Winning traders announced in The Equestrian Index HOYS Tradestand of the Year Awards

New to the 2019 Horse of the Year Show are two awards which take place inside the show’s retail village rather than the arenas. Working in conjunction with The Equestrian Index, Horse of the Year Show organisers are delighted to showcase this new initiative for traders at the five-day show. The aim is to recognise exhibitor talents in trade stand dressing and etiquette throughout the week. All trade stands by way of exhibiting were automatically entered into the awards which had two sections; Best Display 20sqm and under and Best Display over 20sqm.

Judging for the awards took place anonymously by two industry experts over Wednesday and Thursday of the show during trading hours. Exhibitors were marked out of 10 across four categories; best overall impression, warmest welcome, best use of space and best interaction with customers.

The winner of the 20sqm and under category was Leeds-based company, Stinky Stuff. A family-run business who are dedicated to providing an effective, natural and versatile range of products to suit an extensive range of animal ailments. Owned by sisters Olivia and Georgina Kerr, this is the first year they have exhibited at HOYS and they were delighted with their new title of the Best Small Tradestand of the Year. Judges feedback was that for a small stand they used the space brilliantly, you could easily view all their products and it was inviting for customers. They were pleasantly engaging with customers and their product knowledge was second to none. Olivia commented: “It gives us a great boost to win this award. It is our first show here and we have had a busy year, so it is nice to be acknowledged for all of our hard work.”

Taking the honours in the over 20sqm was the UK’s leading equestrian sales website, HorseQuest. With their eye-catching display, HorseQuest have been exhibiting at Horse of the Year Show for over 12 years. The judges’ feedback was that their stand was impeccably presented and well-staffed. Looking after a stand with four open sides can be difficult but it was well-managed, and staff were very approachable. Speaking to Managing Director, Alison Roeves, she commented: “To win a best stand award provides confirmation that we are doing a good job and it is great recognition of all the hard work we put in. We also won the award at Badminton Horse Trials in May so to win it again here is fantastic. We are absolutely thrilled.”

Both worthy winners were awarded with a trophy and a year’s digital membership with The Equestrian Index. Sponsors of the new Tradestand of the Year Awards, Equestrian Index, were delighted with the enthusiasm from traders: “We are really pleased to be working with Horse of the Year Show on these new awards to bring together the retailers at the show and provide them with a little incentive to aim for. The feedback has been really positive, and it is certainly something we hope to continue at next year’s show,” commented Amanda Watson, co-founder of Equestrian Index.

The UK Equestrian Business Directory, Equestrian Index have also been running a treasure hunt at HOYS this week as a way of encouraging visitors to explore the retail village a little further. Amanda continues: “The treasure hunt has gone down really well and not just amongst children. Everyone at the show has the opportunity to take part, they just have to collect a sheet, visit the 22 stands to collect their stickers and then hand it back to us to be in with a chance to win over 22 prizes donated by the stands who are taking part. The feedback from traders has been good, with some saying that now they have seen the benefits of it, they would love to take part next year. Customers have come back to us and explained that they have visited stands which they wouldn’t normally go to and ended up purchasing products, especially early Christmas presents. It’s definitely something we would like to develop for next year.”

ENDS

For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2019, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk

The Equestrian Index HOYS Tradestand of the Year Awards Best Display 20sqm and under, Stinky Stuff © Julian Portch

The Equestrian Index HOYS Tradestand of the Year Awards Best Display over 20sqm, Advantage by Horse Quest © Julian Portch