Search4aStar

Rose's Road to HOYS - Search for a Star countdown...

Read all about Rose Shipham's journey to appear at HOYS click here

The 2009 SEIB Search for a Star continues at Vale View...

The final qualifier for the 2009 South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star Championship was held on 16^th August at Vale View Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire. With over 200 entries, this venue saw the largest turnout of any qualifier. The event provided riders with the last opportunity this season to earn a coveted ticket to compete at the SEIB Search For A Star Finals at the Horse Of The Year Show, held at the NEC Birmingham, in October. The judges were well known and highly respected show horse producer, and regular Search For A Star judge, Richard Ramsay (conformation) and renowned judge, Richard Mills (ride) assisted by Matthew Mayer-Burns.

The Working Hunter class saw 10 horses tackle the jumping course which caused few problems, with 8 clears going forward for the final judging. First place went to the lovely jumper, Hati Diamond, owned by Fred Cottan, a haulage contractor from Blackburn, and ridden by Caroline McCarthy, 38, a saddle fitter from Bolton. Known as Tommy, this 8 year old gelding is already a successful show jumper with over £600 in winnings but has never tried showing before. “Last week he won a 1.5m open show jumping class at Halifax show. I wanted to have a go at showing with him but I was not sure if his jumping would suit the class”, said Caroline who also has her own horse and does mainly dressage. “We did a working hunter class at Arthington Show to see how we got on and the steward suggested we had a go at Search for a Star. I have never been to HOYS and now it doesn’t feel real”, she said. Fred has owned the Irish bred Tommy since he was a 4 year old, and he was just backed when he got him. Caroline has been running her own saddle fitting business, Saddles4U, for the last 4 years. Second place went to Prince Concord, owned by Daryl Davidson and ridden by his son, Mark. The 11 year old chestnut gelding, known as Omar, has been with Mark for the past 3 years and does mainly BSJA show jumping and dressage. In 2007 the pair won the Pony Club Dressage championships and last year they were 2^nd in the Pony Club Teams Show Jumping. “He has taught me a lot. I went to HOYS to watch 2 years ago and really wanted to have a go at workers. It was worth the trip from Cumbria to qualify”, said Mark, who is studying in 6^th form at Queen Elizabeth Grammer, Cumbria.

The Riding Club Show Horse class was headed by Innish Verdel, known as “Vee”, owned and ridden by Nicola Keeting-bell. The 8 year old dun mare is home bred. The dam was a show hunter with success at county level and has bred 2 foals, all of them are dun. “We tried, but we can’t seem to breed anything else”, said Nicola. This is her first season in workers . Vee started her training late, remaining unbroken while Nicola had 2 children, Thomas,8 and Alice, 4, who already does leadrein. In the meantime, Nicola’s mother did a lot of in hand shows with her, so she takes the show scene in her stride. “We finally broke her last year and she was quite quirky but I think she benefited from late backing as she is physically more mature. Generally she is very giving and good natured. I want to do workers with her as she really likes jumping. We did a local show at Epworth, north Lincolnshire, and the judge said we should have a go at Search for a Star. I have always dreamed of getting to HOYS”, said a delighted Nicola, who worked for 19 years in Sales Management with BT.

Second was Clogerboy Lucky Buck, known at “Qasi”, a 7yo grey gelding owned and ridden by Alex Kershaw. Alex, an A&E Sister at St Richards Hospital, Chichester, has had Qasi for just over 18 months after being out of horses for 10 years. After getting married, her husband, Richard, a doctor in the Navy, was looking for a boat and so Alex decided it was time she looked for another horse. “Qasi was just down road at a yard near to where I grew up riding, so I knew the area well”, she said. Two months later Alex got pregnant but she continued riding as long as possible and then worked Qasi from the ground. Alex could not wait to start riding again and was back in the saddle just 2 weeks after giving birth to baby Oliver, now 8 months old. “I couldn’t do it without my mum who looks after Oliver so that I can go out for a ride and I don’t have to ride in the school all the time”, said Alex. “I have done a bit of dressage with Qasi and have qualified for unaffiliated Hickstead final in September at prelim and novice level. It was my dream to do showing, and after having a go at Wellington where we came 3^rd I really wanted to have another go”, said a delighted Alex, who hired a horsebox for the 5 hour journey from Chichester. “This has made it all worthwhile”, she said. Alex and Richard have known each other since school days, having both attended Churchers College, Petersfield, where riding is now offered as part of the curriculum.

