Latest News
21/10/2020
Beta Statment
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), on behalf of a number of its horse feed manufacturing members would like to clarify the situation with regards the recent contamination by Zilpaterol in some horse feeds.
It has very recently been confirmed that the cane molasses containing Zilpaterol Hydrochloride supplied by ED & F Man Ltd into Ireland did then enter the UK some months ago and was supplied to a few equine feed companies. In that period there have only been positives detected under the rules of racing in France from feed originating from one Irish company.
Coaching week
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The awareness campaign is centring on the need to ‘Support Your Coach’, kicking off on the 14 September with the #GreatCoachingPledge that calls on the nation to give some of their own time, sharing thanks and support for the coaching community.
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Everyone can get involved in the #GreatCoachingPledge – from parents, players and athletes to clubs, charities and businesses – to recognise and support the people who provide great coaching to their communities.
Want to take part in the #GreatCoachingPledge??
There are a few ways to get involved:
1. Print off the template and hand write your pledge, before taking a photo of yourself holding your pledge and posting the photo on your social media channel or send it to us on our social media channels!
2. Post a picture of yourself and your favourite coach; someone who has made a significant impact on your life and who you want to recognise and pledge back your time to help and support. Send it to us and we'll post it!
Remember to tag @_UKCoaching and #GreatCoachingPledge
Competition update
a further statement from horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull
I am overjoyed to be able to confirm that, as from today, outdoor non contact competition may resume in Scotland - subject to Scottish Government guidance. We are currently awaiting approval of our equestrian specific guidance and expect to be able to issue this, in full, later today.
The salient points within the guidance are:
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There are no travel restrictions regarding open competition
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Children/youth under 18 years can take part in ‘contact’ competition, in line with current guidance
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Adults can only take part in ‘non contact’ competition at this point in time
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For adults, ‘bubbles’ will need to be created with a maximum of 5 households/15 people per 'bubble'
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Multiple 'bubbles' can be created, however 'bubbles' cannot be mixed at any point
In addition:
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Organised outdoor competitions must take place behind closed doors
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With only competitors and essential competition personnel in attendance
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No spectators
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No family members (except for parents or guardians of children or vulnerable adults)
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A register of all attendees should be maintained
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Travel to and from competition must not mix households
I do hope you will agree that this is a much needed step forward and will be hugely beneficial to venues and competitors alike. I am confident that the equestrian sector will be able to work well with the new guidance.
Please note that whilst horsescotland is here to support the equestrian community as a whole, it is ultimately be the responsibility of the Governing Body/Venue Provider/Organiser to ensure that guidance is implemented and adhered to - if we can help in any way throughout this process we will do our very best to assist.
Thank you.
Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Sports Driving Unlimited receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
Sports Driving Unlimited, a voluntary group based in Lockerbie, has been honoured
with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group
can receive in the UK.
Survey Results
impact on the equestrian industry
The British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) conducted the
Impact Survey in April 2020, to discover how coronavirus has affected the people that work in the
equestrian industry, with a focus on those who care for horses and those who run equestrian
businesses that employ staff.
Furlough scheme extension
📌 The job retention scheme will be extended, for four months, until the end of October.
📌 Until the end of July, there will be no changes to the scheme whatsoever.
📌 From August to October the scheme will continue, for all sectors and regions of the UK, but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work. Employers currently using the scheme will be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time.
📌 Further detail will follow by the end of May but one thing won’t change: Workers will, through the combined efforts of government and employers, continue to receive the same level of support as they do now, at 80% of their salary, up to £2,500.
📌 THIS IS VERY GOOD NEWS FOR ALL GROOMS FURLOUGHED ALREADY AS THEIR INCOME IS SECURE FOR MUCH LONGER.
More details about furlough can be found on the BGA Coronavirus page:
28 april 2020
Bef update
BEF and MBs in consultation for financial stability and sporting resumption
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is working closely with its Olympic and Paralympic
governing bodies British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping, in conjunction with
the British Horse Council, on planning for safeguarding the viability of the sport and a resumption
of activity when the government is in a position to relax coronavirus restrictions.
April 14th Update from the BEF.
With news due any day from the Government on the continuation of the lockdown period, we can bring you an update from some of our member bodies and their news since our previous one earlier this month.
New guidance for equine vets.
