IWMT Sponsors: Meet Louise Leverton from Protexin Equine

The team at Protexin Equine Premium has been a long-standing sponsor of the Ian White Memorial Trophy, which will be held at Smith's Lawn horse trials in August. Here we meet Louise Leverton from Protexin who will be looking after their sponsorship activities this year.

Louise at Burghley last year

What is your role and how long have you worked for Protexin?
I am Territory Manager  for the central region of the UK and started with the company on 1st August last year. Before coming to Protexin I worked for an equestrian wholesalers that distributed Protexin products so this is how I got to know their brand. I feed  Protexin products to my own horse because I know and trust what they do. This is what attracted me to working with the company when the opportunity came up.

Tell us about Protexin Equine and their mission
Protexin Equine Premium is a leading range of probiotic supplements for horses and ponies of all ages and capabilities. We are dedicated to producing innovative research-based products of the highest quality. All our products carry the BETA 'NOPS' logo which means they do not contain any prohibited substances, so users can be rest assured that they can keep their horses on our products and compete with no concerns.

What are the products used for and why should horse owners use them?
The products focus on gut function, which when working correctly will help with the overall condition and wellbeing of the horse. The gut balancer is a good maintenance product containing pre and probiotics, which horses can be fed on a continuous basis as part of their daily feed. This product also works well with horses who get a bit loose with their droppings. Quick Fix is a paste version of the gut balancer and is very good for settling nerves - what we humans would understand as butterflies. It is very useful when travelling horses and even colic! Acid Ease contains the gut balancer along with antacids and kaolin to neutralise stomach acidity and this would be used in horses with gastric ulcers.

Protexin supports riders across the equestrian disciplines - tell us why you feel it is important to support riders like this?
Protexin Equine Premium has endorsed riders across all disciplines; the endorsed riders get a deal on products as well as free saddle cloths and other branded items. This is in return for them talking about and recommending our products. We appreciate that this is a tough industry so any support we can give riders will be a huge help, and vice versa. We don't have riders that are just looking for any form of sponsorship - we want to support those riders who are using, trusting, and believing in our products because this will come across when they are talking to others about our brand. We believe it is important to support riders at all levels of the sport.

Sol

How do you fill your free time, and do you ride yourself?
I have a horse of my own called Sol. He's a thoroughbred, rising 4 years, who I hope to event. However, I am bringing him on slowly and starting him again because he was bred to race and started young. I also enjoy keeping fit and do a fair amount of running, entering half marathons and mud obstacle runs such as Tough Mudders. And my very cute puppy, Bailey,  keeps me busy.

Protexin goody bags! (photo by Uptown Eventing)

Why did Protexin Equine get involved with the IWMT and what do you get out of your involvement?
I, on behalf of Protexin Equine, have chosen to be involved because I feel it is a great opportunity to  raise awareness of two fantastic charities. Plus, the fact it is named after Kathryn's late husband gives it a personal impact. I believe that these more personal events are better attended and there is usually a fantastic atmosphere because people are there to have fun and raise money. It takes some of the pressure of the competitive aspect for the amateur riders while still offering fantastic prizes. Of course, Protexin's involvement will create greater brand awareness too.

Bailey

I will be attending the IWMT this year and will have products with me on the day. If anyone wants to talk to me about them or purchase items then please come along and say hello. I really want to contribute to this event and raise awareness by spreading the word. 

Kathryn White is owner and director of Cathean Ltd Medical and Copy Writing Services. She is a published medical, copy and equestrian writer with a passion for creating compelling text in collaboration with her clients. Her customers include pharmaceutical, healthcare and equestrian businesses across the world.