With 29 entries, the Show Hunter Class was split, with the top horses in each group coming together for the final judging. First place went to Silver Lady, owned and ridden by Katie Almond. Katie’s husband, John, bought the grey mare, now a 6 year old, as a foal so that Katie could get back into horses. Showing is what she wanted to do, although the foal was actually bred for show jumping. “She was very laid back and good to break and we have brought her on slowly”, explained Katie. “Last year we did some county show level showing and won at the Royal Lancs show in the Riding Horse class. The mare has matured and this year we have concentrated on search for a star”, she said. They have done almost every venue, listening to the judges comments and really working hard on improving from show to show. “It has all been worth while, and I can’t believe we have actually qualified”, said a delighted Katie, 27, who fits in riding every day around working part time as a housekeeper for local healthcare organisation and looking after her 4yo son, Harris. “The people who have come along from our livery yard to give me support have been great and I am really looking forward to HOYS. Second place went to Fyne Fortune, known as “Ryan”, owned & ridden by Sue Simmons. Sue bought him as a stallion 6 years ago, to do small hunters but had him gelded so that he could live peacefully with the other horses. However, once he had been gelded he grew, so he is now too big for small hunters, but they have lots of fun doing local shows. As members of Chappel Riding Club, they do dressage, one day events and hunts with Four Shires and High Peak. “He does a bit of everything. He is easy to do and was a lovely kind stallion – only gelded as not fair on him as had to be kept separate. Getting to HOYS is a lifelong dream and this is going to be double celebration. We have had a fantastic year”, enthused Sue, whose daughter, Lorna Pearson, has also qualified for the Search For A Star Final on her Riding Horse, Fynetime, at Osbaldeston.

The Ponies saw another enormous entry of 38, and was again split into two halves for judging with the top ponies going forward for the final judging. First place went to Archwood Romeo Gigle, known as Jack, owned by Mrs Allison Hilton and ridden by 13 year old Jessica Leigh-Hilton. Allison has owned the 4 year old black gelding show pony, 13.2hh, had since last October and bought him to show. This is his first season showing and they have already had some success, winning in hand and 2^nd Novice ridden at Cheshire Show, 1^st Novice at Bakewell and 3^rd Scottish horse show. Jessica attends Hyde Technical School and rides and does her pony after school. Last year she went to watch the Search For A Star finals at HOYS and really wanted to have a go. “Jack is cheeky but never does anything silly. We hack out together and do schooling. I am really looking forward to going to HOYS”, said Jessica. Second place went to Grafton Street, known as “Irish”, a 5yo chestnut mare ridden by Bethany Ahmet and owned by her grandfather, Len Thorne. Bethany, who attends Bradbourne School in Kent, backed and broke her herself. “She was straight forward and easy to do, in fact she is the sweetest mare, not at all like the chestnut mare stereotype”, explained Bethany. “I had a riding pony before and wanted a show horse. We bought Irish from Margaret Boyles who bought the mare from Ireland”. The pair have had some success this year, finishing 5^th at the South of England show and also qualifying for the Balanced Horse Feeds championship in their first year showing. “Her best fried is “Nigel” – they are turned out in the field together and now they are both going to hoys”, said Bethany, whose sister, Georgia, qualified for Search For A Star at Addington on her Riding Horse, Aquilas Stud Nigia. “We are going to Equifest and Royal London and will also do some dressage before HOYS. Irish is so laid back, I am sure they will cope well with HOYS atmosphere”, said Bethany’s mum, Lorraine. “The horses are kept at home and the girls do as much as possible themselves. It is fantastic that they are both going to HOYS!

