First Thought Equine Ltd (FTE) based in Kingston, Canterbury, have been awarded the title of Equestrian Equipment Retailer of the Year at the 2025 London & South East England Prestige Awards.
Formed in 1996 they produce a wide range of innovative saddles and equestrian products, all designed and crafted in their Kent workshop.
The Prestige Awards were established to honour businesses and individuals who consistently deliver exceptional products and services. The awards team conducts extensive research to identify small and medium-sized businesses, recognising the unique characteristics that independent businesses bring to their regions.
Osmaan Mahmood, Founder & CEO of Prestige Awards, explains:
“Although small businesses may not be able to compete with multinational companies on their size and scale, there is a personalised service-driven focus that is often void from large organisations.”
The nomination process is rigorous, with Prestige readers invited to put forward businesses that have excelled in their market over the past 12 months. Shortlisted companies must provide evidence of their impact, positive client feedback, notable achievements, and industry innovation. The judging panel evaluates nominees against criteria including service excellence, product quality, innovative practices, value, sustainability, and consistency.
FTE stood out to the judges thanks to their unique approach to saddle design and innovation, commitment to rider and horse welfare, and dedication to ethical equine practices.
Co-founders of First Thought Equine Ltd, David Kempsell and Maggie White, said:
“This award is a recognition of the hard work of our entire team, our network of fitters and retailers around the world, and the riders and horses who continue to inspire us.
We look forward to continuing to innovate and uphold the very best in equestrian equipment and saddlery, placing both horse welfare and ethical craftsmanship at the heart of everything we do.”