Following an announcement by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) on Thursday 10 April, the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) released new guidance to its members that comes into force today (14 April) and remains in place until further notice.
BEVA and its members are working hard to provide vital 24-hour emergency service, and recognise the need to provide essential services to safeguard animal health and welfare during the lockdown.
In doing so, it’s vital for veterinary practices and vets to:
· work in ways that prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus
· protect themselves, their colleagues and their clients
· protect the NHS
· keep veterinary and allied businesses working and viable
BEVA stress that the number of clients seen face-to-face should be kept to an absolute minimum and it’s certainly not a case of ‘business as usual’. However, the RCVS has produced a flowchart – link1 to help vets make the decision whether or not to undertake any non-urgent work.
BEVA is advising vets to fully assess the factors, the timing and the risk to animal and human health prior to any ambulatory visits to perform procedures or treatment – link 2, and BEVA has provided guidance on carrying out full risk assessments – link 3. All such assessments should be recorded in writing.
If, once the assessments are carried out and the vet is satisfied any risk can be managed, BEVA have produced a client factsheet to be sent ahead of the vet’s visit – link 4 to the owner. Government guidelines – link 5 should be adhered to at all times by the vet and client.
To allow horse owners to help the vet through the process, BEVA has produced a series of educational videos in order to ‘triage’ their horse’s condition ahead of a phone consultation. Checking vital signs, colic, laminitis, wounds and eyes and breathing problems are all covered. The answers any horse owner can provide will assist a vet in making the key decisions to attend, so please watch and use them – help your vet to help you while keeping you both safe.
https://www.beva.org.uk/dont-give-your-vet-the-virus
Help measure the impact of COVID-19 on the equine industry
Two providers have launched online surveys to provide an accurate picture of how the equestrian industry has been impact on by the pandemic.
XV Impact is independently assessing the impact on horse ownership in general, using a questionnaire that should take 10–15 minutes to complete.
They’ll share the findings with the industry and public.
https://xvinsight.com/coronavirus-horse-owner-survey/
The British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) have launched a survey to look at employment in particular, and input is welcome from any workers, equine businesses and yard owners
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/coronavirustheimpact
Transporting horses and goods to/from France
Anyone who operates essential travel for import/export in France should be aware that there is now a new requirement for all entering the country. A travel declaration must be completed, which highlights the nature of your journey.
https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-international-travel-declaration
April 8th 2020
Community Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund
The RRR Fund will support local charities and grassroots organisations across Scotland to help them respond to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and recover from its impact.
In partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, Foundation Scotland is delivering the Community Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund. Launched by the Duke of Cambridge, the National Emergencies Trust is a fundraising appeal which will distribute money through several foundations which cover the UK. Foundation Scotland is the lead partner for NET in Scotland.
April 3rd 2020
CEM Confirmed in Scottish Stallion
CVO Scotland confirmed a case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a non-thoroughbred stallion on a premises in Fife, Scotland. The affected horse was imported in November 2019 from Europe and has had no clinical signs of infection. The diagnosis was made during routine pre-breeding testing, as per the International HBLB Codes of Practice, with positive PCR results. The affected stallion has been isolated and is undergoing treatment. Freedom from disease will subsequently be confirmed in line with the International HBLB Codes of Practice requirements and breeding will not commence on this premises until freedom from infection is confirmed. There are no other stallions on the premises. There is one mare at a separate premises with epidemiological links to the positive case and this mare has been isolated and is also undergoing treatment. The outbreak will be subject to further investigations, including tracings, as per the pilot industry-organised CEM control protocol.
For further information on CEM please visit our website.
cOVID-19
uPDATE
The British Equestrian Federation urges all members of the equestrian community to strictly adhere to the Government’s directive to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to travel. The welfare of horses, and other livestock, is still essential, making your travel as an employee, owner or volunteer to provide care valid under the current guidance. Please keep your own health and safety in mind, as well as that of everyone around you.
RHASS Sponsored horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2020 Winners
The horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2020, very kindly sponsored by RHASS, took place on Friday 6th March at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro.
These prestigious awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions within Scottish equestrianism, providing an opportunity to both acknowledge and congratulate the success, performance, effort and sheer determination shown by so many throughout the year.
RHASS Chairman Bill Gray said: "RHASS is proud and delighted to sponsor the horsescotland National Equestrian Awards again this year. The Society’s charitable remit is to support rural Scotland and these valuable awards help achieve this by celebrating and recognising the achievements of those involved in the Scottish equestrian sector.
