Speedgate Enterprises Limited is one of the leading independent suppliers of equestrian and pet products in the South East and we’re proud to number them amongst our valued Bed-Down Horse and Animal Bedding stockists.
This is a family business, which was founded in 1974 by Chris & Moira Hollands and which is currently run by the next generation of the Hollands family. Originally, the business started as an arable and fruit farm selling some of its produce, including hay and straw, to local farmers and horse owners. In the early 1980s they started to diversify into the equestrian market, and they opened Speedgate Saddlery in 1982.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s the business continued to grow, with the Saddlery and Feed Barns continuing to attract more customers and stocking a wider range of products. They also started to run equestrian events from their site at Speedgate Farm in Fawkham and continued to develop their off-road equestrian riding tracks. In 2007, they launched their first comprehensive online store, which has continued to develop and grow to this day, now employing over 40 staff across their stores, their feed delivery department and their arable farm. The 600 acre farm still produces their own hay and straw, whilst their equestrian events continue to grow year by year.
All their stores are open 7 days a week: 09:00-17:30 Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 on Saturdays, and 10:00-16:00 on Sundays.
At Bed-Down we’re impressed by the free Click & Collect service offered by Speedgate, whereby you can purchase products, including our horse and animal bedding, via their website and collect them at your own convenience. Many products are available to collect within a few business hours and they’ll contact you when your order is ready for collection. Alternatively, orders placed online which are worth over £75 and which are not too bulky qualify for free next-day courier delivery: simply order before 1pm. And, if you live nearby and your order is of a certain value, you can even contact their own Delivery Team for free local delivery: it’s worth finding out whether your post code qualifies. Bed-Down loves the way in which Speedgate Enterprises go the extra mile to make ordering, collection and deliveries as easy as possible – always putting their customers’ convenience first.
Speedgate stock a huge range of products, including clothing, footwear, safety equipment, pet feed and accessories, horsewear, feed, supplements, first aid equipment and much more!
Speedgate say that they greatly appreciate the value for money Bed-down bedding represents. They point out to their customers that it’s absorbent, dust-extracted and biodegradable, and that it provides really good coverage. What’s more, they like that it’s British made, because that means it’s great for those who are eco-conscious, since it avoids the large environmental footprint associated with importing from abroad.
Speedgate have a professional, knowledgeable team, who receive regular training and information updates from Bed-Down and other leading brands, so that they stay up to date with current trends and maintain their product knowledge. Meet Feed Barn Manager Kim, for example. Kim has worked for Speedgate for over 15 years and has been the manager of their Fawkham Feed Barn for over 10 years. She has extensive knowledge of all things equestrian, having kept horses all her life. Kim holds SQP qualifications, as well as her BHSAI, and attends regular training events for feed, bedding and supplements, making her the perfect go-to for advice.
At Bed-Down, we like to keep up to date with Speedgate’s impressive full diary of events throughout year, from dressage and show jumping to clinics and training, and they are pleased to be able to offer their facilities for hire: for lessons, training and external events.
Bed-Down asked Speedgate for their horsey tips, and one of their top tips is to be prepared for all types of weather! We all know the Great British weather can change multiple times in one day, so Speedgate suggest that keeping a spare pair of boots, a full change of clothing and a coat to hand is essential. They always encourage their customers to choose the correct footwear for the task, too, for instance not to drive or ride in wellies! Oh yes, at Bed-Down, we agree that even if you’re busy, you should always find time to change your footwear when you change your task. And always take good care of your boots to prolong their life. Leather boots should be left to dry naturally, away from any heat source, and regular cleaning and conditioning will help keep them supple and prevent cracking.
Speedgate also recommend taking advantage of their discounts and ‘Stock Up and Save’ promotions, to save you both time and money all year round. They frequently have offers on hundreds of product ranges, in addition to their Customer Rewards Scheme, that will save you money in the long run. Stocking up on haynets and feed buckets can also help save you time during the week, if you have them pre-prepared. Keep an eye out for their offers on Bed-Down Horse and Animal Bedding.
Their final top tip, which we at Bed-Down are quick to endorse, is to join Speedgate’s free Parasite Control Programme to receive advice from their AMTRA qualified SQPs, as well as their handy reminder service to help you stay on top of worm control.
Speedgate Enterprises’ best-selling Bed-Down product is Bed-Down Excel, the original chopped straw and shavings mix, which is one of the nation’s favourite horse bedding product.
They regularly post on Facebook and Instagram and you can follow them on Instagram at Speedgate Equestrian to keep up to date with their latest news, offers and events. Bed-Down particularly like their ‘Win it Wednesday’ and ‘Freebie Friday’. Go ahead and follow @SpeedgateEquestrian on Facebook to be in with a chance!
Bed-Down asked Speedgate to tell us their own favourite equestrian social media accounts. They love to follow our British riders, particularly those who are up and coming. Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Collett and Harry Charles are among Speedgate’s favourites, but they’re quick to point out that their ultimate number one horsewoman is still Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll. She was and remains a true icon, they say. Like the Bed-Down team, they have always had nothing but sheer admiration for Queen Elizabeth and her love of horses.
Their other favourite account to follow is Emma Kent. Emma is a grade 3 para dressage rider based in Kent and has been Speedgate Enterprises’ Brand Ambassador for over 10 years. Emma has competed both nationally and internationally and they love to follow her training and competition progress.
Now, as a horse and animal bedding producer, Bed-Down felt compelled to ask Speedgate what their bedding non-negotiables were. Well it turns out that their absolute non-negotiable is a decent set of tools for mucking out! A good quality fork and sturdy broom, as well as a large wheelbarrow with a strong tyre are must-haves. They also recommend disinfectant to keep your stable super fresh and your horse healthy. You can view Speedgate’s full range, including their selection of Bed-Down horse and animal bedding, at www.speedgate.co.uk.