The Riding Horse/Hack was also split with 19 entries. Royal Views Top Cat took the top spot for owner, Carley Jones, ridden by Helen Evans. Carley stopped riding 5 years ago and now is a very proud owner and groom. Known as “Cougar”, the 7 year old bay gelding was bred by friends who gave him to Carley as soon as he was born as a thank you for the help she had given them at shows. “I have always been interested in showing, and I am really pleased that he turned out as a riding horse, which was what I wanted”, explained Carley. The breeders, the Royalview Stud, were aware that Carley would not want to ride him at shows but suggested Helen as a rider for him and the partnership between Helen and Cougar was formed. “Cougar” has been shown in hand since he was a year old. This year he has only been shown a handful of times due to transport problems, but has been champion at both of his local county shows so far, including 1^st and Champion PBA at Anglesea County. “This is the best result to date and to qualify for HOYS is a dream. This year she has matured and really come into her own”, said Carley. They started doing PBA classes this year and have qualified for Sherife finals. Helen has 2 show horses of her own, both PBA. “Our aim has always been to get to HOYS and eventually I want to get there in open classes”, said Helen.

Second place went to the hack, Moonlight Spooks, known as Matty, owned and ridden by Ros Fifield. At 60 years old and a pensioner, Ros has come back into riding hacks after a 10 year gap. “I have ridden various hacks but never managed to qualify for a big championship. Matty plays a lot in the field and is inclined to injure himself, but is a very nice person and usually looks after his granny”, laughed Ros. “Getting to HOYS has been dream since I was12 years old, so it just goes to show that you are never too old to achieve your dream”. Ros bought Matty from an advert her groom saw on the internet. “I didn’t really want a grey but when I sat on him he gave such a lovely ride I thought I just had to have him”, she said.

Another huge entry in the Cob class meant that the judging was again split. In the final judging, Miss Party Pants, known as Ruby, took first place for owner and rider, Jennifer Turner. Jennifer had been looking for a show cob for years and finally purchased Ruby, a 5 year old grey mare, in April last year. “She had previously been used just for hacking and it has taken 12 months to teach her to do circles and canter on the right let. It is only really this last week that it has all fallen into place”, said Jennifer. The pair have done riding club activities with Rochdale Riding Club, and went to Ponies UK where they were thrilled to do the evening performance in the open cob class. “We came straight from PUK to SFAS, so we have had a brilliant week! She is so lovely to do, everyone rides her at home”, said Jennifer, who works full time as an admin assistant and fits in riding around her work. “My sister, Rose, did Search For A Star in 2005 in the Riding Horse Class. When I bought Ruby I said I wanted to do SFAS and Rose and all my friends have been so supportive and encouraging. This is a dream. Everyone came to support and help out and we will all be having a party now!” said Jennifer.

Second place went to Weeden’s Earl Grey, owned and ridden by Liana Young, daughter of Newmarket racehorse trainer, Diana Weeden. This grey gelding is a working cob, leading out the young racehorses every morning on Newmarket heath gallops as trainer’s hack for Diana Weeden. Liana stopped riding 15 years ago after breaking her leg when she was 12 and losing her confidence. Then the family moved to Dubai where her mother trained but eventually moved back to Newmarket. “I wanted to get back on a horse and Mum said that if I could find something that would lead out the young racehorses then I could have another horse”, says Liana. They travelled all the way to Lancashire to look at one that was not suitable and Diana was reluctant to go and see another the next day. “Liana persuaded me to go and we immediately liked him”, continued Diana. “The lady who was selling him did not really want to part with him and cried when he left but she had two others for hunting and he was the least experienced”. Neither Liana or Diana had done any showing before, and the cob had done nothing so Liana arranged some lessons and she and the cob learned together. Liana had watched showing classes at county shows and really wanted to have a go so she had lessons with friends, joined a showing forum and went to showing camp this year. They have tried a few local shows and then went to Ponies UK last week, where he bucked and then came 6^th in the restricted cobs class – their first ever major show. “He gives me confidence and sometimes he needs me to give him confidence, so we work together”, said delighted Liana. “We had not even contemplated qualifying for HOYS, it is fantastic”, she said. “This is one of the best days of my life, I am so proud of them both. We knew absolutely nothing about cobs but it is fate that they were brought together. He is so loving and when I saw Liana with him I just knew he had to be ours. He is such a character, he loves to dance about on the heath and get all the racehorses going. They all know him now”, said Diana, who trains flat and NH horses. Everyone helps, even granny mucks out aged 74! Liana, 27, is a graphic designer in welling garden city – “it helps pay for the horse despite the 2 hour commute”, said Liana.

