It’s so logical...STABLE Cleanse from The Logical Range is well up to the job oftackling smelly stables and pongy horseboxes.

The product is new to the equestrian and pet markets, but it’s basedon cleaning technology well proven in the challenging environment ofmen’s urinals.

Manufactured by Bio-Productions in West Sussex, Stable Cleanseattacks the contaminate that creates the build-up of ammonia. Thus iskeeps bedding cleaner for longer; it even seeps under rubber mats andinto concrete to knock out the noxious smells there too.

Stable Cleanse is easy to use and requires no protective clothing orspecial equipment. It’s diluted as required – mixing with wateractivates the product – then used to sweep down stable or horseboxfloors. It leaves a pleasant, fresh minty smell.

Also new from The Logical Range is All Rounder, a versatile productthat removes grease, sweat, mud, hair and other grime from numnahs,tack (leather and synthetic) and rugs. It can be sprayed and wiped offor spot-sprayed on and used in the washing machine.

The horsey housewife will also find ready-to-use All Rounderinvaluable for everything from kitchen floors to horsebox work-surfaces. As a cleaning product, it’s got that extra ‘bite’ for which onlyoutdoor and animal people know the need!

Allrounder has an RRP of £4.99 for 750 ml and £10.99 for five litres.Stable Cleanse is £6.99 for 750ml and £17.99 for five litres.

The Logical Range alsoincludes Mess Mate, acleaning kit for accidentscaused by unwell or old pets(or children) and Pet Pal, abiological stain and odourremoving spray.

Alayne Wells, the creatorof The Logical Range, is keento contact potentialdistributors and/or stockists. t The Logical Range07702 201177.

For fit fillies...ACTRESS Cindy Marshall-Day and her business partner Julie Taylor –best known for their Heavenly Horse treats – have launched a clothingrange.

Equine Couture aims to combine high performance with glamour.“Our small core range, The Fit Filly Collection, features gorgeous softshell show jumping jackets with a fabulous price point [RRP under£140],” said Cindy.

With jodhpurs in two colours - and the Fit Filly logo on the backencrusted in crystals, the range also features polo shirts, blousonjackets, welly warmers and ear warmers in ‘on trend’ pinks, blues andlilacs with plenty of bling.

A full collection will be available for Christmas 2012, with a rugrange due for launch at BETA International 2013. t Heavenly Horse 01724 721 872.

New, improved forage feedMOLLICHAFF Extra has been re-launched. Thechopped wheat straw is blended with a lightercoating of molasses plus an improved broadspectrum mineral and vitamin supplement.Each kilogramme of new, improved MollichaffExtra provides at least 25% of the daily traceelement and vitamin requirements of a 500kghorse.

The product is ideal for all horses and ponies,especially breeding and young stock and thoseon a low concentrate/high forage diet.t HorseHage 01803 527257.

A treat for feetTHE versatile, comfortable Ariat Women’sSport Mule has arrived in two new colours.

In full-grained leather, there’s an optionalheel strap and inbuilt moisture wicking sockliner. Ariat’s ATS technology gives long lasting foot support.

Already available in practical black and timber, cognac and suntanare added for this spring.

A favourite of Mary King’s, these mules retail at around £89.99.t Ariat Europe 0845 600 3209.

Recovery suits for equine athletesHUMAN athletes increasingly use compression clothing to aid recoveryafter competition or training. And now the concept is coming to thehorse world.

Hidez Equine Travel and Recovery suits are the brainchild ofAustralian inventor Matthew Spice.

The suits use a ‘graduated compression’ system. “Hidez suits aredesigned to reduce muscle vibration during travel and to enhanceblood flow, which can reduce muscle soreness and speed uprecovery,” said Matthew.

Resembling a second skin, suits are said to take just a couple ofminutes to zip on and can be removed even faster. They are made froma moisture management fabric which keeps the horse dry andcomfortable.

Hidez compression suits will be available in Australia and NewZealand next month (June) and in the US by June/July. Matthew saidhe aims to have stockists in Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and Asiabefore the London Olympics. He’s keen to contact potential UKdistributors.

International eventer Stuart Tinney has found Hidez to be a usefulrecovery tool. “I first used Hidez at WEG in Kentucky 2010 on my horseVettori,” he said. “As I use a compression suit myself to recover afterriding and exercise, I thought I would like to do the same for my horse.

Leading Australian flat racehorse, the sprinter Hay List, is anotherto wear the suits. t Contact [email protected]


Here comes summer...SHERWOOD Foresthas functional,fashionable styles tokit out any country-loving couple.

For him, theEpsom Polo offerstraditional fit with aquirky appliquédchest detail to give ita modern twist. Innavy and red, andsizes small to 3XL,the RRP is £24.99.

For her, thischarming Edgeworthpolo shirt hasSherwood Forestembroidery on thechest while bold, funstripes add to itscharm. In blue, pinkand ecru plus navy,ecru and pink, sizesare 8 to 18 and theRRP 24.99. t Sherwood Forest0115 9424265.

Buy five, get one freeMSD Animal Health is offering a‘buy five get one free’ deal totrade outlets that stock its flycontrol product Coopers FlyRepellent Plus.

It’s the only product licensedto UK standards that kills andrepels flies and helps to controlinfestations of the biting lousedamalinia equi.

The offer is available onCooper’s Fly Repellent Pluspurchased from Battles orTrilanco. Stockists will alsoreceive shelf talkers to promotethe product and ensure that thepacks fly off the shelves.

New string to your bow?

BEHAVIOUR and communication expert SarahKreutzer is offering a new opportunity for anyone whowants to work with people and horses.

Her accredited Equine Facilitated Coaching coursesqualify individuals to run equine-assisted coachingsessions for a living. Attendees don’t need to beexperienced riders – or even to ride at all, but basicknowledge of horse management is required.

Equine Facilitated Coaching courses are organisedby Sarah and the Learning to Listen team at their basenear Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Arranged in threemodules over 12 months, the courses are accreditedby the Institute of Leadership and Management.

“They are wonderful for anyone who is interested indeveloping others and themselves,” said Sarah. “Thecourses may appeal to those who already work in asimilar environment but wish to improve their skills,or for those to whom the coaching and mentoring roleis something completely new.”t Sarah Kreutzer 07764 277146.

Foldable welliesAIGLE has launched a range offoldable wellies calledRubberpack.Supplied with a storage bag, theseboots can be rolled up and carriedaround or kept in a grooming box –ready for use anytime andanywhere.

As they are so flexible, they canbe worn rolled up or rolled downas ankle boots. The wholesaleprice is £33, and RRP £75.

New colours, new fabricEXTRA colours have been added to the Griffin Nuumed range of HiWitherEveryday quilted saddlepads.

The three new colourways come in a new, softsuedette fabric with contrasting coloured cottonundersides. With the look of suede, suedettewashes well and is soft to touch.

The new colours are baby pink withcontrasting shocking pink cotton underside;denim with teal and meadow green limegreen.

The new colours feature in generalpurpose, dressage and close contact stylesand in four sizes. The RRP £32.50.t Griffin NuuMed 01458 210324.

In case of emergency...MANY riders fearbecoming separatedfrom their horsewhile out hacking.Not only may therider be hurt andneed help, but thereare obvious issueswhen a horse getsloose.

The Rider Locataand Horse Locata,available as pairs orseparately from Unicorn Saddlery, address theseconcerns in an unobtrusive, cost effective way.

Each involves a tidy pouch which attaches to horse orrider and into which are packed essential informationabout the bearer’s identity, medical information, contactnumbers and even basic first aid instructions.

The amount of detail crammed into each neat packageis amazing. The Horse Locata even has duplicateinformation packages, in case the horse gets loose againbetween rescues.

Locatas are available for dogs too, so tiny they can fitonto a 1” collar; while the rider version is also popularwith outdoor adventurers and people with learningdifficulties.

Locatas come in leather (oblong or saddle shaped) ornylon. Each comes with a spare re-sealable plastic pouch,spare form and instructions. RRPs are from £7.95. t Unicorn Saddlery 01883 382310.


IF gold medals were awarded forcustomer service and attention to detailin this Olympic year, one would alreadybe on its way to Alan and Carole White.

This hard-working husband-and-wife teamown and run two shops in Cambridgeshire,both of which were short-listed for thisyear’s SEIB Retailer of the Year, one of aseries of BETA Business Awards. “We mustbe doing something right!” says Carole, witha smile.

The Whites are a perfect example of howsome farmers get diversification spot on.When the family farm near Soham wasdivided between Alan and his siblings in1997, he and Carol inherited a periodfarmhouse and associated outbuildings.

“We had to decide what to do next andthis seemed a perfect way of making use ofthe buildings,” explains Carole.

They decided on a one-stop shop business,which included a tackshop, bedding suppliesand feedstore for horses, plus a petaccessory and pet food store. It proved theright move, as Alan’s Ark, which is nowopen seven days a week, took off quickly.

“We were the new guys on the block, sowe didn’t have any traditions to maintain.We decided that there aren’t many horseowners who don’t have pets and it worksvery well. For instance, they can buy theirdog food and a new headcollar from us atthe same time,” says Alan.

Although Alan’s from a farmingbackground, Carole has a wealth of horseyexperience. She worked for 25 years in theracing and stud industries before moving torenowned Newmarket veterinary practiceRossdales, where she managed the equinehospital for a decade.

She now heads up the tackshop team,while Alan is the feed, bedding and petsupplies supremo. But their empire — andresponsibilities — doubled when they hadthe chance to buy more premises inFulbourn, near Cambridge.

The opportunity came out of the blue andwe grabbed it with both hands,” remembersCarole.

The two shops have a slightly differentcustomer base. “We have very loyal localclients in Soham. Many went through PonyClub with our children and they’re nowbringing their own kids to buy things here,”says Carole.

The Fulbourn shop, meanwhile, hasbecome Cambridge’s favourite spot to buyfeed and equipment for chickens!

“Chickens seem to be the new big thing aspets, particularly in a university city, wherepeople tend to be extremely eco conscious,”says Alan. “They are now keeping chickens,whatever their size of garden.”

Their home at Crowhall Farm is in the fens,which is big, open country with fewneighbours.

“We do have opposition, as we’re not toofar from Newmarket, but the tackshops thereconcentrate on the racing side and we’relooking after the local leisure riding industry,”says Carole. “If they don’t have what peopleare looking for, the Newmarket shops oftensend them our way.”

The Whites are also keen on puttingsomething back into the equestrian scene.

“We support our local Pony Club brancheswith raffles, prizes and money off offers andRiding for the Disabled is also a charity closeto our heart,” says Carole. “I love the PonyClub ethos because it provides healthycompetition for kids and fosters real teamspirit.”

However, the Whites are mindful of thecurrent financial situation.

“These are critical times for our industry,but I believe that if we work with andsupport wholesalers they’ll help us in return,”says Carole. “We’re also members ofBridleway Equestrian, which was started by agroup of retailers to develop a range ofexclusive goods. We find the interaction reallygood. We can ask other people’s opinions

and we’re happy to pass on advice.”Alan and Carole are also facing up to the

challenges posed by the Internet.“The only way we can beat the Internet

businesses is through personal service,”explains Carole. “If a customer asks for aproduct we don’t usually stock, we’ll go togreat lengths to find it for them. They don’tpress a button to order something and thenget told by a computer it’s out of stock!”

The Whites also put a lot into stafftraining.

“On the pet side, they get training inanimal nutrition to help them recommendthe correct product and in the tackshopthey’re all fully trained hat and bodyprotector fitters. The tackshop staff alsocompete in every discipline, which is reallyhelpful when customers need expert advice,”explains Carole.