The evening started with a drinks reception. horsescotland Chair, Grant Turnbull, welcomed almost 300 guests. Special thanks were given to RHASS for their continued sponsorship support.
A superb meal and top quality service was provided by the hotel.
Our ever popular raffle, which offered some excellent prizes kindly donated by various supporters of horsescotland, raised a fantastic £1717. This will be added to funds which help Member Bodies carry out projects through financial support from our Member Body Support Programme.
After an excellent meal, event rider Jonty Evans took centre stage and within minutes had totally captivated his audience with his hearfelt story of success, injury and setbacks followed by his battle to return to fitness and his plans for the future. Jonty states “My story is ongoing and will no doubt have more twists to it.” What an inspirational man. Afterwards, horsescotland Chair Grant Turnbull expressed his appreciation of Jonty’s speech “Jonty Evans addressed our guests with powerful, emotional and very poignant words and there was no one in the room whose heart he didn’t touch. A truly incredible man who very clearly demonstrated that a positive mindset can bring you through the toughest times” We were all delighted to hear that Jonty enjoyed his evening as much as we did “Last night’s horsescotland awards were quite simply fantastic. To witness such a lovely group of people working hard towards one common goal is inspiring and garners a lot of enthusiasm.”
Finally, the waiting was over and the winners were announced. Awards were presented by RHASS chairman, Bill Gray and Jonty Evans. Bill Gray praised the nominees saying "Congratulations to all of the very worthy finalists and winners, all of whom are helping to further the success of Scottish equestrianism."
Following the event, Grant Turnbull stated “The success of the horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2020 was phenomenal. The nominations presented and the quality of nominees was remarkable. On behalf of our organisation, I would like to extend huge congratulations to all of our nominees and to the very well deserved winners”
The full list of winners (Photography – Sinclair Photography):
Equestrian Business of the Year
A2B Equestrian – The winner of this category was a Stirlingshire based small business which ensures its range of products is constantly expanding with particular emphasis placed on safety wear. This business really does listen to the requirements of its customers, with consideration given to both quality and price.
Employee of the Year
Caroline Heard – World Horse Welfare employee Caroline has made a significant contribution to the welfare of the equine in Scotland. She has shown commitment to ensuring the lives of equines change for the better with many horses and ponies being suitably rehomed, allowing them to thrive and for many to have future success in various disciplines.
Youth Coach of the Year
Lisa Stevenson – This inspirational young lady has a wonderful attitude and warmth that allows her to connect with people. This, combined with her love of horses and riding, has provided her with an ambition to work with disadvantaged young people. She has dedicated her teenage years to volunteering with the RDA and to achieving qualifications and experience which will allow her to make a positive contribution to the equestrian industry in Scotland.
Young People’s Coach of the Year
Lynne Blore – Lynne is extremely dedicated to ensuring that children with disabilities or facing significant life challenges get access to the power of horses. She makes an outstanding contribution to the quality of the lives of disadvantaged children who vault and in 2019 the vaulters competed in British Equestrian Vaulting team events for the first time.
Participation Coach of the Year
Lynne Blore - The response to this coach has been outstanding and she has been described as an outstanding, self- effacing coach who never looks for the recognition which she undoubtedly deserves.
Performance Coach of the Year
Award collected by Emma Stewart (British Dressage Scotland)
Harry Payne - One of Scotland’s most qualified and respected coaches, Harry has a unique ability to foster confidence in his pupils. A model of conscientious self-development he leads many aspects of equestrianism forward in Scotland.
Youth Performer of the Year
Millie Lawson – Through sheer determination, Millie has shown that you can achieve outstanding results if you put your mind to it. She has won at the highest level in Scotland and the UK throughout 2019 proving to be a fabulous ambassador for equestrianism in Scotland.
Performer of the Year
Rosa Onslow – A member of the horsescotland elite performance squad, Rosa has represented GB at Young Riders and Senior Nations Cup Level in 2019. Both her and her two top horses have been accredited for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She finished the season as the Highest Placed Scottish Rider on FEI World Rankings and the Highest Ranked Scottish U25 Rider on points.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Chelsea Trickovic – A dedicated young lady who has overcome significant adversity to gain experience and knowledge of equestrianism. She now has a passion for horses that she wants to share with others. She inspires confidence and, with her exceptional work ethic, is a valuable team member of Equitots Lanarkshire Community Interest Company
Volunteer of the Year
Marjory McNaughton – This volunteer has been involved with British Showjumping since 1979 and holds many volunteer positions. She displays exemplary commitment to volunteering in Scotland.
