February 17, 2009

Exciting new products in saddlery, horsecare, clothing, feed and safety were recognised by the BETA International 2009 Innovation Awards, sponsored by Equestrian Trade News (ETN).

The awards, presented during the world's foremost equestrian trade exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on 15-17 February, were judged by a panel of equestrian professionals.

The judges were Yogi Breisner - World Class Performance Manager and chef d'equipe to the British eventing team, independent nutritionist Dr Catherine Dunnett, Kate Rees - an equine physiotherapist, farrier David Gill, Mike Norton - a master saddler and past president of the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) and international dressage rider and trainer Pammy Hutton.

Leading retailers and wholesalers visit BETA International each year to seek out the latest in equestrian innovation. Many new products launched at the exhibition will shortly be available in tackshops, mail order catalogues and internet websites.

"The BETA International Innovation Awards give us the opportunity to recognise products that work for horse owners and riders as well as being potentially profitable for the trade," said Claire Thomas, commercial manager of BETA International organiser EMC Ltd.

All entered products were new onto the market within the last 12 months. Innovation Awards have been an integral part of BETA International for many years, with several past winners going on to become household names in saddlery shops and tackrooms around the world.

2009 INNOVATION AWARD RESULTS

SADDLERY & TACK
Winner - Gaiters by Golly Galoshes
Judges' comments: Sensibly priced, practical idea with big bonuses in muddy weather. A product that fulfils a real rather than a perceived need.
Highly commended - EVO 80 L lightweight stirrups from Equine Management Ltd
Judges' comments: Makes life easier for the less than perfect rider.

RIDER CLOTHING
Winner - Rambo Newmarket Waterproof Blouson Jacket from Horseware Products
Judges' comments: Attractive, modern looking jacket with a warm body and cool arms; so waterproof you can pour water over it.
Highly commended - Ariat Eco Range from SMD Group.
Judges' comments: Exciting collection made from 50% recycled materials and that's ideal for men and women.

FEED & SUPPLEMENTS
Winner - Equimax Tabs from Virbac Animal Health
Judges' comments: A genuinely innovative idea that cuts down on waste and makes worming easy. The subject of excellent, robust trial work.
Highly commended - Joint RLF from Blue Chip Feed
Judges' comments: entering a crowded market, this is a product with some science behind it and one that uses a new ingredient.

HORSECARE PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT
Winner - Elim-a-net from Parell Products
Judges' comments: A sensible and useful product based on a simple idea to slow greedy eaters. I'd go and buy 50 straight away!
Highly commended - Rambo Helix Rug from Horseware Products
Judges' comments: A versatile rug for every temperature. Lightweight and based on some interesting materials initially used by chefs in Cambodia.

SAFETY & SECURITY
Winner - RS-Tor Rider Security Aid from Equiline
Judges' comments: Ideal for inexperienced riders, could save a fall or a horse's mouth. Anyone could benefit by using it on a young horse.

OTHER
Winner - Page Play from Abbeyview Equine
Judges' comments: Makes it affordable to every equestrian to have their own website. Useful to a wide range of people across all horse sports and businesses.
Highly commended - Flat-packed Showjumps from Classic Showjumps
Judges' comments: These bar-coded flat-packs are a great way to enable retailers to stock good quality show jumps.