Safety is a big thing for Carole, who isalmost evangelical about ensuring hercustomers buy the best possible hats andother safety gear.

“It’s absolutely vital that a riding hat fitswell and I honestly believe that a hat is onlyas good as the person who fits it,” she says.“It’s probably a cross every retailer has tobear, but we do have people coming in andasking us to fit them for a hat. They then saythey’ll think about it and go off and orderthat size from the Internet. But what theydon’t realise is that every make is slightlydifferent and the size that fits them in onemake may not be right in another.

“We have young girls coming in to buy asimilar hat to that worn by their horsey heroand if that make isn’t quite right for themfitting-wise, we’ll refuse to sell it to them!”

As well as a reputation for being theperson to go to for riding hats, Carole saysjodhpurs are her best seller.

“They come in such pretty colours that Ithink people are buying them to wearoutside horses. And anything in pink orpurple seems extremely popular,” shereflects.

The Whites are extremely proud to bemembers of BETA.

“It’s our association and I can’t imaginewhy anyone wouldn’t want be part of it,”says Carole. “BETA gives us great supportand advice on every facet of the trade andhaving the BETA logo on display seems togive you extra kudos. It’s almost like being akite-marked hat!”

On the

of a wavecrest

Penny Richardson is welcomed aboard Alan’s Ark. Alan and Carole White of Alan’s Ark: aperfect example of how some farmersget diversification spot on.

Jodhpurs come in suchpretty colours thatpeople are buying themto wear outside horses.

Having the BETA logo ondisplay seems to give youextra kudos.

Dogs at Work

MULTI-TALENTED: Boris, a three year oldGolden Retriever, goes to work with CharlotteGillan every day at Classic Canes. Here he ishelping Charlotte’s father Ben Porter with thisyear's walking stick harvest.

“Boris is also one of our house models andfeatures in many of our lifestyle photographs,”says Charlotte. “Between assignments, he’s incharge of security thanks to his deep baritonewoof.”

Boris was named after the London mayor -due to his shock of blond hair and tendency toleave a trail of disaster and scandal in his wake.

A HELPING PAW: Bella is one of a team of dogswho work at NAF. The beautiful two year oldpointer belongs to nutritional advisor andmarketing assistant Griselda Handy.

“Bella is often on hand to help with NAFfreephone enquiries. She’s particularly doggedabout responding to questions regarding ourcanine range,” says senior nutritionist Kate Jones.

They greet the customers, harass the postman, clear up after lunch, occupythe car or van front seat – or simply snooze under the desk. Let’s meet somemore delightful dogs gainfully employed in the equestrian trade.

WELL TRAVELLED: Nothing beats agood game of stick chasing after ahard day at work. Meet Piggsy (blackand tan) and Mr Darcey ( blond).

These gorgeous little dogs travelthe length and breadth of the UK with Kate Taylor, Westgate EFI nationalsales manager – safety, promoting the Gatehouse range of riding hats.“They have covered more miles than most Chihuahuas,” says Kate.

Do you have a dog at work?Tell ETN about the dog in your shop, office, warehouseor work vehicle. Email [email protected] love to see photos too!


With many so called nutriceuticals promoted by implication,ETN asks Barry Haycraft of the Veterinary MedicinesDirectorate (VMD) about how fair play is ensured.

Q. What is VMD and whatdoes it do?A. The VMD is the bodyresponsible for theauthorisation of veterinarymedicinal products in the UKin accordance with theVeterinary MedicinesRegulations 2011 (VMR).

The VMR first came intoforce in October 2005 toimplement Directive 2001/82and consolidate all thecontrols on veterinarymedicines that were previouslypart of the Medicines Act1968 and over 50 amendingStatutory Instruments. TheVMR also implement EUlegislation relating tomedicated feeds, and somespecified feed additives used infeedingstuffs.

The VMD’s main statutoryfunctions include assessingveterinary medicines for safety,quality and efficacy andgranting marketingauthorisations (MAs) to thoseveterinary medicines whichmeet the specified criteria;regulating the manufactureand distribution of veterinarymedicinal products and animalfeedingstuffs containingveterinary medicines andspecified feed additives;surveillance of Adverse Events(AE) and the provision andimplementation of policyadvice on these matters toMinisters.

The VMD’s aim is to protectpublic health, animal healthand the environment and topromote animal welfare byassuring the safety, quality andefficacy of veterinarymedicines.

Q. What is meant by anunauthorised claim and amedicinal product [termswe often hear in relationto supplements]? A. An unauthorised claim is astatement made in relation toa product which does not holdan MA, and which claims orgives the average, wellinformed consumer theimpression that the productwould have a medicinal effect(as defined below).

Only veterinary medicinalproducts marketed inaccordance with the VMR arepermitted for use in the UK.Once authorised, the MAholder is permitted to makemedicinal claims in accordancewith their marketingauthorisation.

Part 2 of the VMRs confirmsthat it is an offence to place aveterinary medicinal producton the market unless thatproduct has been granted amarketing authorisation. This isfurther qualified underRegulation 2 of the VMR whichdefines a medicinal product as:

“Any substance orcombination of substancespresented as having propertiesfor treating or preventingdisease in animals; or

“Any substance orcombination of substancesthat may be used in, oradministered to, animals witha view either to restoring,correcting or modifyingphysiological functions byexerting a pharmacological,immunological or metabolicaction, or to making a medicaldiagnosis.”

It is a regulatoryresponsibility of the VMD toensure that all veterinarymedicinal products aremarketed in accordance withthe VMR. Therefore, uponinvestigation, if a medicinalclaim for an unauthorisedproduct is justified and theproduct is found to bemedicinal by function, an MAmust be obtained before theproduct can legally be placedon the UK market. If theproduct is not medicinal byfunction, the offending claimmust be removed.

A full list of guidance notesare available for download onthe VMD website:www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/public/vmr_vmgn.aspx

If a claim made for anunauthorised veterinaryproduct is thought to bemisleading or false but doesnot imply a medicinal effect,this would fall outside theremit of the VMRs. False ormisleading advertising claimsabout products that are notVMPs are dealt with by localTrading Standards Officersunder the Trade DescriptionsAct 1968.

Q. So why don’t allcompanies simply get theirproducts licensed?A. The VMR require onlyveterinary medicinal productsto be authorised. In caseswhere a product is consideredto be medicinal due to itsformulation (e.g. an antibiotic)it is said to be medicinal byfunction. Such products musthave an MA before beingplaced on the UK marketirrespective of any claimsmade.

However, in cases where aveterinary product isconsidered to be medicinal asa result of unauthorised claims,the marketing company isgiven the option of removingthe offending claims. Productssuch as feeds, herbal tonicsand health supplements oftenfall into this category.

Q. Please can you givesome examples of wordingwhich is allowed, and thatwhich isn’t?A. Certain words are oftenconsidered medicinal as theyare generally associated withauthorised medicinal products.These include words such as

Verbal claims areviewed in the sameway as all otherunauthorisedclaims.

Claims:who’s playing the game?

EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS MAY 2012 17www.equestriantradenews.com

dose or dosage, treatment orcure. Acceptable alternativeswould be words such as use,administration, maintain orsupports health.

It is difficult to provide adefinitive list of wording whichis or is not permitted as it oftendepends on the context inwhich it appears. However it issafe to say that claims whichimply a product will treat,prevent, cure illness or diseaseor in some way have an effecton an animal’s normal state ofhealth, as defined inRegulation 2 of the VMR,would cause it to beconsidered medicinal bypresentation.

In all cases, it is important tonote that it will be necessary tolook at the whole presentationof the product, including thepackaging, to determinewhether the words used makethe product appear medicinal.

Q. Why is it important forcompanies manufacturingand marketing unlicensedproducts to stay within thelaw? A. The VMD’s aim to protectpublic health, animal healthand the environment and topromote animal welfare byassuring the safety, quality andefficacy of veterinary medicinesis achieved by ensuring allcompanies market theirmedicinal products inaccordance with the VMR.

Companies which do nothold marketing authorisationsare prohibited from makingmedicinal claims, not leastbecause such claims couldmislead the consumer intobelieving that an unauthorisedproduct may be efficacious.Such false claims could haveserious effects on animalhealth, the environment and,where food producing animalsare concerned, human safety.

Only products which havebeen assessed for safety,quality and efficacy may makeclaims for the veterinarypurpose for which they havebeen assessed and granted anMA.

Q. Do the rules apply towebsites as well as toprinted literature andadvertisements?A. Product websites (includingany chat room or forum) areconsidered in the same way asany other form of advertising

and should not makemedicinal claims for productsthat do not hold an MA.

Q. How about what asalesman says about aproduct? A. Verbal claims are viewed inthe same way as all otherunauthorised claims. However,by their very nature, verbalclaims are very difficult toprove and therefore anyenforcement action is based onthe availability of evidence.

Q. Are testimonials, forexample from third partyusers, acceptable?A. Claims made by a thirdparty, such as magazinereviews or articles published byindependent analysts, will betaken to be those of thecompany marketing theproduct where evidenceconfirms that the third partyhas a connection to themarketing company by way ofsolicitation, endorsement,sponsorship or funding.

Q. Do the rules apply toproducts used externallyeg. shampoos, wound careor therapy machines aswell as feeds andsupplements?A. The VMR apply to allmedicinal products used onanimals whether usedinternally or topically. Forexample, a shampoo foranimals would be consideredmedicinal if containing aninsecticide or an ingredientwhich has a pharmacologicaleffect or is presented as aninsecticidal shampoo. Productsused for cosmetic purposesonly, such as colouringshampoos and hoof oils, arenot considered to be veterinarymedicines as long as they donot contain anypharmacologically activeingredients

Q. How does a company goabout getting advice andhelp with using the correctwording to promote a newproduct?A. If in any doubt as towhether a specific productrequires an MA, a companymay obtain confirmation fromthe VMD through a formalprocess. A fee is applicable forthis procedure, the details ofwhich can be found in theVeterinary Medicines

CASE 1XYZ provides relief for:Gastric and digestive disordersUlcers & ColicLaminitis

BARRY SAYS: “I can clearly see that the first advert is makingwhat we would consider to be a strong medicinal claim.‘Gastric and digestive disorders, Ulcers & Colic and Laminitis’are all adverse health conditions and claims that a productwould or could have a beneficial effect on the treatment orprevention of these conditions would cause it to be consideredmedicinal by presentation. In this example, we would alsohighlight the word ‘relief’ for amendment. Although this is aword which is not always considered medicinal, in this contextwe believe it is being used to describe a medicinal effect.

CASE 2ABC supplementYou will see the benefitsStrongest hoof product on the marketContains all the essential vitamins and minerals toproduce a healthy hoof

BARRY SAYS: “This advert would also require some minoramendment. The suitability of the statement ‘You will see thebenefits’ would depend on what the benefits are. If these arefurther qualified elsewhere on any marketing material andfound to be medicinal, this statement would be highlighted.‘Strongest hoof product on the market’ is not a medicinalstatement. However the statement ‘Contains all the essentialvitamins and minerals to produce a healthy hoof’ would beconsidered medicinal. Our concern would be the use of theword ‘produce’. This implies the hoof is initially not healthybut use of the supplement would cause its health to improve.In this case we would expect to see the word ‘produce’replaced with a suitable alternative such as ‘maintain’.

Regulations, Schedule 7, whichare published on the VMDwebsite:http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/public/vmr_legislation.aspx

Q. Where can complaintsbe made about what arebelieved to beunauthorised claims?A. Reports of possible breachesof the VMR should be sent to:The Enforcement Team

Veterinary MedicinesDirectorate, Woodham Lane,New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey,KT15 3LS. Tel: 01932 338308 /338310. E-mail:[email protected]

Q. What powers does VMDhave to act in cases ofunauthorised claims? A. It is not mandatory to seekformal confirmation of a

product’s status before it isplaced on the UK market.However, should a product beplaced on the market withoutan MA and it is deemed to bea veterinary medicine,enforcement action will betaken.

