What’s new in the equestrian industry? Entries from across eight categories battled it out for a trophy in the innovation awards at the British Equestrian Trade Association’s annual trade fair last week.
A panel of judges — made up of course designer Ian Stark, Olympic eventer Nicola Wilson, vet Tom Beech, William Fox-Pitt’s groom Jackie Potts and Paralympic gold medal-winner Natasha Baker — selected the winners.
“Our judges did a tremendous job,,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “The innovation awards celebrate the finest traditions of design, invention and originality, and this year we were pleased to include a Country Fashion category for the first time.”
And the winners were…
Feed and supplements
Keyflow’s Whitaker Bros Jumpmix came out on top. A medium energy feed designed specifically for horses competing in all forms of short format jumping.
Horsecare products
No one likes moving rubber matting — Grabbit, is a new tool for moving matting simply and effectively and was picked out by the judges.
Rider clothing
A smart, stylish air bag jacket from Treehouse Sporting Colours. The Elite Arena Jacket has the inflatable part discreetly zipped into the inside.
Saddlery and tack
A bit with an innovative mouthpiece, designed to increase attention and concentration and preventing desensitization of the mouth won this award. Stűbben Riding Equipment’s “2 in 1 Full Cheek Snaffle 2273”.
Safety and security
Walk Trot Canter’s USG Equiairbag is Designed to protect the rider’s entire spinal column, from the nape of the neck to the coccyx, without restricting movement. “This allows the rider to bend fully as the inflation is at the back protecting the spine. It is light and comfortable, providing much needed protection,” said BETA judges.
Pet products
Microfibre Store’s Doggy Bag. It effectively absorbs water, slobber, sand and mud. Ideal when kept in the car, simply zip dogs inside after a walk and they will be dry in no time.
Country fashion
A “stylish and warm 3-1 boot” that can be worn with or without the inner fleece lining and also can be used as a slipper as the inner bootee has an anti-slip tread. Regatta’s Snowpak 3 took this award.
And finally…
LFA Celtic/horseRATION — the first app to developed specifically for horse owners to calculate equine feed rations was also a winner. “This is an invaluable tool for any owner seeking extra guidance and should ultimately save them money,” said the BETA judges.
