Posted: 26th January 2016 | Back to news feed
New products highlighting the very best in craftsmanship, design, technology and invention were celebrated in the BETA International 2016 Innovation Awards during this year’s trade fair at the NEC, Birmingham, on Monday 25 January.
These prestigious industry awards, sponsored by BETA International media partner and leading trade title Equestrian Trade News, are open to all exhibitors entering products that have not been launched on to the market more than 12 months before the 2016 trade fair.
The judges were online retailer Anna Franklin, of Franklin & Billard, veterinary surgeon Peter Wright, of The Yorkshire Vet TV fame, SMS saddle fitter and owner of Buckaroo Equine Nicola Barry, international dressage rider and trainer Michel Assouline, Pony Club CEO Pip Kirkby and independent equine nutritionist Catherine Hale.
“This year’s Innovation Awards attracted a large number of entries across each of the eight categories,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “It was refreshing to see so many truly original products highlighting the strength of the trade. I am sure that our judges had a challenging – and enjoyable – day selecting the winning entries and our thanks go to them for all their hard work. We also send our very best wishes and congratulations to those who have been successful in securing an award.”
Those that won a trophy are entitled to use the Innovation Awards winners’ logo in their marketing over the next 12 months.
The 2016 Innovation Awards winners are:
COUNTRY CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Winner
Company: Zamberlan/Snugbug
Product: Goodyear Welted Icona range – Florence (high), Siena (mid), Cortina (low)
Zamberlan/Snugbug has combined its heritage of hand-building mountain hunting footwear with the technique of Goodyear welting to produce a stylish casual range of footwear that is technical, hard-wearing and good-looking.
Judges’ comments: Investment has clearly been made in the construction of the boots, leading to high-quality and hard-wearing products. The labelling is very informative, too.
Highly commended
Company: Rockfish Wellies
Product: Rockfish Wellies
This year, Rockfish introduces the innovative “rubber compound” to its whole range to deliver not just high-performance, but also much lighter boots – with the decrease in weight not compromising performance or comfort.
Judges’ comments: The lightweight material is innovative and, with its good packaging, should be attractive to retailers.
FEED & SUPPLEMENTS
Winner
Company: Horseware Ireland
Product: Horseware Nutri-Lick
Horseware Ireland offers a palatable lick with 60 to 70 per cent less sugar than comparable products on the market while still managing to prevent crumbling during use and storage. It also leaves more room for the extra nutrients that have been included.
Judges’ comments: This product with low levels of sugar is very innovative because molasses is used not only to sweeten and increase palatability, but also to hold the lick together. Horseware has developed a method of reducing the molasses but maintaining the integrity of the lick and palatability – and a product that will appeal to the horse owner, too.
GENERAL
Winner
Company: Solar Technology International
Product: Solar arena light
This solar-powered floodlight system provides an easy-to-fit, mains-free solution for horse manèges, training areas, yards and sports fields. Supplied with a bracket and fixings, it can be clamped on to any scaffold pole. Six units, operated by a sensor or remote control, will illuminate an area of 40 x 20m for up to six hours.
Judges’ comments: This is a brilliant but simple idea and an innovative, practical and affordable product that is easy to install. It uses modern technology in a fresh way to offer an alternative form of lighting.
Highly commended
Company: Horseware Ireland
Product: Horseware HorsePal temperature and humidity monitor
This innovation allows you to read the temperature and humidity inside your horse’s rug in real time from your smartphone by downloading the app. The sensor, initially available as a stand-alone product, will be built into rugs in future. It sends data to the app, which combines this information with the three-day weather forecast to make an intelligent recommendation.
Judges’ comments: Thisis a really exciting innovation that has clearly come about through significant investment. We can see how this idea will develop in future.
HORSECARE EQUIPMENT & [horse] CLOTHING
Joint winners
Company: Matchmakers International
Product: Fieldmasta 200g turnout rug with 350g fixed neck
The No Mane Loss Clever dome neck on these turnout rugs provides complete coverage, takes pressure off the mane and increases air circulation to prevent hair follicles becoming starved of oxygen and falling out. The articulated full-neck design relieves pressure on the withers and allows the neck cover to stay in place while the horse grazes. An anti-rub lining and tri-vent shoulder gusset give an enhanced fit and freedom of movement, preventing rubbing on the shoulder.