Formal correspondence isoften a first step, howeverwhere more forceful action isnecessary the VMR provideenforcement officers thepowers to carry outenforcement activitiesincluding powers of entry,inspection of premises,examination of records anddocuments, taking of samplesand seizure of products. Incases where Seizure Notices orImprovement Notices havebeen issued in accordance withthe VMR, this information ispublicised on our website.

ETN asked Barry to comment on this wording fromtwo recently published advertisements. (Companyand product names have been removed).


How to sell feedbalancersin the summerETN asks Nicola Tyler of TopSpechow to boost seasonal sales.

Q. Some of my customers stop buying and using a feedbalancer in the summer, believing they don’t need it whenthere’s plenty of grass around. How can I persuade themotherwise?A. If their horse is in the correct condition, well, in light work or atrest and on good grazing you should not try while the grassquality is good. At TopSpec, we feel that from mid spring to earlysummer owners can often economise if their horses are at rest oronly in light work as grass will usually supply an adequate supplyof nutrients for healthy horses in good condition.

This does vary enormously depending on local conditions,however. Broadly, we would say good grazing is more often likelyto be found in the west, particularly the south west, than in therest of the UK. This year, the very dry spring means that it will beuncommon to find good grazing in the south east.

Care must be taken to provide salt in some form to these horsesas even in light work they may sweat if, for example, the weatheris warm and they are unfit. Placing a salt lick near the watertrough if horses are out 24/7, or in the manger if horses are inovernight, is fine for horses that use one. For horses that ignoresalt licks, it’s advisable to add 1 level tablespoon salt to 1 Stubbsscoop of suitable chop, e.g. TopChop Lite, per day for two daysafter a horse has sweated.

Where feed balancers become invaluable during the period ofmaximum grass growth is as a source of nutrients for horses inmedium to hard work, stressed horses, show horses, brood maresand youngstock and horses with nutritionally-related problemse.g. poor hoof quality, or ‘tying-up.’ In many cases the grasssupplies all the calories a horse needs but insufficientmicronutrients and so feed balancers are a perfect fit. For anyhorses needing to gain condition, a conditioning feed balancerwill increase the efficiency with which a horse utilises his grass andso help him to gain weight.

Powered by TopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer:Carnsdale Beltane Poppy and Alice Barnes, working hunter

pony champion, British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and Dublin.


Q. Which TopSpec balancer would you recommend for a14.2hh pony, inclined to be a good doer, yet is competingin working hunter classes this summer?A. It depends on a lot of information not given here, butassuming the pony was previously on half a Stubbs scoop ofcompetition cubes twice a day, I would recommend a twice dailyfeed of 200g (fits in a TopSpec measure or half pint mug) ofTopSpec Comprehensive Feed Balancer mixed with one Stubbsscoop (approx 300g) of damped TopChop Alfalfa.

To this, I would recommend adding to each feed one leveldessertspoon of table salt. If the pony is in overnight he shouldreceive ad-lib good quality meadow hay.

Q. With so many balancers on the market, my customersget confused. Can you tell me what literature and PoS isavailable to support my TopSpec sales?A. TopSpec produces a very informative (some would say wordy!)36 page brochure that explains its products and how to feedthem, in some detail. In addition there are about 30 articles on alltypes of horses, activities and problems, free for you to give tointerested customers.

A wide variety of posters, charts, boards, banners and displayholders are all free to enable you to create an attractive andinformative display. If customers have any questions not answeredby these then they are welcome to call the TopSpec BETA-Multiple-Award-Winning-Helpline (01845 565 030) direct fromyour shop, or from home, with any queries.

Q. I’ve seen pictures of TopSpec weighing horses forpeople on a portable weigh-bridge. Is it possible to bookthis facility for my store? I think it would be a great drawfor our open day. A. Yes, we have six regional equine advisors in the UK who eachhave a weighbridge and enjoy meeting customers on yards, atveterinary practices and at retailer premises. Having a weighbridgeat your store is a proven big attraction that will bring customersflocking, providing you have lots of space and good parkingfacilities.

A conditioning feed balancer will increase the efficiency withwhich a horse utilises his grass and so help him to gain weight.

The very dry spring means thatit will be uncommon to findgood grazing in the south east.


Taking on the worldFor 30 years, Alltech has been committed to research, development andsocial responsibility. ETN finds out why it now ranks among the top tenanimal health companies in the world.

A lltech founder Dr PierceLyons is a man on amission – or three!

Having come from ascientific background, it’s nosurprise that his company isresearch based. But the visiongoes beyond developingproducts and technologies,extending to philanthropicventures that include youngscientist and graduateprogrammes, as well as theSustainable Haiti Project, setup after the devastating 2010earthquake.

These projects flourish onthe back of a successfulbusiness that is, perhaps, bestknown to horse owners as title

sponsor for the Alltech FEIWorld Equestrian Games(WEG). In fact, Alltechproducts, such as Yea-Sacc1026, Sel-Plex, Bio-Mosand Bioplex minerals, havelong been included in many ofthe best known horse feedsand supplements on themarket.

Manufacturers frequentlyturn to Alltech productsbecause they are supported byextensive research data.

European technical co-ordinator Dr Helen Warrenexplained why scientificstudies are so important to thecompany: “Our knowledge ofequine nutrition is constantly

evolving and it is vital that wemaintain this focus, not leastto uphold the various patentsand approvals that apply toAlltech products globally.

“Such registrations andlicences are also a legalrequirement when makingclaims regarding a product’smode of action or efficacy.While it’s true that scientificresearch is hugely expensive, itdoes allow us to gathervaluable data that we canshare with our customers.”

Quality control andtraceability are also high onthe company’s list of priorities.“The bulk of Alltech productsgo into farm feeds, so food

safety and traceability areobviously hugely importantwhen you’re dealing with thehuman food chain,” saidHelen.

“The Alltech Quality System(AQS) requires that ourproducts are tested at everystage, from the raw materialscoming into our facilities, rightthrough the productionprocess. Such measures alsoensure consistency.”

Helen argues that thesestandards are extremelyrelevant to the equestrianmarket: “Horse ownersdeserve to have the assurancethat their hard-earned cash isgoing into feeds and

Feel the forceALLTECH Lifeforce is a natural feedsupplement that brings together arange of Alltech’s advanced, organictechnologies.

The unique formulation stabilises pHlevels in the hind gut and stimulatesthe production of beneficial bacteriafor optimum gut function, as well asbuffering against digestive upset.

Daily supplementation providesspecific elements essential for aneffective immune response and helpsthe horse reach peak body andmuscular condition, as well assupporting hoof and coat developmentand promoting overall healthy growth.

Available in 1.7kg or 5kg packs (1month or 3 months supply)t Alltech 01780 764512

supplements that work andhave been producedresponsibly. After all, doesn’teveryone want to know thattheir feed or supplement isproven, effective and safe?”

So where next for thecompany that has a sectionheaded ‘Feeding the World’ onits website and which hasrecently set up its own algaeproduction plant in the USA?

Alltech officesand distributioncentres globally

manufacturingfacilitiesworldwide

biosciencecentres

the year of theAlltech FEI WorldEquestrian Gamesin Normandy

128

31

4

2014

ALLTECH INNUMBERS …

Alltech HQ in Kentucky: where products are supported by extensive research data

Investing in life sciences,according to Helen. “Alltech’snutrigenomics research isrevolutionising ourunderstanding of the linkbetween nutrition and ourhealth and wellness, whileepigenetics research is lookingat the on-going debate overthe relative importance ofgenetics and environment.”


ETN brings you the latest news,views and thinking from the feedbalancers and supplements market.

Rumenco launches licks and treatsRUMENCO has introduced a range of lick-style supplements andtreats with promotional offers to retailers.

SUPAlyx supplements include protein from soya, vitamins andminerals, Diamond V XPLS yeast culture and molasses. They comein 12.5kg pasture-sized tubs or 3kg tubs suitable for the stable.

Retailers can claim one free 3kg tub in every box of six until theend of May. Point of sale displays (pictured) are available.

There are four different SUPAlyx varieties, all colour-codeddifferently. Horse & Pony provides nutrients that might be missingfrom pasture; Easy Breather has added eucalyptus, menthol, plantextracts and essential oils to help horses maintain a healthyrespiratory system; and Nimble with glucosamine, MSM, cod liveroil and vitamin C helps maintain healthy joints, while Garlic repelsbiting insects and provides the herbs other benefits.

New SUPAlyx Tasty Treats also come in attractive counter topdisplay boxes holding 24 x 650g licks. Retailers are offered fourfree when they buy a box of 24 until end of this month.

The glucose based treats, designed to reward or distract ratherthan for free access, come in Sugar Lump, Mellow Mint, CarrotCake and Apple Blush favours.

RRPs are SUPAlyxHorse & Pony 3kg£5.00 and 12.5kg£16.50. SUPAlyx EasyBreather, Nimble andGarlic 3kg £5.50and 12.5kg £19.SUPAlyx TastyTreats have an RRPof £3 for 650g. t Rumenco0800 833675

Staying immune...HIGH POLLEN counts, bright sunlightand dry, dusty environments allpresent challenges to horses’ immunesystems as the summer progresses.

Immune Aid from GWF Nutrition is acomplementary feed for horses andponies providing nutritional support tomaintain a healthy coat, bright eyes andgood respiration.

Through the use of nine nutricines, Immune Aid providessupport to the normal immune system of the horse to deal withthe presence of foreign materials that can be harmful to health. Italso helps maintain healthy internal mucous membranes.

Immune Aid now contains Omega 3 for added health,performance and vitality.

A 5kb bucket has an RRP of £31.t GWF Nutrition 01225 708482.

Extras and additions


New supplement feels theBETA International effectSINCE WINNING the feed andsupplements Innovation Awardat BETA International 2012,Racing Blue STORM’s webstatistics have shown a five-foldincrease in daily traffic.

Twitter and Facebook followersand contacts have also seen adramatic increase post BETAInternational, while the companyreports making solid in-roadsinto the UK and overseas tradesector.

Racing Blue is a new company.Its [currently single] product STORM is backed by robust science,published in the high quality journal Equine Veterinary Journal.

Racing Blue STORM is the only product in the market thataddresses the low level of beta alanine in the horse’s diet. Betaalanine, a specialist amino acid, is needed to synthesise carnosinein muscle. Carnosine is intimately involved in managing or‘buffering’ the lactic acid produced by muscle during exercise,which contributes to muscle fatigue.

Beta alanine is one of the few nutritional ingredients in humansports nutrition with a clear scientific and practical track record.The science in horses shows that beta-alanine is absorbed whenpresented in a particular form and is taken up into musclesignificantly to increase the level of muscle carnosine.

It is a simple story, as increased muscle carnosine gives bettermanagement of lactic acid in muscle, which delays muscle fatigueand reduces exercise induced muscle damage.

STORM is quickly becoming well established in the racing sectoraround the world, but is now also being appreciated by otherequestrian disciplines where lactic acid accumulation contributesto fatigue. Eventing and showjumping are two disciplines wherethe benefits of STORM are quickly being established in practice inthe run up to London 2012. Polo is another sport where STORMhas a beneficial part to play.

Interestingly, STORM is not just a product for elite equineathletes, as research in humans indicates that beta alanine is ofincreasing benefit with age.

