Supporting our members in their efforts to achieve the highest level of repute, knowledge and profitability.
Feed Fact: Your Horse has an Internal Radiator!
Why is fibre better than a rug on a rainy day?
It`s cold, it`s wet, and the wind is picking up—time for another rug? Maybe, but don`t forget to "fuel the fire" inside!
The Fact: Horses generate a significant amount of body heat through the fermentation of fibre in the hindgut. Unlike humans, who get a quick energy spike from sugar, a horse`s "internal radiator" is powered by the slow breakdown of long-stem fibre (hay/haylage) and chopped fibre (chaff).
Why it matters today: On a rainy day, your horse uses more energy just to maintain their core temperature.
• Fibre = Heat: Digesting fibre produces heat as a byproduct. Feeding an extra slice of hay or a double helping of a fibre-rich chaff is like turning up the thermostat from the inside out!
• The Hydration Trap: Cold, rainy weather often makes horses reluctant to drink. Combining dry hay with low water intake is a recipe for impaction colic.
Top Tip for Today: Take the chill off! Use warm (not boiling) water to make a sloppy mash. Using mash is the ultimate winter hack—it provides the fibre they need for warmth while sneaking in extra hydration to keep the gut moving.
How are you keeping your horses cosy today? Extra hay or a warm mash? Let us know below! 👇
#FeedFactFortnight #DengieHorseFeeds #WinterFeeding #HorseHealth #FiberFirst #EquineNutrition
Help Us! How much do you really trust your stirrups?
Five years ago, we did research into "Safety Stirrups" to understand what riders thought about them. Fast-forward to 2026, and the equestrian world has seen significant new tech—but has our understanding of safety standards kept up?
We want to know if attitudes have shifted, what you look for in a stirrup, and your thoughts on the need for clearer safety standards. Whether you’re a leisure rider or a seasoned pro, your voice is essential.
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🎁 Why Join In?
By spending just a few minutes sharing your thoughts, you’re not only helping improve industry safety—you’re also getting a chance to treat yourself!
• The Prize: Every completed survey enters a draw to win a £50 BETA shopping voucher.
• The Goal: To gather real-world data that helps push for better, clearer safety standards for riders everywhere.
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👇How to Participate
1. Click the link in our bio to fill out the questionnaire.
2. Share this post to your stories or tag a friend below! The more riders we hear from, the better the data.
Thank you for helping us keep the equestrian community informed and safe! 🏇✨
#EquestrianSafety #SafetyStirrups #HorseRiding #BETAVoucher #RiderSafety #EquestrianResearch
From the increasing focus on social license to the growing demand for inclusivity and therapeutic engagement, the "landscape" of horse riding is evolving.
Understanding these shifts is not just about social responsibility—it is about identifying where the future of equestrianism is headed.
We are delighted to introduce Michael Bishop, Chief Executive of @rdauk (Riding for the Disabled Association), who will be exploring "The Equestrian Landscape" at the BETA Equestrian Business Summit 2026.
Michael leads one of the UK’s most impactful national charities, an organisation that harnesses the unique power of horses to enrich lives. RDA supports more than 39,000 disabled people each year through innovative programs that promote physical health, confidence, and mental well-being. Michael has leadership experience across private, voluntary, and public sectors, having led Strategy and Business Development at Historic England and started his career in food retail. He is also Deputy Chair of Trustees at London Youth and Trustee of the British Racing School.
At the summit, Michael will provide an overview of the current equestrian landscape, helping business owners understand how the work of organisations like the RDA influences public perception, participation trends, and the future of the trade.
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📅 Event Details:
• Date: Monday, 23rd February 2026
• Venue: Hilton East Midlands and online
👉 Link to the booking form in the bio
#BETASummit #EquestrianBusiness #RDA #MichaelBishop #EquestrianLandscape #SocialImpact #HorseIndustry #BusinessStrategy #InclusionInSport
From the local saddlery to the international eventing circuit— every equestrian business is based on one thing: participation.
As we look toward 2026, understanding how to make equestrianism accessible, inclusive, and sustainable is the most critical challenge for our long-term growth.
We are proud to announce that Andrew Stennett will speak on "The Future of Participation" at the BETA Equestrian Business Summit 2026.
In 1991, Andrew founded Grove House Stables with just one horse and a mission to open the world of horses to everyone, regardless of background or ability. Over 30 years later, he has transformed it into a respected multi-disciplinary hub and founded I Pegasus CIC, a BHS/ABRS-approved centre known for its work with vulnerable learners and vocational training.
Educational Authority: As a registered instructor, NVQ assessor, and Qualified Teacher in Further Education, Andrew has spent decades shaping the standards for workforce development and safeguarding.
National Governance: Andrew formerly served as a Trustee of the British Horse Society (BHS), where he held special responsibility for Approved Riding Schools and the transformative "Changing Lives Through Horses" programme.
Sector Champion: He believes riding schools are more than just places to learn to ride—they are engines for personal growth, community connection, and the future sustainability of our entire industry.
📅 Event Details:
Date: Monday, 23rd February 2026
Venue: Hilton East Midlands
Theme: The Future of the Equestrian Industry - Challenges & Opportunities
Link to Booking Page in the bio
From the local saddlery to the international eventing circuit—every equestrian business is based on one thing: participation. essGrowth #InclusionInSport
It`s time for another #FeedFactFriday. Usually, we use this day to talk about what`s inside the feed bucket, but today we`re looking at something just as important: what`s under your horse`s hooves. It might seem strange to worry about bedding on #FeedFactFriday, but many horses are "recreational grazers" when it comes to their beds! Even if they don`t eat it intentionally, they can ingest particles while eating hay off the floor.
If you compete under governing bodies like the FEI, BHA or British Equestrian, you`re likely already careful about your hard feed.
But have you ever thought about the straw or wood shavings your horse is sleeping on? The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has expanded its safety standards to include the BETA NOPS Bedding Scheme.
What are NOPS?
These are substances that occur naturally (such as in plants or during the harvesting process) but are banned in competitive sport because they can affect performance or mask health issues.
Common examples include:
Caffeine (from tea/coffee waste)
Theobromine (from cocoa)
Morphine (from opium poppies)
Atropine and Hyoscine (from certain weeds such as nightshade and jimson that can grown in crops used in feed)
Hordenine (from germinating barley)
If bedding is contaminated (for example, if a stray poppy was harvested with the straw), your horse could accidentally ingest a prohibited substance, leading to a positive drug test and a potential disqualification.
Horse`s safety starts from the ground up—literally.
If you compete, you should check your bedding just as closely as you check your feed. And don’t forget also to follow good yard practices such as not drinking coffee in the box when mucking out!
👉 Look for the logo. To learn more about the scheme and find a list of certified manufacturers! We now have three companies in the scheme: Arbor Bedding, @bedmaxshavings , @sundownequine
