BETA International 2017

Last week I went for a little trip to the NEC to the BETA International 2017 trade fair.  This is an annual event and brings together trade suppliers for pretty much everything horse.  My husband came along too, he said that he couldn’t trust me not to spend too much money.

My first visit to BETA International was last year before I took the plunge to start my Life At A Gallop blog which lead to the equestrian store.  I wasn’t very well last year so I don’t think I appreciated it as much as this time around.

A Focus on Fashion

There were lots of new and exciting clothing ranges to see.  Although the traditional type of jodhpurs are still available there has been a definite move towards technical fabrics, different colours and a bit of bling.  Products that allow the wearer to move from stable yard to social gathering and not look out of place.  As this is the case good proportion of the products may appeal to our non horsey friends too.  The fashion show featured clothing ranges from a number of brands, Equi-Theme was the sponsor and is featured in the video below.

Friendly, Fashionable Footwear

I’ve never been one for tottering around on high heels, they don’t really agree with my feet.  My favourite type of shoe has always been a good fitting flat type just like a jodhpur boot and there were some lovely designs on show.  My favourites were from the Danish manufacturer Montar.

Rider Friendly Underwear

As well as the gorgeous outerwear and boots there was also some nice rider friendly

underwear.  I have found over the years that there is certain underwear that really doesn’t lend itself to horse riding and makes for a very uncomfortable session in the saddle.  When I was competing a lot I purchased some riding specific pants with a padded
seat.  If I’m being honest they were definitely more practical than attractive. Thankfully things have moved on!  Derriere underwear is designed with the ultimate comfort in mind.   There are both padded and non-padded styles available for ladies and gents with the recent launch of a Derriere sports bra.  Horse riding can be quite a vigorous sport so I have had a read of the BETA Horse Rider’s Guide to Bras.  I think I will be treating myself to some new comfy underwear.

Today are many coat shine enhancing products out there, but which one do you choose?

Everyone likes their horse to shine, both in behaviour and their coat.  When I was young I think the product of choice was Canter Coat Gloss, it may even have been the only product to choose from!

I picked up some information about the Shapley’s range of products.  The original product was developed by a barber and was to treat human skin conditions.  It is used to treat a variety of fungal and bacterial conditions in horses such as mud fever, rain scald, repairing the skin and promoting regrowth of hair.  To complement this they now have a full suite of products from shampoos and conditioners to volumising mane mousse.  Your horse or pony will be gleaming from head to toe.

Now that you have your horse clean and shiny you need to keep them that way.  How about trying a Horzehoods hood or even a full body suit?  These products come in a variety of colours from traditional to funky.  They have a unique design and are tailored to provide the best fit for you horse or pony whatever their size or shape.  They can be used to keep plaits and manes in place the night before a show.  The super lightweight fabric is even suitable to be worn under a fly rug to help prevent the symptoms of sweet-itch.  A great looking product with multiple uses and fabulous results.

As always there are quirky and fun products for kids and those of us who still think we are kids.

This is my BETA International 2017 round up of products that caught my eye.