The level of carnosine in muscle declines with age, which willinevitably have an effect on muscle function end exercisetolerance. While flat race horses may reach their peak athleticactivity as two and three year olds, National Hunt horses are olderand those that compete in eventing, showjumping, polo andendurance are often still competing well into their mid to lateteens.

Research in horses also shows a decline in muscle carnosineconcentration from yearlings to four year olds. t Racing Blue 01242 633660.

50 years in the bagSPILLERS’ balancers have been formulated using half a century’sexperience in equine nutrition.

There are five different products to suit individualcircumstances.

Spillers Lite Balancer for the good doer, Original Balancer forthose that don’t require the full amount of compound feed,Performance Balancer for competition horses, Senior Balancer forveteran equines and Grow ‘n’ Win Stud Balancer for brood mares,stallions and youngstock.

With clear point of sale materials and easy-to-use productguides, Spillers makes it simple for your customers to make theright feed decisions in-store. t Spillers 01908 222888.


Home cooked goodnessLICKS CAN be palatable, timesaving and simple to use –but they’re not all the same,says Horslyx product andsales Manager, Gillian Neill.

“In order for a lick to becost effective and ensure thecorrect levels of vitamins andminerals are fed, it’simportant to ensure thefeeding guidelines areadhered to,” she explains.

“Some licks may have a lessconcentrated package ofnutrients which may meanthat more of the lick needs tobe consumed in order toreceive the full benefits. Thiscan make some productsseem cheaper at the initialoutlay, but more expensive inthe long run when a greater quantity is consumed.”

The manufacturing processes can vary too. “Horslyx is cooked,”said Gillian. “This is a patented method exclusive to[manufacturer] Caltech and is similar to making treacle toffee athome.

“The base ingredients – molasses and oil – are cooked, andwhen the product cools down, the nutrients are added; it thensets and becomes hard. This means the product is weatherproof,contains no chemical hardeners, and no artificial colours,preservatives or flavourings.”

By cooking Horslyx, it means that the moisture content is lowerthan 5%, adds Gillian, so customers can be sure they have anutrient rich product, which needn’t be consumed at such highamounts.

“This, in turn, results in a longer lasting lick that is palatable,easy to digest and kinder on the pocket.”t Horslyx 01697 332 592.

LitoVet sponsors lameness conferenceLANES Health, the company behind LitoVet joint supplement,joined forces with the British Horse Society (BHS) to present alameness awareness conference at Hartpury College in March.

Speakers were Professor Clegg, an orthopaedic specialist fromLiverpool University, independent equine Nutritionist Dr CatherineDunnett, Horses Inside Out founder Gillian Higgins and dressagetrainer Adam Kemp.

Professor Clegg discussed the technological advances indiagnosing lameness over the past 10-15 years which range fromx-rays to MRI scanning and gave an insight into the advantagesand limitations of each, while stressing the importance of theclinical, hands-on examination by a skilled vet.

Focusing on the structure and composition of joints, Dr Dunnettgave a presentation on the importance of managing nutrition tomaintain performance. She emphasised the need to use onlysupplements that have peer-reviewed scientific researchsupporting their claims.

While the extra strain obesity can place upon joints is widelyaccepted, Dr Dunnett explained that a further consequence ofobesity is the possible development of insulin resistance and citedstudies that have shown that this has been linked with certaindevelopmental orthopaedic diseases.

To help delegates understand how the horse works, GillianHiggins used videos and part of the horse’s skeleton todemonstrate the anatomically complex area of the horse’s back,sacroiliac joint and lumbar sacral junction. She highlighted unevenhind limb movement, compensation patterns and secondarysymptoms - and gave guidance on exercises and stretches ownerscan do with their horses to aid mobility.

After lunch, Adam Kemp (pictured with event rider David Doel)presented horses firstly with near perfect conformation fordressage, then others with faults. He stressed the importance oftraining for soundness according to the horse’s age andconformation to avoid lameness.

“Lameness affects all horses at some time in their lives and it isan area in which science is making great progress,” said ElizabethHughes, LitoVet product manager. “The more that is known, themore likely we are to be able to keep our horses sounder forlonger”.

Lee Hackett, BHS head of welfare, concluded by thanking LanesHealth “without whom the conference would not have been ableto take place.”

LitoVet is a scientifically proven supplement developed to helpmaintain soundness, suppleness and mobility in horses. Theproduct is a rich, standardised source of GOPO (glycoside of monoand diglycerol), a key component of the specially cultivated rose-hip Rosa Canina. Rosehip extract that does not contain GOPO hasnot been shown to help maintain joint mobility.t Lanes Health 01452 524012.

NOPS for supplements is on the wayBETA is working to smooth the way forsupplement manufacturers to join its NOPSscheme.

The idea of extending the NOPS scheme – acode devised to reduce the risk of naturallyoccurring prohibited substances - was raised atlast year’s inaugural BETA Feed Conference.

In fact, as BETA’s executive director ClaireWilliams points out, supplements are already part of the scheme.

“Under EU law, ‘complimentary feeding stuffs’ is the term givento all equine feed whether this be compound or so-calledsupplements,” she said. “By law, there is no such thing as asupplement’; it’s just common parlance for a feed that isconcentrated and usually fed in much smaller quantities to‘supplement’ a diet.

“What was mooted at last year’s conference was a separatescheme better designed for supplements.

“Some companies have encountered difficulties meeting therequirements of NOPS due to the fact that NOPS is attached toUFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme) which is designed forcompound feed. Hence the way supplements are made sometimesposes challenges for companies wanting to join NOPS.”

Claire confirmed that BETA is working on a separatesupplements scheme within NOPS, with a framework alreadydeveloped. The new scheme will be every bit as robust as theexisting one - and of equal value, she added.

Serious slow release IF A HORSE needs a ‘serious calorie hit’without it going to his head, Baileys Outshinehigh oil supplement is the answer.

Being energy-dense, oil delivers lots ofcalories in a much smaller volume thancereals, and in a slow release form - sothere’s no danger of starch induced fizz.

Alongside its balance of Omega 3 and 6fatty acids, there are antioxidants to supportthe body’s utilisation of the oil.

Added to an existing balanced diet,Outshine is fed in small quantities, with ½ to1lb supporting soft supple skin and a shinycoat and 1 to 3lb providing significant additional calories forweight gain or performance.

It’s ideal for horses whose starch intake needs limiting, likethose prone to laminitis or tying-up.

Baileys Outshine is available in 6.5kg bags (sold to the trade inboxes of two) and 20kg sacks. t Baileys Horse Feeds 01371 850247 (option 3).

Committed to animal care...THAT’S THE motto of The Animal HealthCompany, producer of supplements forequines and canines since 1990.

The company was formed from the originalmanagement structure of VetHealth Ltd andVet-tek Ltd. When SP Equine was acquired,its products were merged into the existingequine product range.

The Animal Health Companyconcentrates on ensuring that animalsreceive the greatest benefits in the highestquantities from the herbal elements of itsproducts.

In 1993, the company mastered theTherminfusex technique which enabled itto manufacture herbal products in liquidform for easier digestion and betterabsorption. The process involvesextracting the ‘goodness’ from theherbs in water over a 24 hour period.Ingredients such as supplementaryvitamins are then added.

The Animal Health Company has wonnumerous awards as the innovativeways in which its products increaseanimals’ well-being are recognised. In1999, NoBute won the Your Horse Readers’Choice award, and last year the company won theEast Anglian Entrepreneur Business Award.

Also in 2011, The Animal Health Company commissionedcreative agency Graphic Evidence to rebrand its ever-expandingproduct ranges. The resulting categorisation of products hasmade them more consumer-friendly and easy to spot in-store.

The Animal Health Company portfolio comprises NoBute(herbal ‘bute alternative), StableZone (a stable hygiene rangefeaturing Defence 7, a DEFRA approved disinfectant), GroomsChoice, Oz Oil, Health & Herbal, Grooming for Excellence andthe Animal Hygiene Range.

Continued innovation and on-going research into herbalalternatives to chemical treatments are very much at thiscompany’s heart. As Paul Westcott, managing director, pointsout: “We are innovators not imitators.”

And for the future? “We are looking to expand the range toinclude our own brand of canine food and equine feed,” saidPaul.

Another exciting development is that Defence 7 is seeingstrong export sales to Thailand, with expansion imminent inVietnam and Malaya.t The Animal Health Company 01787 476400.


Hope for sweet itch sufferers?WHEN sweet itch strikes, immuneresponse and wound healing becomesignificant issues for the horse or ponyowner concerned.

So it’s unsurprising that the maker ofAloeride is receiving promising feedbackfrom users of its pure yet potent aloevera supplement.

Michael Jones’ Murphy had sufferedfrom sweet itch for more than eightyears. Often, the distressed geldingwould rub and scratch so much thatmany a time Michael found bits of hisflesh on fence posts.

Everything had been tried; itch lotions, herbal remedies - digestedand applied. Murphy had even had injections from a vet as part of atrial (he was on the real product, not the placebo) combined withgallons of fly sprays of many different types to ward off midges, to noavail.

Then last year, having been given one sachet of Aloeride everymorning and despite the midges being out in full force, Michaelnoticed a dramatic improvement in his horse’s condition.

“We have not used any fly spray or any other sweet itch products,”he wrote in an email last July. “After five months on Aloeride we havenoticed other changes for the better and keep finding improvementseach month.

“At worst it’s only going to cost the same as any other combinationand there are added benefits of excellent coat condition, hooves andalso lack of fluid swellings.”

Michael has also been taking the human version of Aloeridehimself. “I have lost the dry feet I have suffered from for so long, myskin heals quicker and in general I feel much healthier,” he reported.

Aloeride can help with the horses’ allergic reaction to biting insects,as well as helping to promote healthy skin and accelerated healing incuts and sores caused by the horses’ scratching.

Michael is still feeding Murphy equine Aloeride.t Aloeride 01858 464 550.

Murphy before Aloeride

Murphy on Aloeride

Flex those mussels RECENT published research hasindicated that Green LippedMussel (GLM) may be beneficialin helping horses with arthritis.

This is due to the presence ofOmega 3 ETA polyunsaturatedfatty acids which have a naturalanti-inflammatory action.

Maxavita’s bestselling joint care supplement MaxaFlexcombines a high quality GLM extract called SuPerna withother key joint care ingredients to support all round jointhealth. SuPerna contains high levels of Omega-3 ETA fattyacids.

MaxaFlex is fast acting, with results often visible in aslittle as seven to ten days. It contains no listed bannedsubstances.

The RRP for 900g – a 30 day supply for the averagehorse – is £29.85. t Maxavita 08450 752754.

Supported bypublished clinicaltrialsNEW GastriVet from NAF hasbeen the subject of clinical trialsand a paper published in ascientific journal.

The product comes to market as it becomes clear thatulcers in horses are an increasingly common problem.

The research paper on GastriVet, known as AcidProtectin Europe, is published in Pferdeheilkunde, a Germanequine veterinary journal. Dr Sonja Berger, who conductedthe trial, is based at The Department of Small Animals andHorses at Vienna University.

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockersare prohibited under the rules of racing, so the aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the healing properties of analternative product on gastric ulceration in racehorses intraining, explains Dr Berger in her summary.

AcidProtect [GastriVet] contains bentonite, psyllium, di–calciumphosphate, soy bean hydrolysate, marshmallow,orange peel, dandelion, rosemary, mint, dried grass meal,lecithin and yeast.

Seventeen patients with gastroscopic evidence of gastriculcers were given the product for 21 days. Gastric ulcerscores regarding numbers and severity of the lesions werecompared before and after. More than 67% of casesshowed improvement, while attenuation [shrinking] of theulcer severity reached statistical significance.

