Three ambitious equestrian businesses have secured investment offers after stepping into the spotlight at the inaugural Mustangs’ Corral at BETA International 2026.
There was everything from a water-saving innovation to a new approach to horse studs, and two teenage entrepreneurs with a growing detangler business, as four equestrian businesses faced a panel of investors in front of a live audience.
For the finalists, the stakes were high. The Mustangs’ Corral offered the opportunity to pitch for investment of up to £250,000, alongside something potentially just as valuable for a growing business: access to experienced entrepreneurs, industry contacts and mentoring.
And by the end of the event, three businesses had received offers.
‘Sealing’ the deal
SealStop was first to secure an investment offer, with co-founder Belle Richardson pitching for £200,000 to help take the company’s water-saving device to its next stage of development. The business was offered £100,000 in exchange for an equity stake.
Richardson said the experience had been valuable even before the offer was made, particularly when facing questions designed to challenge the business and its plans for growth.
“It went really well, I was pleased with the feedback,” she said. “I had some questions that were challenging and made me think about where I am in the business, what I want, and I was really pleased with the outcome.”
For SealStop, the offer also represents external validation of the potential behind its product.
“It gives you that validation that the route we’re taking and what we’ve created has a need and a purpose, and they obviously believe it’s got scalability,” Richardson said.
A different approach to studs
Next came Stud Fast, founded by Eleanore Kelly.
The business has developed a non-metal stud made from a polymer, with the product designed to promote horse welfare by reducing the risk of injury.
Kelly pitched for investment and was offered £50,000 in return for an equity stake, together with the potential benefit of access to a global distribution network.
While she admitted that the pressure of pitching in front of a live audience meant she “slightly fumbled the numbers”, Kelly said the opportunity to put her product in front of the panel was important in its own right.
“I think it was fantastic,” she said.
“Even if I hadn’t had the offer of investment, to talk about something I really believe in is fantastic for me.”
For Kelly, the motivation behind Stud Fast is firmly rooted in horse welfare.
“I really am passionate about improving the welfare and safety element and I think this is the perfect platform to do that,” she added.
Young entrepreneurs make an impression
Perhaps the most eye-catching story from the competition came from Neigh Tangles, founded by sisters Holly and Sadie (feature image), aged just 11 and 15.
The pair started their detangler business with £600 and have since built it through direct sales, with their products now stocked in five tack shops in Scotland.
Their pitch resulted in an offer of support from the panel, and potentially a wealth of experience to help them take the business further.
David Mitson offered financial support towards product development, while Joanna Jensen was suggested as a source of formulation expertise to help the sisters expand their range.
Michael Darley, meanwhile, could bring his sales network to the table.
For Holly and Sadie, the prospect of working with all three was clearly a major opportunity.
“We’re extremely excited to work with them all and see what we can do,” they said.
A showcase for equestrian innovation
The three successful businesses were selected from four finalists, with Cross Section Equestrian also pitching during the competition.
The judging panel brought together three figures with experience of developing businesses and brands: David Mitson of HLM Investment Group, which owns brands including evoke, Science Supplements and Westgate; Childs Farm founder Joanna Jensen; and Michael Darley of Country Direct.
The event was not simply about handing out cheques. For businesses at an early stage of their development, the opportunity to gain access to established networks and expertise could prove just as significant as the financial offers.
Mitson said the standard of the pitches demonstrated the entrepreneurial talent within the equestrian sector.
“What a great platform to showcase the amazing entrepreneurs that we have in the equestrian industry,” he said.
“There were some really good pitches and some products that I believe have amazing potential.”
He also praised the finalists for handling the pressure of pitching in front of a live audience and facing questions from the panel.
“They all did themselves proud and coped with the questions well in front of a live audience,” he added.
The successful businesses now have a short period to decide whether to accept the offers.
Whatever happens next, the first Mustangs’ Corral has given three emerging equestrian brands something beyond their pitches: a chance to put their businesses, products and ambitions firmly in front of people who could help shape their next chapter.
And with offers on the table, the next move belongs to the entrepreneurs.
