Westgate Labs has been named the winner of the Sustainable Exhibitor Award at the National Equine Show 2025, recognising its pioneering commitment to environmental sustainability in the equestrian industry.
The award, presented by Ruth Dancer and Zoe Rudge of White Griffin, was accepted by Kristy Hodgson, Director of Westgate Labs, in recognition of the company’s innovative approach to reducing environmental impact through targeted parasite control, sustainable packaging, and land regeneration projects.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the very best examples of sustainability at this year’s National Equine Show. Sustainability is not just about removing plastic or installing solar panels… It’s about innovation—adapting products to reduce environmental impact or creating new solutions to solve environmental problems. This year’s entries have truly demonstrated that creativity and ambition can make a positive difference for both our industry and our planet,” said Liz Ormesher, Event Director of the National Equine Show.
For 26 years, Westgate Labs has helped horse owners reduce unnecessary worming, limiting the release of harmful chemicals into the environment while tackling resistance to deworming drugs. The company was recognised for a range of sustainability initiatives, including:
- Innovative Compostable Sample Pots – Replacing hundreds of thousands of polystyrene pots with a plant-based, fully compostable alternative.
- Zero-Waste Packaging – Award-winning system ensuring all materials are compostable or reusable, reducing their waste to landfill by circa 90%
- Fen Letch Nature Reserve – Underetaking a 135-acre rewilding project transforming former open-cast mining land into a thriving carbon-sequestering wildlife habitat
- Sustainability Advocacy – Working with CANTER, British Equestrian, World Horse Welfare, and other leading equine organisations to educate owners on sustainable parasite control
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Westgate Labs,” said Kristy Hodgson, Director of Westgate Labs. “From rethinking packaging to supporting biodiversity, we believe that businesses can be a force for environmental good. We are incredibly proud to be recognised with this award and hope it inspires the equestrian community to continue embracing sustainability.”
The Sustainable Exhibitor Award, launched this year, celebrates businesses making meaningful strides towards circular and regenerative solutions in the equestrian sector. As the industry focuses on reducing its environmental impact, Westgate Labs is leading the way in sustainable horse care.
ENDS
High Resolution image attached: Ruth Dancer and Zoe Rudge of White Griffin present the award to Kristy Hodgson, Director of Westgate Labs at the National Equine Show 2025, 1st and 2nd March 2025.
The National Equine Show took place 1st and 2nd March 2025. The show provides a premium environment for equestrians to discover and shop for the right products. It’s the only event that provides equestrians with a premium shopping experience on a major scale with 100s of brands, activities, and educational theatres all in one place.
About Westgate Labs
Westgate Laboratories has been leading the field in helping horse owners to manage the parasite control of their horses and other grazing animals since 1999. The laboratory offers a quick, easy to use, great value postal worm count and testing service that enables carers and keepers to target the wormers given to horses and keep them as healthy as possible. The laboratory employees a team of 15 people and is based on the family farm near Morpeth in Northumberland.