BETA feed assurance scheme hits its 10 products milestone

Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 by Sasha Melia

The British Equestrian Trade Association feed assurance scheme set up in 2016 to help owners identify feeds suitable for horses and ponies prone to equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) now has 10 products on its books.

British Horse Feeds’ Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet and Saracen Horse Feeds’ Competition Fit Balancer and Re-Leve are the very latest products to have passed the scheme’s stringent three-stage application process, which includes the examination of ingredients, labelling, marketing claims and independent laboratory analysis.

Both companies are now entitled to feature the distinctive feed approval mark – a red BETA logo with the wording “Suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers as part of a balanced diet” – on these products’ packaging.

Will I’Anson, of British Horse Feeds, said: “We are delighted that our two highly innovative products have been awarded this feed assurance mark. Indeed, they are the first quick-soaking beet and mash feeds to be included in it. The scheme is a major step forward in identifying products that support a reduction in the incidence of EGUS and we are very pleased that both our leading horse feeds have met the strict criteria set out by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and BETA.”

Michael Bacon, sales and marketing director of Saracen Horse Feeds, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to add the BETA feed assurance mark to these two products in the Saracen range. It really reaffirms the world-class research that is behind them and reassures owners that they are choosing the correct products for their horses.”

The BETA feed approval mark was developed by BETA in consultation with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. It was introduced following the move by regulatory organisations to permit the term “prone to” only when referring to laminitis – excluding other equine conditions such as gastric ulcers, where feeding also plays a key role in its management.

All feeds submitted for approval must fall into one of two categories: A – a compound complementary feed that provides a balanced diet when fed at a rate stated by the manufacturer; B – feedstuff typically advised to help manage horses prone to EGUS, including chopped or high-fibre feeds and sugar beet, or alternative energy sources to cereals such as high-oil concentrates. Nutritional supplements are excluded from the scheme.

“We are extremely pleased that companies have continued to recognised the tremendous opportunities that the approval scheme offers them – and delighted to welcome products from British Horse Feeds and Saracen Horse Feeds,” added BETA executive director Claire Williams. “This feed approval mark really helps riders with the management and welfare of their horses and provides greater confidence when buying feed products. We can see that it plays an important role in not only supporting the welfare of horses and ponies prone to gastric ulcers, but also in raising awareness of this painful condition.”

The BETA feed assurance scheme also includes Baileys Horse Feeds’ Ease & Excel and No 19 Performance Balancer, Dengie Horse Feeds’ Healthy Tummy and Alfa A Oil, Mars Horsecare’s Winergy Equilibrium Growth and Spillers’ Alfalfa Pro.

Dallas Burston Polo Club making strides with polo popularity as attendance figures continue to soar

Posted on Friday, June 15, 2018 by Sasha Melia

The 2018 Polo season may have only just begun, but Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam have hit the ground running, smashing an annual tournament attendance record they previously broke last year.

Approximately 700 people attended the recent Victor Ludorum tournament finals at the Stoneythorpe Estate, significantly surpassing the previous record of under 200 visitors.

Victor Ludorum, meaning ‘overall champion of sports’, is a prestigious tournament played internationally. Six teams battled it out for the Stoneythorpe Cup last month, Dallas Burston Polo Club’s first 6 goal tournament of the season, with Stoneyhill crowned champions after defeating CANI in an exciting final by 9 goals to 7.

Major Richard Carney MBE, who presented the prizes to the victors on the day, said, “Exciting matches like these are raising the popularity of polo all over the country. There was a time when we would see under 50 people attending such an event, but this year we have welcomed 700 guests plus a further 120 people to our annual opening season party. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in the future”.

There are several reasons why polo is seeing a current rise in popularity. The number of polo related lifestyle magazines has increased in recent times and the trend of polo-esque clothing has remained fashionable in the UK; but much can be attributed to the likes of Dallas Burston Polo Club thinking outside the box and tapping into the public’s desire to try new experiences.

Historically considered something of a symbol of affluence, polo days and polo lessons have become more accessible to the public and have increased in number as awareness of the sport is raised. Many UK businesses for example, now regularly take advantage of team bonding days to enjoy club facilities and take taster polo lessons. New attractions in recent times at Dallas Burston Polo Club have included camel polo, fun-fairs and university polo tournaments.

Polo has a proud and traditional social and networking history, which remains enjoyed by many today, but at clubs like Dallas Burston Polo Club, membership is offered but not essential; everyone is welcome and lots of events taking place over the course of the season are offered free for the public to attend.

Picnicking around the pitches can be as affordable or luxurious as a visitor desires, with many attendees visiting the grounds simply to enjoy the stunning 600 acres of scenery and first-class facilities on offer. The Millstone Hare for example – a £2.4m Olde English styled pub with state-of-the-art facilities and incredible views over the grounds – allows people to watch polo on summer evenings whilst enjoying a luxurious meal at the same time.

The educational (and often humorous) commentary, the tension and action taking place on the pitch and the buzzing crowd atmosphere, all contributes to making new fans out of visitors to the estate and is frequently what sees them return again and again.

The multiple award winning Dallas Burston Polo Club, Pride of Stratford Business of the Year 2018, features Europe’s largest all-weather SuperArena® for equestrian events, six polo grounds, a colonial Clubhouse, wedding venues, the IXL Events Centre and The Millstone Hare Pub.

To keep informed of the latest events coming up at Dallas Burston Polo Club, visit www.dbpoloclub.com

 

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