The British Equestrian Trade Association's fifth year as presenting sponsor of the Festival of British Eventing, at Gatcome Park, Gloucestershire, from 6 to 8 August, was declared a resounding success.
Visitors to the event were welcomed to the prominent BETA stand, where executive director Claire Williams and her team highlighted the trade association's work, including the new BETA Hi-Visibility Certification Scheme, and invited consumers to join its Equestrian Consumer Research Panel – a valuable way for the equestrian industry to monitor the buying habits and attitudes of its customers.
Over three days, more than 300 people joined the panel while BETA's prize draw to win more than £2,000 of luxury equestrian goodies proved extremely popular, attracting almost 500 entries.
In addition to its stand, the association operated the BETA Pavilion, which proved to be a hive of activity, with non-riders and riders – old and young – flocking to try out their skills in the saddle aboard RoboCob, BETA's mechanical horse. BETA-trained hat-fitters were also on hand to answer queries and explain the importance of correctly fitting safety headwear.
BETA staff were delighted to greet 12-year-old Rebecca Johnson, from Cirencester, who turned up to ride RoboCob, three years after she had been photographed 'riding' him for the first time. That original picture has subsequently been used as a promotional banner for RoboCob.
More than £610 was raised for Riding for the Disabled, thanks to donations made in return for BETA rain ponchos – which proved highly popular in Saturday's heavy downpours – dog bandanas and rides on RoboCob.
The Pony Club Team Show Jumping Championships enjoyed BETA sponsorship, with the association presenting cash prizes to third place. Teams from the Vale of the White Horse Hunt, the Cotswold Hunt and Clifton on Teme came first, second and third respectively.
Standholders were treated to bacon rolls and hot coffee on Saturday morning at the annual BETA breakfast, organised as part of the association's commitment to supporting the trade. BETA's Best Stand Awards were announced during the event. Collier & Dobson won the Best Large Stand Award, with Horses in Sport taking the runner-up prize. Maquien Design won the Best Small Stand Award and Nomad Ideas was runner-up.
“Gatcombe is the perfect venue for BETA to develop awareness of its work because visitors are knowledgeable and passionate about equestrian pursuits,” said Claire Williams. “They come from a wide geographical area and are genuinely interested in discovering the ways in which BETA can help them.”
British Equestrian Trade Association
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