Club of the Year
Ayr Riding Club - Providing a safe, fun, nurturing and inclusive environment for development of its members, Ayr Riding Club were worthy winners. The commitment, enthusiasm, energy and drive of the committee members, along with that of the club members, has resulted in it being an extremely active affiliated riding club within Area 1 of British Riding Clubs
Team of the Year
Kelso High School Senior Equestrian Team - The first of our team winners have ridden together for nearly 7 years. They have qualified for the National Schools Equestrian Association Championships in Buckinghamshire every year since 2014 and have won at least one Championship every year since 2015. This team of four young girls show the utmost dedication and maturity in all aspects of their riding.
Scottish Endurance Team - Our other winners have achieved outstanding results in 2019 (and consistently over the past 4 years). They have been true ambassadors to their sport and have held strong their club motto – To Finish is to Win!
Equine Breeder of the Year
Harry Sleigh – Harry comes from a long generation of equine breeders, and is the latest to forge ahead with the family run stud. Wells Stud of Shetland Ponies has been, and still is, one of the iconic studs of Shetland ponies, being totally committed to breeding and showing the best.
Owner of the Year
Lady Mary Hope – This lady gives unyielding support through the inevitable highs and lows of horse ownership and competition providing her rider with the opportunity to succeed.
Writer of the Year
Hilary Mactaggart - A qualified journalist who has been providing equestrian cover for some 40 years now. She has always been totally dedicated and committed to providing accurate, fair and informative reports. She was Scottish showing reporter for Horse and Hound for some 15 years; Provided racing and point-to-point reports for Scottish Farmer for at least 10 years; PR officer for many Scottish events; Borders press officer for BHS for 25 years.
Equestrian Photo of the Year
Chloé Brown– Perthshire based Chloé secured a win with 923 votes for her stunning photo
Lifetime Achievement
Willie Sheret MBE - Willie grew up in Glasgow, started riding horses at the age of 5 and started competing at the age of 13. He joined the British Army in 1947 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. There he was asked to look after the stables near the Berlin Olympic Stadium and studied under the German show jumper Otto Klitzki. He went on to compete for the British Army at showjumping and returned home to the UK in 1949 and became a professional horseman, teaching, providing livery and competing.
His most notable success was winning the Daily Express Foxhunter Championship at the Horse of the Year Show at Wembley Arena, London on 7 October 1975 on St Corry.
He was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2005 for Services to Showjumping in Scotland, becoming a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; an honour given by Her Majesty to people for special achievement. He is also the Honorary Vice President of British Showjumping's Scottish branch.
BETA SNIPPETS
We had a brilliant time at Your Horse Live, where BETA sponsored the main arena once again. This huge, pre-Christmas shopping spectacular at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, took place over three days, from 8 to 10 November, attracting an enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience of horsey folk.
A Gold Standard Appearance
at Your Horse Live
The BETA team, including Agy Mossakowska-Knast (pictured above), were there to chat to them about our many initiatives and promote the benefits of shopping with a BETA retail member. Top of our list was the launch of BETA Feed Awareness Week – but more of that later – and a tie-in test with a top prize of a £150 shopping voucher. The spot prizes in the main arena, generously donated by BETA members, also proved a real hit with visitors. Our free riding hat and body protector safety checks were as popular as ever and the BETA Best Stand Awards were hotly contested by everyone. This year, the winners of gold and silver standards across the three categories were:
● Equestrian & Saddlery: Gold presented to Joshua Jones, Horse Health – which also took Best in Show – WOW Saddles, Dengie Horse Feeds, Ayr Equestrian and Allen & Page, with silver for Wychanger Barton, Simple System Horse Feeds, Elevator Equestrian & EquiAmi, Equilibrium Products, Westgate Labs and Fynalite.
● Lifestyle, Pet & Fashion: Gold awarded to Finer Equine, Honest Riders and PetPlan Equine, with silver going to Hooves and Love and Katie Hough Equine Art.
● Food & Beverages: Gold won by The Cheese Wedge.