Judges’ comments: The neck design is brilliant, the quality excellent and the price competitive. Matchmakers seems to have thought of everything!
Company: Treehouse
Product: AeroChill cooling boots
Featuring HyperKewl, a non-toxic, super-absorbent polymer fibre used by Formula 1 drivers and military special forces, the boot has a quilted fabric that ensures after-work evaporation and cooling for up to 10 hours, increasing recovery time. The product, available in a range of sizes, is simply soaked in water for two minutes, reusable and durable.
Judges’ comments: The fantastic technical features allow an amazingly long period of cooling. The well-designed boots, which are versatile and easy to use, come in very striking packaging and are competitively priced.
PET PRODUCTS
Winner
Company: Absorbine/WF Young
Product: ShowSheen Woof Pouf
The Woof Pouf, providing 16 baths, contains Ordenone soap beads that lift odour and wash it away.
Judges’ comments: This is a simple and practical idea, does what it says and is well-packaged and good value.
Highly commended
Company: Petface
Product: LokTop mealworm bird feeder
This large-capacity wild bird feeder features a patented locking-lid mechanism that is released only when the handle is folded all the way to the back position, helping to deter unwanted predators from stealing food. The unique platform with hood keeps food dry and fresh, and protected from wind, while the hooped perch allows access to all garden birds.
Judges’ comments: This excellent product is well-designed, attractive, robust, user-friendly and reasonably priced. A good idea!
RIDER CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Winner
Company: Horseware Ireland
Product: AA Platinum Motion Lite jacket
Horseware Ireland’s first competition jacket in the AA Platinum range features an elegant design and cut taken directly from its classic Italian AA jackets and is machine-washable and quick-drying, with no ironing needed. It claims to be the most lightweight and breathable competition jacket ever.
Judges’ comments: We love the innovation, beautiful fit and extremely lightweight and breathable qualities. The jacket far exceeds its hanger appeal.
Highly commended
Company: Ariat Europe
Product: Ariat ladies’ Caldo jacket
This athletically styled waterproof stretch jacket features synthetic insulation for maximum warmth without bulk, Ariat’s V3 technology in the shoulder, contrast lining, adjustable collar and cuffs, and a removable, oversize hood to fit over a riding hat.
Judges’ comments: The jacket has a lovely fit and great design, with excellent attention to detail and innovative fabric. Really smart and practical, it is equally wearable away from the yard.
SADDLERY & TACK
Winner
Company: HRP Equestrian & Wing Saddle Pads
Product: HRP Pressure Reducing Wing Saddle Pads
These saddle pads exert no pressure behind the saddle during trot and canter, and significantly less pressure for other gaits compared with conventional pads. There are various styles for the different equestrian disciplines.
Judges’ comments: It is lovely to see a scientifically based, broad-appeal product – in so many styles.
Highly commended
Company: Neue Schule
Product: Turtle Tactio bit
This product is designed to accommodate the larger or sensitive tongue with supreme comfort and encourages acceptance of the bit and rider instruction. The flattened undersides of the cannons, with anatomy-inspired recesses, are held parallel to the tongue whatever the riding activity.
Judges’ comments: We loved seeing a product where horse welfare and comfort are the paramount concerns – along with inspired innovation.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Winner
Company: Klick and Ride
Product: Klick and Ride
This stud system for horseshoes offers an easy application with no threads or screwing in needed – simply click in the studs and go, using a quick, easy and safer application.
Judges’ comments: This product is innovative, great quality, comes in a handy case and has good market appeal.
Highly commended
Company: HackCam (Gizapaw)
Product: HackCam horse exercise coat
The horse coat features a glow-in-the-dark strip that is also reflective. It has detachable tail flaps to enable changing of the wording or the HackCam MUVI PRO tail sleeve can be used instead. It comes in a range of sizes, with a free detachable LED flashing light.
Judges’ comments: The reflective strips are good-quality and the product has broad market appeal. A good idea.
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