My Highlights from BETA International 2025
I’ve just got back from BETA International 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham, and it was two full days of conversations, ideas, and connections!
This year, the event was run by Raccoon Media Group (the team behind the National Equine Show) and co-located with PATS for the pet trade. The atmosphere was buzzing, professional, and brilliantly organised. I had a stand in the Business Pavilion and spent most of the show connecting with equestrian business owners. In fact, I was so busy people were kindly bringing me coffee because I couldn’t leave the stand!
My Automation Seminar
On Monday I ran a seminar on automation in equine businesses. And no, I don’t mean replacing people with robots. I mean using simple tools and systems to free up your time and reduce stress.
We looked at:
Automating booking systems so you’re not constantly juggling your diary
Automating payment reminders so you’re not chasing invoices
Automating client communications so you don’t miss important touchpoints like reviews or follow-ups
The message was simple: streamline the draining stuff so you can focus on the parts of your business that actually make you money and bring you joy.
The feedback was amazing — even small tweaks can free up hours every single week.
The Business Panel
Later that day, I joined the business panel with:
Safra Asmian – New Shula
Nikki Newcomb – Bliss of London
Elliot Galbraith – Aeroquestrian
Dean Cox – Red Gorilla
We had a powerful conversation covering:
Rising costs in the equestrian industry and why clear communication with suppliers, retailers, and clients is key
Pricing with confidence by knowing your numbers and standing firm when people say “that’s too expensive”
Taking risks because no business grows without a leap of faith at some point
Using AI in equestrian business as a tool for research and competitor insights, not as a replacement
The biggest takeaway? You can’t avoid risk, but you can equip yourself with clarity, communication, and confidence in your pricing and value.
My Reflections
For me, BETA wasn’t just about the sessions — it was about the connections. I loved catching up with members of the Equestrian Business Support Network who came to see me in person, and meeting so many passionate equestrian business owners.
A big shout-out to everyone who stopped by the stand to chat — you made the event so worthwhile. These conversations are the reason I do what I do.
BETA 2025 left me feeling hopeful for the future of equestrian businesses. The conversations we had about pricing, automation, and resilience show that we’re moving in the right direction.
If pricing is something you’re thinking about right now, my upcoming masterclass Raise Your Prices Without the Panic might be the perfect next step. You can find the details over on Instagram @theequinebusinessmentor.
