“Making high quality items accessible through retailers is a badge of honour.”  Hux – the new name for Hucklesby Associates - has been appointed sole distributor for USG (United Sportsproducts Germany) in the UK and Ireland.  The wholesaler has long supplied the trade with body protectors and footwear by German manufacturer USG – but this new agreement gives Hux exclusivity. Managing director George Hucklesby sealed the deal on a visit to Germany last Monday.  “We’re over the moon, really chuffed” he told ETN.  “Wealth shouldn’t be a prerequisite” USG body protectors are big sellers in Germany, having been voted ‘number one’ for five consecutive years by...

Brand launch part of deal.  AmaHorse has appointed Shaws Equestrian as its sole distributor for the UK and Ireland. The Italian company is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and distributors, supplying a range of products for horse and rider.   AmaHorse has two main brands. Equestro is set to be launched in the UK in Spring 2026. Acavallo is already established with its gel pads, seat savers and accessories. “We’re delighted to be working with AmaHorse to bring prominence to these products that add to the welfare of horse and rider,” says Monty Stuart-Monteith, managing director of Shaws Equestrian.  Paolo Petyri, AmaHorse’s sales director, added...

Manufacturers can submit products to check for compliance.  Fresh data on rider injury has prompted the American horse sports regulator to introduce new rules for safety stirrups.  US Equestrian (USEF) highlights incidents in which riders were injured because their clothing or body got caught on a stirrup with an upward-pointing projection while dismounting. Not all stirrups with emergency release features are banned, however.  Those which have closed branches in their non-activated state remain compliant. Although if there is a gap in the stirrup’s outline, a moveable branch must sit inside the stirrup’s plane. Enforcement of the new rule will be staggered. From 1 December,...

“Collection is a milestone.”  LeMieux has collaborated with Disney to launch a Disney Hobby Horse Collection.  The range comprises four of the entertainment giant’s characters — Disney Pegasus, Maximus, Sven and Pixar Bullseye — reimagined as hobby horses.  Each hobby horse comes with a detachable wooden stick, plush fabric and accessories to appeal to collectors and children. “Working with Disney on this collection is a milestone for LeMieux,” says the brand’s CEO Dan Mahoney.  “Our hobby horses blend the timeless appeal of imaginative play with the iconic charm of Disney characters — creating a unique, story-driven product that stands out in the world of...

“We know retailers are always looking for ways to diversify.” The maker of Likits equine treats and toys is on the scent of a slice of the £20 billion UK homewares market. Talisker Bay International’s new Cremello brand, comprising fragranced candles and diffusers, is to be made available to the equestrian trade.   “We know retailers are always looking for ways to diversify and give customers reason to visit their stores,” says brand manager Lindsay Gall. Besides making great gift ideas at an affordable price, the range will bring in repeat custom, she adds.  Cremello, named after the ethereal beauty of the equine colour,...

As April showers arrive, this supplier is upping the ante in all-weather protection for horses.  Gallop Equestrian has secured the licence to use the Duraproof trademark on its rugs. The manufacturer has already rolled out its first turnout rugs featuring the internationally recognised waterproofing and conditioning treatment. “We are the only rug supplier with this seal of approval – and we’re using it to extend the waterproof life of our turnout rugs,” said Gallop Equestrian’s Amy Drew. Gallop’s Duraproof coated rugs have a waterproof rating of 10,000mm* when brand new. “This is excellent for all conditions throughout the year including heavy downpours or continuous...

… with a plan to overcome import issues. The Equestrian Agency - comprising Peter Wilkes, Kelly Whapples and Stacy Coates - is exclusively representing Waldhausen in mainland UK.  Waldhausen, founded in Cologne in 1836, is among Europe’s largest equestrian wholesalers and brand owners. The company distributes own-branded products, E.L.T. clothing, Swing body protectors and brands such as Beris Bits. The Equestrian Agency says it is “overcoming import issues” for UK retailers by working with Waldhausen to offer “competitive DDP (delivered, duty paid) prices removing retailer import hassles.” Peter is covering north of Birmingham, and Kelly is looking after trade customers in Birmingham...

Name is associated with a different type of horsepower.  SUOMY – a label well known in motorsports – has branched out into riding hats.  Now the Italian brand has linked up with UK agency Cloud Retail to distribute its equestrian helmets to retailers. “SUOMY may be new to the UK equestrian industry, but they are world famous for producing helmets used to win over 21 world titles in cycling, Moto GP and Superbike championships linked to Ducati,” says Matt Cummins of Cloud Retail.  The Italian made range of riding helmets is priced from £450. Some models offer luxury touches such as mother-of-pearl inlay...

Products are the choice of world class riders.  Mackey Equestrian has become the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Majyk Equipe. The equine boots brand is based in California. Olympic riders Boyd Martin, Philip Dutton and Caroline Powell are among its fans.  Majyk Equipe designed its collection of leg protection for horses following its work in human performance wear. The lightweight, Neoprene-free boots have a special lining within the strike area which hardens on impact to disperse energy.  Read more about the products in the July/August issue of ETN.  Mackey Equestrian is the equestrian division of the Agrihealth Group.

Supplier steps up as vet warns of “strongly accelerated grass growth.” A nationwide flush of grass is testing owners managing horses and ponies prone to being sensitive to seasonal pasture changes. So potent is the growth of ‘Dr Green’ this Spring that a vet has urged taking extra care.  “The grass growth in the past few weeks has really accelerated strongly and now is the time for owners to be ultra-vigilant,” says Andy Richardson, veterinary director at NAF. “In recognition of the unique challenges of feeding prone horses and ponies, NAF Five Star Laminaze is now available as an easy to feed pellet...