The results suggested that AcidProtect [GastriVet] had abeneficial effect on gastric ulcers in horses withunchanged training, feeding and housing conditions.Further improvement or complete healing may require aprolonged treatment period or/and a higher dosage,concluded Dr Berger.

Until the arrival of GastriVet, the only choice availablefollowing a positive gastroscope result has been that ofveterinary prescribed medicine – which is not always anoption in competition horses.

GastriVet is formulated to support the natural anti-inflammatory processes of the gut, soothe and protect thestomach walls from splashing acid, and to balance the pHlevels in the gut.

The RRP is £75.00 for a 30 day supply.t NAF 0800 373106.


• Lucy Crowley has joined the salesteam at HorseWorldLive, the newconsumer show to take place at Excel,London in November. “The show promisesto be a spectacular event and I'm reallyexcited to be on board,” she said.

• Finn O’Sullivan has beenappointed business developmentmanager for Ireland by TopSpec.With more than 11 years’experience in the feed industry, hewill be covering Northern Irelandand Eire.

Finn is a farrier, a keen huntfollower and breeds sport horseswhich he has shown at the RoyalDublin Horse Show. “I’m lookingforward to representing TopSpecthroughout Ireland and continuing to promote the brand and productrange to retailers and horse owners,” he said.

• Show jumper Ben Maher has received an honorary doctorate fromthe University of Essex for his contribution to the equestrian industry.Following the award ceremony, Ben gave a demonstration in the newindoor riding arena at Writtle College.

• Jane Holderness-Roddam, president ofthe British Equestrian Trade Association(BETA), has been named as an officialOlympic Torchbearer through her local areaof Shurdington, Gloucestershire on 23 May.

Jane (nee Bullen), also president of BritishEventing (BE), was the first female eventrider to represent Britain at an OlympicGames when she was on the gold medalwinning team at the 1968 Olympics inMexico riding the barely 15hh Our Nobby.

• Dengie Horse Feeds has appointedRyann Walker as area sales manager forScotland and the Border counties. Witha degree in equine studies, BHSAI andAMTRA qualifications, Ryann owns Kyle,a home-bred16.1hh Dutch warmbloodon whom she competes at riding clublevel. “Dengie fibre feeds have always playedan important role in Kyle’s diet so I haveseen the benefits they bring first-hand,”said Ryann.

• HRH The Duchess of Rothesay (Duchessof Cornwall) is to extend her patronage ofthe Scottish National Equestrian Centre, onthe Oatridge College campus in WestLothian, for a further five years. The Duchessofficially opened the centre’s £3.5 millionfirst phase in 2007.

• Karen Fisher has become eventsmanager, responsible for the ridingcompetitions at Speedgate, theKent based retailer. She startedworking for Frogpool ManorSaddlery more than six years ago inthe ‘goods in’ department beforemoving to purchasing. Speedgatesubsequently acquired FrogpoolManor. Although she has show jumped toFoxhunter level, Karen now preferscompeting in dressage. She ownstwo horses, Stanley who is retiredand show jumper Rodney. Karenalso enjoys cooking, listening tomusic and taking her dogs for longwalks.

• Jennifer Saunders has beenhaving show jumping lessonswith Tim Stockdale as part ofher training towards competingin a one day event. The 53 yearold actress and comedienne isalso making a two-parttelevision documentary abouther love of horses, due to bebroadcast in August.


Let’s

Celebrate 2012LondonWith just weeks to go before the equestrian events open in Greenwich,Penny Richardson finds out how the trade is catching Olympic fever.

Despite not having thechance to take theirtradestands toGreenwich, retailers and

manufacturers all over Britain arelooking forward to London 2012.

Most are already feelingpatriotic — none more so thanBETA member Ann Simpson, whoruns Thru The Keyhole Equestrianin Turriff, Aberdeenshire, andcan’t wait for the Olympics tostart.

“I’m a Londoner who moved toScotland 28 years ago and I waslucky enough to get tickets for thedressage and show jumping,” sheexplains.

Ann has an extra reason formaking the 600-mile journey toGreenwich — her husband’snephew is show jumper GuyWilliams, who is bidding for aplace on Britain’s team.

“We have pictures of Guy allover the walls of the shop, sowe’ve got our fingers crossedthat he makes the team,” saysAnn.

Ann will be putting up TeamGBR posters and decorating hershop in team colours, but sheisn’t sure if London 2012 willmake much difference to hercustomer base.

“It’s difficult because north-east Scotland feels so far awayfrom the action in London,” sheadmits.

By contrast, College FarmEquestrian in Finchley, NorthLondon, is just 15 miles fromGreenwich Park, so the Olympicscould be classed a “local show”.

“I’m interested in everything,not just the equestrian side,” saysowner Jane Ower.

Celebrations are still in the

planning stage, although Jane isconsidering a window display ofgoods carrying the Union Flagand her son is currently designinga patriotic hoodie to sell in theshop.

“I also think it would be niceto bring in a TV, so customerscould watch the Olympics whilethey shop — and I wouldn’tmind being able to do that too!”she jokes.

Jane believes London 2012 cando nothing but good for herbusiness.

“There’s always an increase insales when horses are on TV —Only Fools On Horses createdhuge interest in riding — and ifour teams can win medals, evenbetter,” she explains.

Anticipation is also building upat Albion Saddlemakers ofWalsall, which has five sponsored

riders from four nations withchances of making it toGreenwich.

“We’re thoroughly excitedabout the whole thing,” saysmanaging director Sherry Belton.“A few of our staff managed toget tickets and the rest of us willbe watching — and cheering onour riders — from HQ.”

Sherry is hopeful the Olympicswill be good for Albion.

“The fact that the Games arein London should promoteeverything British and encouragemore people to try out the sportand there should be plenty ofBritish brands, including ourown, among the equipment ondisplay,” she says.

St Albans-based MartinWilkinson Saddlers is lookingforward to London 2012, with aminor reservation.

Whether they’ve got tickets or arewatching on TV, all eyes will be on the

Greenwich arena with its spectacularbackdrop. (Photo Kit Houghton/FEI).


“We’re in the London area andare a little worried that thepotential increase in traffic couldhamper our operations,” saysbusiness manager RosemaryNeale.

Despite this, there’s plenty ofanticipation throughout thebusiness.

“We’ll be watching throughlive streaming on our computersand there could just be a fewUnion flags around the place!”says Rosemary. “Martin hastickets for the dressage and ourbookkeeper is going to theeventing cross-country. Howexciting is that?”

Rosemary isn’t expecting ahuge increase in sales.“But I dothink there will be an increasedinterest in riding, especially ifTeam GBR does well,” she says.

You couldn’t have a morepatriotic name than British HorseFeeds and Will l’Anson isconfident that London 2012 willbe good for his Yorkshire-basedfamily business.

“Without doubt, the run-up toLondon 2012 has createdexcitement in the trade and hasgot everyone ‘thinking British’,”he says. “We’d like to think morepeople will try riding afterwatching on TV, and that whenowners see the world’s leadinghorses looking so well whilecompeting at the highest level,they’ll be encouraged to lookfurther into nutrition for theirhorse or pony.”

Staff will be watching theOlympic action on TV.

“We have enthusiasts for everydiscipline — my family’s intoeventing — so there’ll be plentyof discussion and competitionbetween us in the office,” saysWill.

“This is such an opportunityfor our industry. With GreenwichPark providing an amazing venuein the heart of London, it’s time

to capitalise on the mediaawareness and publicity.”

It hasn’t been plain sailing foreveryone, as some major showsand events have had to avoidclashes with London 2012.Hickstead’s Royal InternationalHorse Show is now just threeweeks after the Derby meeting.

“I don’t think our attendancewill be affected — if anything,we’re hoping overseas visitorsmight include a visit to Hicksteadin their Olympic itinerary!” saysdirector Lizzie Bunn. “It’s also an

ideal opportunity for those whodidn’t manage to get an Olympicticket to give the British team agreat send-off.”

The date change hasn’tcompromised Hickstead’stradestand bookings either.

“Our applications are currentlyon a par with last year, includinga few new exhibitors,” says Lizzie.

It wasn’t so easy for Dressageat Hickstead, which postponed itsinternational show until nextyear. But Dane Rawlins and hisorganising team have decided tostart their Olympics with acelebration ball on 21 July.

There has been a shuffle in theeventing world and Gatcombe’sFestival of Eventing, presented byBETA, has been brought forwardby three weeks to avoid clashingwith London 2012.

However, HopetounInternational event has decidedto make the most of its clashwith London 2012’s eventing.Extras at the Edinburgh venuewill include increased prize-money, a big screen showingOlympic highlights and a 2012party.

Theresa Morris, owner ofWorcestershire manufacturer andretailer Treehouse SportingColours, has more reason thanmost to look forward to London2012.

“We’ve made the hat silks forthe Olympic pentathloncompetitors and I’ve also gottickets for the eventing cross-country, so the whole experiencewill be fantastic,” she says.

John and Pat Hales already puta lot into equestrianism throughtheir show jumpers, racehorsesand sport horse stud, plussponsorship via their Golden Beartoymaking firm. They own NickSkelton’s former ride Arko andGrand National winner NeptuneCollonges. The Olympics willenable them to give even moreback, as Golden Bear has wonthe contract to manufacture the2012 mascots.

“We’re very proud indeed tobe part of London 2012 and ofcourse the involvement willbenefit the equestrian trade. Ourhorses are our life and we spendan awful lot of money on them!”says Pat.

We have pictures of Guy [Williams] all over the shop, sowe’ve got our fingerscrossed that hemakes the team.

Toymaker Golden Bear, run byequestrian supporters John and PatHales, won the contract to produce

the official 2012 mascots.

Theresa Morris: Her company has made hatsilks for the Olympic pentathlon competitors.

Sherry Belton with Albion sponsored riderWilliam Fox-Pitt.

Will I’Anson ofBritish HorseFeeds: London2012 is anamazingopportunity forour industry.


“With all eyes on the UK, this is theperfect time for us to celebrate ourreputation within the world-wideequestrian community.”Han Van De Braak of Aloeride, the Britishmade, natural organic aloe vera equine feedsupplement.

What London 2012 means to us...

Mary Hart and Anna Wiltshire of Carrots UK areembracing the Olympic spirit.

“We’ve taken a bus tour of the venue. It wasamazing to see how huge it all is,” said Mary.“As a business, we’ve brought out a collectionof Union Jack accessories such as socks, hat covers, glovesand bags. All are flying out of the door to retailers - theOlympic bug is hard hitting and helping to boost morale!”

A percentage of sales of the Toggi Team GBR collection go to the BritishEquestrian Federation (BEF) to support all the equestrian disciplines.

“Now’s the time when equestrian enthusiasts show theirsupport for our equestrian heroes by kitting themselves out inpatriotic red, white and blue,” says a spokesman for supplier Finest Brands International.

“The Olympics is a fantasticopportunity for British brands likemine to celebrate what we do.” Jean Hammond, Golly Galoshes.

“The team at Matchmakerswish the British team thebest of luck,” Richard Lawrence ofMatchmakers whose Harry Halland Cottage Craft brands havelaunched union jack themedranges of riding hats, clothing,jodhpurs, tote bags, saddleclothsand brushes.

Sunday trading laws are expected to be suspended by thegovernment for eight weekends from 22 July during the Olympics andParalympics.

The aim is to accommodate a surge in the number of visitors to theUK in connection with the games with British businesses of all typesexpected to experience a rise in sales.

Currently small shops in England and Wales with a floor area of upto 280 square metres (3,014 square feet) can choose their ownSunday opening hours.

Shops with a floor area greater than this limit can open for sixcontinuous hours between 10am and 6pm on a Sunday.

