Reflecting on Our Journey: A Year of Growth for the ESR Bar

Written By Karl Smiton
ESR Bar safety release mechanism in a UK equestrian yard

As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a hugely important year for the ESR Bar. What began as a focused idea — improving safety at the tie-up point — has grown into a product now trusted by horse owners, yards, and riders across the UK and beyond.

This year wasn’t about rushing. It was about doing things properly.

From Idea to Reality: Bringing the ESR Bar to Market

The early part of our journey was all about listening — listening to horse owners, yard managers, and professionals who see first-hand how quickly situations can escalate when a horse panics while tied.

ESR Bar safety bars used inside a horse trailer

Early real-world use of the ESR Bar in transport and yard environments.

The ESR Bar was developed to offer a controlled, predictable release under load, helping to reduce the risk of injury to both horse and handler. Seeing it move from concept to a physical product — and then into real-world use — has been incredibly rewarding.

Meeting the Community: Shows, Events & Conversations

Goffs equestrian venue sign during winter conditions

Meeting the equestrian community at shows and events.

One of the highlights of the year was taking the ESR Bar out on the road and meeting people face-to-face at equestrian shows and events.

These shows weren’t just about demonstrating the product — they were about conversations:

  • Listening to real experiences from horse owners
  • Answering honest questions about safety and use
  • Taking feedback that continues to shape how we present and support the product

Those interactions reinforced something important: the equestrian community values safety solutions that are simple, robust, and well thought out.

Expanding the Store: Welcoming Equipping from Equine Safety Release

Towards the end of the year, we were proud to expand our online store with a carefully selected range of equipment from Equipping from Equine Safety Release.

Equi-Ping reusable safety release added to the ESR Bar store

Carefully selected safety equipment added to our online store.

ESR branded equestrian equipment and expanding product range

Expanding beyond a single product while staying focused on safety.

This wasn’t about adding products for the sake of it. Every item added aligns with the same principles as the ESR Bar:

  • Practical, real-world safety
  • Designed with horses’ behaviour in mind
  • Built for daily use in yards and stables

By offering complementary safety equipment alongside the ESR Bar, we aim to make it easier for owners to build safer tie-up and handling setups without compromise.

Looking Ahead to 2026

This year laid the foundations:

  • A proven product
  • Growing awareness
  • Trusted partnerships
  • A supportive and engaged community

As we move into 2026, our focus remains the same: steady growth, continued learning, and always putting equine safety first.

To everyone who has supported us — whether by purchasing, sharing feedback, stopping for a chat at a show, or simply following our journey — thank you. We’re excited for what’s ahead.

Explore the ESR Bar & Safety Equipment

Discover the ESR Bar and our carefully selected range of equestrian safety equipment, all designed with real-world yard use in mind.

👉 Shop online: https://esrbar.com/shop

To keep up with new developments, show appearances, and real-life use of the ESR Bar, you can also follow us here:

We regularly share updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and practical safety insights from yards and events across the UK.

Karl Smiton
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