BETA Honour Association Founder

BETA founder Antony Wakeham has been made Vice President and an Honorary Life Member of the association.

The prestigious role's were presented at the BETA AGM at Saddlers' Hall in London.

To mark his official retirement Antony was presented with a bronze of a Lurcher by BETA President Sir Adam Butler.

Mr Butler paid tribute to Antony's hard work over the year's highlighting the huge contribution he has made to the industry.

Said Antony: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with BETA and EMC. It is hard to believe I have been involved for 24 years, they have gone so quickly.

"To be made Vice President and an Honorary Life Member is wonderful and a great honour.

"I am delighted that I will continue with a consultancy role for the association and also continue work with the Jeep National Riding Festival."

BETA Chief Executive and Secretary Claire Williams said: "Antony has played a major part in the development of the equestrian industry and anyone who has worked alongside him, is very fortunate to have gained from his knowledge."

Antony founded BETA in 1978, launching Equestrian Management Consultants (EMC) the same year.

EMC, publishers of Equestrian Trade News and sister publication the British Equestrian Directory and organiser of the BETA International Trade Fair was acquired by BETA in October 1997 and Antony became director general of the two companies.