There are no restrictions on Sunday trading hours in Scotland.

London 2012 marks 100 years of equestrian sport in the Olympicmovement. Pictured is Sweden's Carl Bonde and Emperor who took theindividual dressage title in Stockholm at the 1912 Olympic Games. Acentury on, Britain is the hot favourite for dressage gold medals

Dodson & Horrell, official supplier of nutrition to Equestrian Team GBR,works closely with the team’s vets and nutritionists to advise on andsupply feed, supplements and herbs. The company will also be rootingfor its sponsored para-dressage riders Lee Pearson and Sophie Wells.

Another reason to celebrate

Trading laws to be relaxed?


“We will be wishing Mary King [sponsored rider] everysuccess should she be selected. We also expect to supply theBritish Equestrian Team with HorseHage as we have done atmany previous Olympics.” Chris Tar of Mark Westaway & Son.

“A successful games for the GB equestrian team will creategreater interest in the sport in the same way as it did forcycling,” Robert Ibbotson, Robinson Animal Healthcare

"With such a strong British dressage team,all eyes will be on what they are wearing,so we’ve stocked up on all those ‘big’dressage horse and rider looks frompatent bridles through to tail-coats withindividual touches. We’re also patriotic with a passion andbought in fabulous crystal browbands, saddle cloths, dressagewhips and even stock pins - all union jack inspired.”

Alison Nye-Warden,MD and owner of on-line retailer Dressage Deluxe.

The international view...Leading European wholesaler Waldhausen has beenthe official supplier to the German Olympic EquestrianTeam since 1972 – the year the Games took place in Munich onWaldhausen’s home soil.

Four decades on, the company is still supporting its nationalsquad, sharing huge successes in all three Olympic disciplines.

Walhdausen supplies the German Olympic equestrian team withrugs, saddle pads, fly veils, halters, ropes, grooming equipment andgrooming boxes. The premium quality range is eagerly used byriders, trainers and grooms.

But when ETN asked Wilke Diekel of Waldhausen whichhorse/rider combinations she tipped to win Olympic medals forGermany at London 2012, she was remaining tight-lipped.

“Olympics are always good for surprises. Germany hasmany young riders with high potential, thereforepredictions are hard to make.”


Q. How and when did NAF becomeofficial feed supplements supplier toEquestrian Team GBR?A. More than ten years ago and duringthat time has been providing riders fromthe World Class Performance, Potentialand Start Squads with products of theirchoice under the direction of the teamvets.

Q. What does the role involve?A. As official supplier, NAF works closelywith the Team GBR riders and theirgrooms who are heavily relied upon tolook after the health and happiness of thehorses. We regularly visit the riders athome, watch the horses work and discussthe nutritional support needs of the horsesto ensure we are helping them to performat their best.

Our visits can be consolidated withbespoke nutritionaladvice from any of ourveterinary scientists,nutritionists or even ourchemist should the ridersrequire. This gives themgreat confidence in thesupport NAF offers them.

Q. NAF already supports equestriansport from top to bottom, so why didyou feel it was important to take on‘official supplier’ status too?A. We are very proud of our products andthe endorsement they receive from ridersof all levels across all disciplines. Withmany of the best British and internationalriders already using our products, we felt itwas a great idea to reinforce theirendorsement by taking on official supplierstatus.

Q. Do you work with the otherofficial suppliers? A. The British Equestrian Federation (BEF)takes great care to ensure that Team GBR’sofficial suppliers don’t conflict at all andtherefore we offer very separate benefits.To date, an opportunity has not arisenactively to work with other suppliers, butshould it arise at any time, we would lookvery positively at what great combinedbenefits we could gain for the riders andour retailers.

Q. Which have been the most popularNAF products to be used by TeamGBR?A. With such a diverse range of products,there is something in the NAF range forevery horse - so we supply a very widerange of products to the Team GBR riders.

That said, our two leading Five Starbrands, Superflex for joints and Magic forcalming, which have been used by theTeam members for many years, continueto be popular choices. And, although stillin their infancy, we are thrilled our twonew products for supporting gastrichealth, GastriAid andclinically provenGastriVet - plus ourexciting new MPowerfor muscle health,have already receivedexcellent endorsementfrom the riders.

Q. How can stockists capitalise onNAF’s ‘official supplier’ status? A. Many of the Team riders are popularteachers, trainers and role models. As

such, they directly influencehorse owners in their choice ofproducts when purchasing fortheir own horses, and are thereforedirectly responsible for increased sales.

Plus, as can be seen in the equestrianpress, many Team GBR riders are veryhappy to endorse NAF products inadvertising. We know these riders arehugely respected not only by competitionriders, but also by those who ride forpleasure and who want nothing less thanthe best for their horses too.

Here at NAF, we have recorded thesuccess of these adverts, so we are awarethat they influence the buying choice ofhorse owners from across the board.

We also offer stockists a wide choice ofcreative point of sale material featuringTeam GBR rider endorsements. Theseitems can very often be bespoke to thestockists’ needs and they are very helpfulin generating sales in store.

Official suppliers toEquestrian Team GBR are...Dodson & Horrell – nutritionLand Rover – vehiclesMarksway HorseHage – dust-free forageMears Country Jackets – riding jacketsNatural Animal Feeds – supplementsNuuMed – numnahs and saddleclothsPatey – riding hatsPoint Two Equine – air jacketsThermatex – cooler rugsToggi – casual clothing

Many of the Team GBR ridersare very happy to endorseNAF products in advertising

Guy Williams

Lucy Wiegesma

COVER

STORY

We’re backing the British team!NAF supports equestrianism across the disciplines and at all levels. But thesupplements specialist has one particularly special role. ETN finds out more.


Clothing company Equetech is to lend its name to amounted fashion show during HorseWorldLive, the newconsumer show that organisers predict will attract 30,000visitors to London’s ExCel on 16-18 November. Featuring sixhorses, the Equetech Mounted Fashion Show will showcaseexhibitors’ latest collections.

Guy Williams, an Olympic hopeful withhis top horse Depardieu Van’t Kiezelhofand pictured here with hisHorse&Hound Foxhunter championDkjarata, is newly sponsored by haysteamer specialist Haygain.

Leading insurance broker ShearwaterInsurance, a long-standing supporter ofequestrian sport, has a new addition to itsequine string.

Shearwater Touchingwood (Woody), a sixyear old Irish Sports Horse gelding, will becampaigned by event rider Oliver Townend.(Photo: Stephen Sparkes Photography).

Golly Galoshes, the original waterproof,breathable equine gaiter for horses, hassigned up rising eventing star Victoria Bax.Golly Galoshes are designed to keephorses’ bandages and boots clean and drywhen competing or hacking.

Victoria, who has competed at CICinternational level, and specialises inretraining racehorses for eventing, said: “With so many horses inwork, Golly Galoshes have certainly saved my washing machinefrom the normal constant stream of boots and bandages! Theyhave already become an essential bit of kit which we reallycouldn’t live without.”

Wood recycling firm R Plevin & Sons issupplying is Snowflake and Woodpecker beddingto a number of equestrian fixtures this seasonincluding Houghton International. “We arethrilled that Woodpecker will be used at suchprestigious events,” said Plevin group salesmanager Colin Smith (pictured). Through its Snowflake brand, Plevin sponsorsshow jumper Ben Maher – and recentlyannounced a deal to supply Woodpeckerbedding to eventer Matthew Wright.

Family-owned Plevin, which employs 150 people across six sites,manufactures wood-based products from virgin and waste woodmaterials. The company collects, processes and distributes600,000 tonnes of wood a year.

Top young show rider Georgia Darlington(12) from Dorking, Surrey, will bewearing Tagg Equestrian clothing inthe ring this season, thanks to newsponsorship from the company. Georgiais already a veteran performer competingat top shows including HOYS and theRoyal International.

Fidelity Worldwide Investments hasextended its title sponsorship of the BlenheimPlace International Horse Trials up to andincluding 2015. The deal is enabling theorganisers to re-invest in some new fences - andimprove access on and off the site for tradestandholders. This year’s event takes place on 6-9September.

“Having the support of Fidelity and our otherloyal sponsors is what has enabled us to invest, not only in thecourse, but also in the facilities and support systems for the wholeevent,” said event director Mandy Hervieu. Pictured is last year’sBlenheim winner, Piggy French and DHI Topper.

Following its UKlaunch (see ProductNews, ETN Aprilissue), technicalhorse boot brandKentuckyHorsewear hasformed anassociation with two top British eventers. FrancisWhittington and Laura Collett become the first membersof Kentucky Horsewear Team UK.

Cambridgeshire based supplement company Maxavita hasagreed title sponsorship of the Maxavita Little DownhamHorse Trials. The event takes place twice a year in May andSeptember.

Equilibrium Products is sponsoring the Endurance GBinternational teams this year with the Equilibrium Therapyrange of massage and magnetic products.

Hit Air UK is sponsoring event riders Mike and Trish Ryan,Sam Watson and Young Rider Daniel Browne for 2012. Theair vest specialist is also backing an Eventing Ireland two-starseries run over five legs.

International dressage rider Emile Fauriehas signed a sponsorship agreement withGerman clothing company euro-star,joining fellow European gold medalwinning Team GB member LauraBechtolsheimer, plus Ulla Salzgeber andKai-Steffen Meier. euro-star incorporatesmany of its sponsored riders’ ideas intodeveloping its range.

Irish Under 25 event riders can look forward to new supportfrom Pfizer this season via the Equest Pramox series.“Equest has a loyal customer base in Ireland and it’s great tobe able to give something back to those that support us inpromoting responsible worming strategies,” said Eamonn O'Sullivan companion animal and equine business manager,Pfizer.

Current paralympic dressage European championNatasha Baker is sponsored by Belstane’sequestrian brands, Pikeur, Eskadron, Samshield,Myler and Rok. “Natasha is on great form withCabral. We have everything crossed for her in herpursuit of a place on the Paralympic GB Team thisyear,” said Belstane’s marketing manager TraceyMorley Jewkes.

Bruised solesThis happens all too frequentlywhen the ground is hard. Thesensitive structures that laybeneath the sole - soft tissuebetween the sole of the hoofand coffin bone - aredamaged as tiny blood vesselsunderneath the solehaemorrhage (bleed).

If the damage to bloodvessels is minimal, bruisingusually disappears within afew days; poulticing can help.However, such damage mayresult in the formation of ahaematoma (blood blister)which could lead to anabscess.

Animalintex Hoof Treatmentis suitable for the rapidtreatment of many footconditions, including bruisedsoles. This safe, veterinarylicensed product contains an

antiseptic to clean and preventre-infection and naturalpoulticing agent, Tragacanth,which, when it reacts withwater, draws out infection andcreates a clean area for thewound to heal.

When applied as a hot, wetpoultice, hoof shapedAnimalintex Hoof Treatmentincreases the blood supply tothe hoof which helps fightsinfection. Improved blood flowalso reduces swelling, whilstthe warmth of the poulticerelieves pain.

Animalintex can also beapplied dry or as a cold, wetpoultice and can berefrigerated before applicationif necessary.

Cuts and grazesEven minor cuts and grazesneed immediate attention toprevent the risk of infectionand to promote fast andeffective healing. If a wounddoes not require veterinaryattention (see the bullet pointsbelow) then clean carefullywith a saline solution (or alevel teaspoon of salt per pintof previously boiled water).Then cover with a suitabledressing to preventcontamination and to protectthe wound surface.

Activate is ideal for cleansingand healing open and infectedwounds. The multi-layereddressing incorporates activatedcarbon which has been foundto attract and absorb bacteriainto the dressing keepingcontamination away from thewound surface.

