Equestrian firm races ahead

A CHESHIRE equestrian equipment manufacturer is racing ahead on the international markets.

Racewood Simulators manufactures training machines for jockeys, polo players and dressage riders.

The simulators, which are designed to train elite riders, have be exported as far afield as Korea, Australia and the United States, and the firm is currently building two for the sultan of Oman.

The machines were invented by Bill Greenwood in the 1990s after spotting a gap in the equestrian market.  He says: “Most other sports have specific training equipment, but there was nothing available for jockeys. The only way to coach riders was to drive alongside them using radio contact.

Bill, who had previously made carousel horses for Harrods, gradually began to extend the range to include machines for riding schools, dressage and polo.

In the UK they are standard equipment at the two big racing schools in Doncaster and Newmarket, and jockeys now have to pass a test on a Racewood product in order to get a license.

When Bill decided to export the products he joined the UKTI’s Passport to Export programme and attended a number of trade shows.

He says: “UKTI has been a fantastic help in enabling us to reach more markets.
“All the help has proved worthwhile and we have been able to turn all the opportunities into profit.  Next we are hoping to develop a show jumping simulator, and will continue to work with UKTI to ensure that we continue to make the most of our international opportunities.”