Delegates found time to network too.
The 2025 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Conference tackled the many challenges – and opportunities - facing businesses.
The annual event, which was open to all and attended by delegates in person and online from across the equestrian industry, took place at the East Midlands Airport Hotel last Monday (24 February).
The conference followed the trade association’s members-only AGM.
A series of speakers inspired with ways forward amid concerns over the public image of equestrian sports and a raft of recent legislative and fiscal measures to affect firms.
Madeleine Campbell, Professor of Veterinary Ethics at Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and a specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law asked ‘is the use of horses in sport ethical?’
We need to prove that horses can have a good life, she said. And that the trade has a responsibility when developing new products to minimise negative impacts and maximise positive impacts – and that doing so presented an opportunity to businesses.
Professor Simon Shibli from Sheffield Hallam University spoke about how social value is an increasingly important measure of a sport’s wider contribution to society.
He concluded that equestrian sport delivers some unique types of social worth.
Marketing and social media expert Rhea Freeman emphasised the need for brands to use images showing equestrianism in a good light.
A ‘good impression’ checklist could cover tack fitting, rider safety gear, correct use of equipment and the condition of featured horses, she said.
Rhea also suggested showing different aspects of how horses are enjoyed in the wider context, for example by the RDA. And she warned brands to monitor their ambassadors’ and sponsored riders’ contributions to social media.
BETA is developing a document of guidelines on the use of horses and riders in promotional images, she revealed.
Politics and trade
Political commentator John Arnold delivered his ever-popular review of activities in Westminster and beyond. While Gillian McAteer from Citation gave a fact-packed presentation on the new Employment Rights Bill and its implication for firms.
Another topical presentation was by Ian Rea from Lariot Europe who considered how AI can enhance efficiency in the equestrian industry and finally Adam Kay from Tyler Packaging tackled the practice of green washing where companies hold themselves out to have sustainable credentials where none exist.
As always at the BETA Conference, delegates appreciated the chance to network during breaks for refreshments and lunch.