For low to mediumexudating wounds, Skintact - alow adherent, sterile,perforated film dressing, isuseful

Knocks and bumpsCold therapy is a natural,drug-free way to help treatinjuries and reduce pain. Itlowers the temperature at thesite of injury through heatexchange and constricts localblood vessels. This reduces celldamage and fluid build-up.

Cold therapy is ideally usedimmediately after an injuryoccurs and then subsequentlyfor the next 48 hours atregular intervals. Due to thefrequent nature of its use, coldtherapy involving water canlead to cracked heels or otherskin problems. Dry applicationminimizes the risk of suchdermatological issues.

For immediate, dry coldtherapy, Koolpak is ideal as itrequires no refrigeration. It’salso a useful application forhorses that have competed onhard ground. Activated bysqueezing the inner sachet,Koolpak remains effective forup to one hour and can bebandaged in place.

Other handy additions tothe first aid kit from RobinsonAnimal Healthcare includeVeterinary Gamgee, Equiwrap,Activ Wash, Vetalintex woundhydrogel and Premium BPQuality Cotton Wool.

t Robinson Animal Healthcare01909 735000.

Spring into actionThe start of the summer competition season is the ideal time to encourageyour customers to replenish their first aid kits. Robinson Animal Healthcarehas solutions for many common mishaps.

If asked for adviceby a customer who isconcerned about his or her

horse’s health, always suggestthey contact a vet. It’s a goodidea to keep a list of locallybased vets and farriers; helpingsomeone new to the area is agreat way to gain a new loyalcustomer. In the case of wounds, a vetshould be called immediately if:

• A wound is spurting blood(arterial bleeding).

• A wound requires stitching ie.is deep or longer than 2.5cm.

• A wound has foreign bodiesembedded in it.

• There is excessive swelling.

• The horse’s temperature risesabove 38.9°C (102°F).

• The horse has not beenvaccinated against tetanus.

RETAILTIP



Care of the equine communityETN gathers together some great gearfor the stable, paddock and tackroom.

Whole kit and caboodleWESTGATE EFI can supply you with everythingyour customers need for paddock, stable and tackroom.

As well as being sole distributor for Likitstable toys, WEFI's exclusive StableKit range

includes fixtures, fittings and equipment forthe yard, plus grooming kit and storage,

feed and mucking out tools, plusjump and dressage

accessories. Many items are

available in a widechoice of colours and

all represent excellentvalue for money.tWestgate EFI 01303 872277.

The best medicineSTOCKING products that save yourcustomers time and trouble will makeyou their favourite retailer – especiallyif your prices are right too!

Rhinegold Stable Medicine Boots,for instance, are a quick andconvenient alternative to stablebandages - for rest, after work and inconvalescence.

Offering leg protection from belowthe knee including the fetlock, theyfeature a durable neoprene outer witha detachable cotton padded liner. Fourwide Velcro straps make fasteningquick and easy.

In cob and full sizes, RhinegoldStable Medicine Boots are priced to thetrade at just £16.95 per pair.

As summer pests take hold, welldesigned masks will be in greatdemand from caring owners.Rhinegold Fly Masks come with andwithout ears.

With soft fleece binding and shapedto stay clear of the eye lashes, theyoffer shade from the sun too –something horses that headshake willappreciate.

The size range includes pony, coband full, all available in smart blackand grey. The trade price is just £6.50each for the ‘no ears’ fly mask and£7.50 for the ‘with ears’ design.t Snowhill Trade Saddlery 01243672323.

Summer essentialWARHORSE Water Carriers are perfect for use on the yard, in the paddock orhorsebox.

Robust and with comfortable carrying handles, they are manufactured innon-toxic, recyclable plastic. All models are see-through for checking waterlevels, stackable to save space and have cap taps for easy pouring.

Warhorse Water Carriers have a 10 year guarantee and come in 30 litre, 25litre or 20 litre sizes in a choice of colours. tWestgate EFI 01303 872277.

Spring into actionSPRING has sprung and thehorses are going out to graze.Then the fence needs fixing orthe ditch needs digging. Yes, it’sthe paddock maintenanceseason!

Faulks & Cox is making it easyfor retailers to profit during thispotentially lucrative time of year.As well as its Tubtrugs and TyreRubber Products, it now carries agreat range of tools for theequestrian and associatedmarkets - all presented in eye-catching merchandiser stands.

“Our Profit Pack system allowsretailers to offer pre-selectedranges of tools in compactstands which utilise floor spaceand greatly increases impulsepurchasing,” says Chris Birch,sales manager.

“The new ‘Wm.Faulks’ toolrange caters for all requirementsfrom stable tools to the morespecialised fencing and ditchingimplements. This enables shopsto widen their stock range withminimum outlay and risk.”t Faulks & Cox 01455 848184 .


DON’T BE deterred from stockingproducts that are designed to beused with hosepipes – even ifyou trade within an area subjectto the hosepipe ban.

According to the Environment Agency,hosepipes can be used for cleaning, maintenance andgeneral well-being of any kind of animal, even wherethe ban applies.

The exemption is due to the fact that all watercompanies have to adhere to certain conditions laid outby the government – and the government requires thatunder a hosepipe ban the welfare of animals must beprotected.

So permitted hosepipe/equestrian related activitiesinclude filling water troughs, washing horses andcleaning equipment/stabling/horseboxes. Similarly,anyone with a fish pond may top up and change thewater using a hosepipe.

RETAILTIP

Making life easier...TIME IS perhaps the most preciouscommodity for the average horseowner.

You can’t retail hours by the bag;but you can stock time-savingproducts that allow your customers toenjoy their horses all the more. Hereare a few ideas.

Easy Clean Shampoo from theFunnell Range can be used straightfrom the bottle. Sprayed straightonto stains, it’s the ideal pre-competition clean-up.

Another efficient and quickgrooming aid is the merinosheepskin grooming mitt (pictured)from Tagg Equestrian. It makes itan easy task to lift dust, lay thecoat and polish up all those ticklybits.

Customers with joint or strengthproblems in their hands will love the new range of gel handled, easy-to-gripgrooming items from Tagg Equestrian. They can choose from a sweat scraper,hoof pick, bucket cleaning brush and a mane and tail brush (pictured).

The Tail Guard Bag for Tagg Equestrian is a fantastic time (and temper) saverfor those with grey horses. The tail guard has a nylon extension to hold theentire tail – and protect it from the inevitable. t Tagg Equestrian 01636 636135.

Scrub up for SpringTHE WASH-N-BRUSH from ParellProducts could prove just as usefularound your premises as it will in yourcustomers’ stable yards.

The lightweight, portable broom hasa universal attachment to fit any hose.A unique two-in-one feature allowssweeping and cleaning with or withoutwater at the flick of a switch.

The bristle brush head contains 14high pressure power jets to blast awaydirt and clean concentrate, floors,patios and rubber matting. Wash-n-Brush is height adjustable to suit allusers. The RRP is £14.99.t Parell Products 07715 172 470.


WHEN it comes to keepingdressings clean and dry, GollyGaloshes are ingeniouswaterproof, breathable andversatile leg gaiters which dispelthe need for additionalprotective bandaging. They canalso help prevent the horseinterfering with the dressingand eliminate direct contactwith bedding or droppings.

Quick and easy to put on andtake off, Golly Galoshes alsohelp prevent mud or sand getting underneathdressings, so they can also be used duringconvalescence turn-out or exercise. Machinewashable, they have secure hook and loop fasteningsand a full length zip with protective fleece lapel forsecurity and comfort. RRPs are from £25.99 per‘miniature’ pair through to £34.99 for ‘horse’ sizing.t Golly Galoshes 01465 861 274

Check out theseproducts for someuseful additions to your customers’first aid kits.

PURPLE SPRAY with Chamomile,Lavender, Tea Tree & Arnica, in a500ml trigger spray, helps seal andprotect superficial cuts, abrasions,scabs, bites, cracked, sore heels andother seasonal related problems.Quickly absorbed into the skin, itworks to cleanse, soothe and calm,sore bruised areas and aid naturalhealing.

Used for centuries in skin carepreparations, chamomile, tea tree,lavender and arnica are included fortheir anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and remarkable healing properties.t Barrier Animal Healthcare 01953 456363.

ALOERIDE, theconcentrated aloe verasupplement thatcomes in daily sachets,can be mixed with alittle water to make apaste to apply tominimal grazes or rashes.

Given orally, taste-free Aloeridecan also assist in the acceleration of wound repair,rejuvenation and recovery, support the immunesystem and offer anti-inflammatory properties,making it ideal for horses recovering from illness,post operation and for those on box-rest. 30sachets, 30 days’ worth, contain the equivalent of12 litres of aloe vera juice. t Aloeride 01858 464 550.

ELECTRIC FENCING is a must-havefor owners who wish to controltheir horses’ grass intake by stripgrazing, rotate paddocks orcreate individual feeding pens orcorrals.

Green electric fence poles are so much more visuallyfriendly – and far less likely to give so-called horsey-culture a bad name. So consider stocking greenalongside the more usual white poles.

RETAILTIP

High time for ragwort controlBARRIER H is the world’s first,environmentally friendly, agricultural herbicidethat’s approved for the control of commonragwort.

Designed for safe, quick and accurate spotspray application, Barrier H destroys ragwortin all stages of growth and at all times ofyear.

It’s recommended that grazing animals arekept away from treated areas for two weeksor until the ragwort is completely dead andany debris (from mature plants) has beenremoved. This is not because Barrier H isharmful, but because dying ragwort ispalatable and dangerous to animals. t Barrier Animal Healthcare 01953 456363.

Let’s talk beddingRIGHT NOW, when your customers are springcleaning their stables, could be the perfectopportunity to talk to them about their choiceof bedding.

A build up of dust and ammonia can triggerrespiratory compromise or simply attractsbacteria and insects. As the weather warmsup, odours will get stronger too.

A bright and breezy spring day is theperfect time for a spruce up - and after all thathard work it makes sense to re-stock thestable with a hygienic, dust-extracted beddingproduct.

Your customers, and their horses, will benefit from a bedding product whichoffers the perfect balance of absorbency, ease of use and health benefits tohelp maintain a clean environment.

Nedz Original (made from wheat straw) and Nedz Pro (made from rapestraw) are highly absorbent and incorporate the exclusive Natural Nedzformula for cleanliness and insect repelling properties. Highly absorbent, theyonly need mucking out fully once a week. t Nedz 01254 677 762.

Throw in the towel!THE EASIDRI Grooming Towel from Trilanco isgreat for rapidly drying off horses.

The super absorbent towel comes in ahandy tube; it’s simply whipped out,dampened, wiped over the horse and wrungout. It can be re-used many, many times andis machine washable.

In three sizes, the Easidri Grooming Towel- which also works wonders on dogs – hasan RRP from £9.t Trilanco 01253 888188.

The range of cleaning,care and conditioningproducts for the tackroom continues to

grow. The other day I wastalking to someone from thecurrier industry and herevealed a ‘secret remedy’that he promised works betterthan any of the proprietaryproducts on the market.

It’s simple – and it’s cheap...but perhaps it had betterremain unknown because itcould dramatically cut sales ofscientifically formulated,attractively packagedproducts. It is lard – the purekind that, I understand, hasmade a big comebackcourtesy of celebrity chefs.

In fact, until my currierfriend informed me, I was notaware that ‘proper lard’exclusively consists ofrendered down pig fat.

Another friend whoseequestrian knowledge Iwouldn’t care to query toldme that castor oil cream andlanolin – separately or mixed –are excellent for maintainingleather in soft and supplecondition. She added thatshe didn’t know of a bettercombination to treat leatherthat has suffered a deluge ofpouring rain. Again – thecost is minimal comparedwith products on sale in tackshops.

