BETA International enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its celebrity guests and speakers. In 2018, the show is certainly not resting on its laurels, as it welcomes both equestrian and country personalities – one of eventing's best-loved riders, William Fox-Pitt, and a well-known face from television, Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess.
They will both talk about their lives and careers in The Charles Owen Hub on Monday 22 January.
The first British rider to become eventing's world No 1, William will share anecdotes and memories as he looks back on many years spent at the top of his game. The father-of-four, who suffered serious head trauma in 2015 after a fall on the cross-country course at Le Lion d'Angers, France, will chart his road to recovery and participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics on his horse of a lifetime, Chilli Morning.
In addition to his glittering equestrian career, where he is the only rider to have won five out of the six CCI 4* three-day events worldwide, he is a board director of the Eventing Riders Association and has written two books – Schooling for Success and his autobiography, What Will Be.
Amanda, a busy mother of nine children, will provide a fascinating and heart-warming insight into her life as a shepherdess on a remote, 2,000-acre hill farm, Ravenseat, at the top of Swaledale, in the Yorkshire Dales.
A best-selling author who has appeared in TV shows The Dales, Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Wild and Countrywise, Amanda will delight trade fair visitors with her wonderful photography and rural recollections of a life ruled by the seasons and animals.
“We are thrilled that William and Amanda are coming to the show,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “They are sure to be a real hit with our visitors and exhibitors, who will relish the opportunity to find out more about this remarkable pair.”
BETA International is the world’s leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2018 show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 21 to 23 January. Visitor entry is free on pre-registration at www.beta-int.com.