I have also been pointed inthe direction of petroleumjelly – Vaseline in other words– that I’m told is excellent onpatent leather. Finally – and Istill don’t know if she wasjoking or not – a lady friendinformed me that she treatsher tack with the same anti-ageing products she uses onher face. Having seen someof the prices charged forcosmetics, I can only assume

this involved a quite incrediblyexpensive way of looking aftertack!

I have not had personalexperience of any of thesesuggested leather carealternatives but the lard, thecastor oil and the lanolin allcame with personalassurances – the cosmeticcream is rather moreuncertain. However, I shallcontinue to recommend moreconventional leather-caresolutions to my clients.Neither the specialistmanufacturers nor thesaddlery retailers need anypotential income to beredirected.

Of course, the perceptionthat leather-care productscost a lot of money and are‘expensive’ partially relates tothe fact that so many horseowners abuse rather than usethem. Were they to bepersuaded that ‘over-liberal’ isnot good and insteadfollowed manufacturers’instructions, I have littledoubt they would find theyare saving quite a lot ofmoney. The products wouldthen be judged reasonablypriced.

Joking and snide commentsaside – and despite theconsumer equestrian titlesproviding so much advice –I’m constantly surprised bythe abuse handed out tosaddlery and bridlework.

Asked to part-exchange asaddle, it isn’t unusual for thecustomer to produce a goodbrand of saddle with a veryminor repair. Absolutely noproblem when the stitching ismatched up to the original –but often it is not.

In fact, the repair may welllook as though it was carriedout by the local shoe repairerwho simply didn’t appreciatethe need for cosmetic appeal– hence the resale value ofthe saddle is correspondinglyslashed.

When the owner isinterrogated, it generallyseems that most saddleryretailers are unable to offerthe five-minute turnaroundservice available at the shoerepairers. They, perceiving theurgency – and probably notwanting the responsibility ofholding a saddle on thepremises – are seeminglyprepared to ‘pop in a coupleof stitches’ at a moment’snotice.

The other day a client – ayoung woman – demanded

that I examine the seat of herjodhpurs. She was wearingthem at the time and so Icouldn’t fail to note herbewitching proportions.“There’s a problem with mysaddle,” she asserted, “when Ibought it I had no idea that itwould absolutely ruin threepairs of very expensivebreeches. The stain hascompletely ruined them.”

Astute readers of thiscolumn will guess the waythis story continues. Havingbought a top-of-the-rangesaddle, the young womanhad lavished care on it. And‘care’ in her book hadnothing to do with thedirections provided by themanufacturers of the saddlecream she chose to use (awell-known and highlyrespected brand). It entailedusing more – she admitted –a great deal more. When Iexplained that what theleather was unable to absorbhad been mopped up by herjodhpurs, she was genuinelysurprised.

Anyway – her local saddleryretailer did well out of thatmistake because he sold threemore pairs of what wereprobably the most expensivejods in his shop!

Sometimes less is morewhen it comes to caringfor saddlery, says Ken Lyndon-Dykes.

About the authorKen Lyndon-Dykes is a saddle designer, Society of Master Saddlers'Qualified Saddle Fitter and former international three-day event rider.

When tack needs some TLC...

A young womanclient demanded Iexamine the seatof her jodhpurs.She was wearingthem at the time


Proper lard:a secret remedy.


BETA will return to theFestival of BritishEventing, atGatcombe Park,

Gloucestershire, in July aspresenting sponsor for theseventh consecutive year. Asusual, we will be organisingour much-anticipated luxuryprize draw, which gives visitorsthe chance to win a hamper ofhorse-and-rider equipmentworth £2,000. We also plan tohand out our highly prizedBETA goody bags during theevent.

Of course, none of thiswould be possible without thegenerous support of ourmembers and this year we arecalling for help once again.We need items such as rugs,horse feed, a riding hat, body

Don’t forget theannual BETA GolfDay is set for 8August at the Toft

Country House & Golf Club,Bourne, Lincolnshire – a newlocation for 2012. The eventis a great way to entertainfriends and clients and youdon’t even have to be a BETAmember.

Entry costs £60 per personand includes coffee and abacon bap on arrival, 18holes of golf, individualprizes up to sixth place and ateam prize. Those nearest thepin and players with thelongest drive also win prizes.

If you want to make a bitof a break of it, why notbook in for a night at thischarming country hotel?Rooms are available at apreferential rate of £80 for adouble or twin room and £60for a single occupancy – allincluding breakfast.

To book a place, chequesmade payable to “The BETAGolf Society” should be sentto Ian Mitchell, 10 Fairways,Toft, Bourne, LincolnshirePE10 0BS, no later than 30May. For further informationon the event, contact Ian,telephone 07736 957073 oremail [email protected].

CONTACTTINA ROGERS

AT BETA:Tel: 01937 587062

Website: www.beta-uk.org

or email us at

[email protected]

Stockeld Park,Wetherby, West Yorkshire

LS22 4AW

DONATIONS NEEDED FORBETA LUXURY HAMPER

Fun on thefairway

A fitting service foryour customers

With the competition season now under way, demand forhats and body protectors is sure to increase, so why notmake sure that you and your staff are able to offer a fullfitting service?

BETA offers safety courses throughout the UK and Ireland aimed atequipping retailers with a sound knowledge and confidence to providecorrectly fitting garments and expert advice to customers. The next twocourses take place in Maidstone, Kent, on 29 May and Exeter on 26June.

Meanwhile, a new safety equipment training scheme is beinglaunched by BETA with Riding for the Disabled. Together, we havecreated a syllabus covering all aspects of safety wear and equipment,with a particular emphasis on hats.

As with the Pony Club Safety Equipment Badge, it presents theperfect opportunity for retailers to forge bonds with their local RDAbranch by providing support to trainers and helpers.

To book your place on a safety course or to find out moreinformation on the BETA/RDA training scheme, please get in touchwith the BETA office.

BETA offers SQP training forretailers wishing to prescribeand/or supply certainmedicines such as horsewormers. SQPs – suitablyqualified persons – must passa set of exams todemonstrate a soundknowledge of animal healthand the legal system. Theyshould also be registeredwith AMTRA.

The next SQP course takesplace on 19 June, with a basemodule, with a secondmodule on 26 June and afinal exam on 3 July.

Want to sellwormers?

protector, bridle, equine boots,grooming kit and stableequipment for the hamper.Smaller pieces such as stockpins, socks, gloves, key rings,feed samples and baseball caps

are required for the goodybags.

If you are able to supplyproducts for either the hamperor goody bags, please contactTina Rogers in the BETA office.

Lucky Samantha Leach is thrilled to win the luxury BETAhamper at last year's Festival of British Eventing.

Retailers can benefitfrom BETA safety courses.

BETA training allows retailersto provide a fitting service.


County Court Judgments from England and Wales andthe Scottish version, which are called Court Decrees.

The judgments listed are those recorded by the RegistryTrust Ltd and appear to be of a commercial nature.Judgments/Decrees can be for damages rather than debts,and their listing here does not imply an inability to pay.

MS CAROLINE JONES T/A WYKE ANIMAL FEEDS, PEAR TREE HOUSE, WOODSIDE ROAD,WYKE, BRADFORD, WEST YORKSHIRE BD12 8HT £1,159

MRS T MUSGRAVE T/A TWO TREE TACK SHOP, POINT HOUSE, HIGH STREET, COLTISHALL,NORWICH, NORFOLK NR12 7AA £1,381

LEADENHAM POLO CLUB LTD, THE MANOR, CHURCH END, LEADENHAM, LINCOLN,LINCOLNSHIRE LN5 0PX £1,112

SHELLEY SOUTER T/A JUNIOR PONY OWNERS CLUB, 17 PINFOLD FARM MEWS,MOORLANDS VIEW, EDENFIELD, BURY, LANCASHIRE BL0 0HZ £1,518

R D A MILLER’S NOOK RIDING SCHOOL LTD, LOSTOCK LANE, WESTHOUGHTON, BOLTON,LANCASHIRE BL5 3LX £2,783

MARTIN DEWAR T/A M R D HORSE TRANSPORT, 6 BACK CHAPEL STREET, WARDLE,ROCHDALE, LANCASHIRE OL12 9PD £1,280

SARAH CALLAN T/A BEN JACOBS EQUESTRIAN, 87 MOORLANDS DRIVE, STANLEY,DURHAM DH9 6YZ £2,077

MR J LEE T/A AGRIEQUESTRIAN CONSULTANTS, 274 NINE MILE RIDE, FINCHAMPSHIRE,WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE RG40 3NT £3,391

MISS TAMARAIS BRITTON, THE STABLES, WARREN FARM, WYNYARD ROAD, WOLVISTON,STOCKTON-ON-TEES, CLEVELAND TS22 5ND £613

BONFIELD HORSEBOXES, 2 BOAT HOUSE, WILNE ROAD, DRAYCOTT, DERBY DE72 3QG£4,142 & £4,040

HORSING AROUND SADDLERY, HOME FARM, ROWE HILL, WIMBORNE, DORSET BH21 7EB£540

MR DAVID JOHNSON T/A PREMIER YOUNGSTOCK, 1 TUDOR CLOSE, BARMLEY, TADLEY,HAMPSHIRE RG26 5DB £1,118

HARTWOOD ELITE HORSEBOXES, UNIT 3 DEWHURST ROW, BAMBER BRIDGE, PRESTON,LANCS PR5 6BB £3,013

MATTHEW REGAN T/A ELLENTHORPE LIVERY AND KENNELS, BOLTON BY BOWLANDROAD, GISBURN, CLITHEROE, LANCS BB7 4LR £1,148

NESSA’S TACK SHOP, POUND LANE, NORTH TUDDENHAM, DEREHAM, NORFOLK NR203DA £1,052

J KEATING T/A BRINKLEY STUD SAS, BRINKLEY ROAD, BURROUGH GREEN, NEWMARKET,SUFFOLK CB8 9NE £6,086

MS WENDI SHERIDAN, STOKE BY CLARE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, GREEN FARM, THE STREET,STOKE BY CLARE, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK CO10 8HP £4,620

LEE CHIVERS T/A LANGSHOT EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, GRACIOUS POND ROAD, CHOBHAM,WOKING, SURREY GU24 8HJ £593

MR CHRIS GOHL T/A CHRIS GOHL MASTER SADDLER, GREENGAGES, HIGH STREET,WHADDON, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKS MK17 0AN £1,338

MR JAMES ELLISON, THE LIVERY YARD, THE MAINS, DROVERS LANE, REDMARSHALL,STOCKTON-ON-TEES, CLEVELAND TS21 1ER £510

MR IAN LEWIS T/A PENHALURICK BARTON EQUESTRIAN SERVICES, PENHALVEAN,STITHIANS, REDRUTH, CORNWALL TR16 6TG £304

MRS ROSEMARY PYKE, ROZEL STABLES, STAPLEFORD LANE, DURLEY, SOUTHAMPTON,HAMPSHIRE SO32 2BU £271

COMMUNITY EQUESTRIAN SERVICES LTD, 5 ROWAN CLOSE, CLIFTON, PRESTON, LANCSPR4 0YQ £8,583

RICHARD GOODLIFFE T/A R J GOODLIFFE HORSEBOXES, THE CLOCK TOWER, LONGLANDS,HOLKHAM PARK, WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA, NORFOLK NR23 1RU £2,648

HIGHER PARK FARM EQUESTRIAN, HALEBOURNE LANE, CHOBHAM, WOKING, SURREYGU24 8SL £157

List your website hereFor more information call 01937 582111

etn - equestrian trade news - may 2012

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