At the end of the day, conformation judge, Richard Ramsay commented, “This was the first time we have held a qualifier at this venue and the turnout was tremendous, with a nice selection of horses and many with real potential”.

At the end of each class, the judges always encourage the riders to ask for feedback from them, to help riders improve their show ring performance on their next outing. “In Search For A Star, we also want to encourage riders to have another go, and it was particularly good to see horses appearing at Vale View, having improved since earlier venues, and earning a qualification for HOYS”, said Richard.

The 2009 SEIB Search for a Star continues at Addington...

The fourth South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star qualifier was held on July 18^th at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Bucks. This venue attracted a large, high quality entry with nearly 200 competitors hoping for the chance to compete at The Horse Of The Year Show finals, held at the NEC Birmingham, in October. Well known and highly respected show horse producers, and regular Search For A Star judges, Richard Ramsay and David Bartram judged conformation and ride respectively, with Janetta Le Four taking over as ride judge for the afternoon classes.

In the Working Hunter Class, 22 horses came forward and tackled the straight forward course which required bold riding to make the stride in the double. This caused several unlucky poles to fall and resulted in just one clear round, well ridden by the eventual winner. Six horses came forward for the final judging and Annette Christy, riding her own Kiitos stood first. As Annette won this class at an earlier SFAS qualifier held at Wellington Equestrian Centre, the first place qualification went to the second placed combination, Bev Smalldridge riding Dinky Dino, a Dutch Warmblood by Caruso. Bev has owned “Dinky”, a 12 year old grey gelding, since he was a 4 year old and has mainly competed in show jumping but an injury forced him out of action for 18 months. When he came back into work, Bev decided to have a go at workers with him, firstly at local and then county level and they have since won 10 of their 12 outings. “I didn’t expect this, but the judges seem to like riding him. It is very exciting but going to HOYS is a bit scary!” said Bev, a housewife from Virginia Water, Chertsey.

Rebecca Bryson rode her own 6 year old bay gelding, Q.I and stood third, also qualifying for HOYS. Rebecca returned to riding after a 3 year break, when she concentrated on her career as a sales manager. She has now owned this bay gelding for a year and they have done show jumping and workers. “This is amazing. I have a holiday to Lanzarote booked for the same time as HOYS, which will now be cancelled!” Says Rebecca. “Quassi” has competed in BSJA and 1 day events, earned £300 in BSJA winnings and won at the Equifest Championships. “We have been taking it slowly and I am very surprised to win today, but he will be fine at HOYS as he is so laid back! We have been to watch but never thought we would be competing there”, continued Rebecca, whose sister, Zoe, is always there to give support and act as groom.

Out of 21 entries in the Riding Club Show Horse Class, Caroline Primrose took first place, riding her 10 year old piebald gelding, Indian Opposition, otherwise known as “Bob”. Caroline has owned Bob for 5 years and they are members of Bourne Riding Club near Andover. “He is a real all rounder - anybody can ride him and he is so easy and a great family horse, with no quirks. He has a list of admirers. Apart from hunting with the Avon Vale, he has also evented to pre-novice level but it is very difficult to keep the weight off him for eventing”. Caroline decided to take up showing with Bob and someone suggested they should have a go at Search For A Star. “This is the first showing class we have done this year. I am a real amateur and didn’t really know what to do”, says Caroline, who works full time in private banking in London and whose friend, Maggie Miller, helps by riding a Bob a couple of times a week. Lambrigg Spotlight, “Spot”, owned by Martin Bull and ridden by Katy Bennett came second in this class. Spot is an 8 year old pure-bred appaloosa gelding, bred by Charlotte Rigg at Golden House Stud at Lambrigg, Nr Kendal. “The 6 ½ hour drive to get here was worth it. We did the workers first, so he was fine when we did the jumps in this class”. He is successful in Appaloosa classes and at county level competing in riding horse and novice workers. “It is fantastic to qualify as there aren’t any classes for Appaloosas at HOYS. Charlotte, his breeder will be delighted!” said Katy, who worked in a clothes shop until recently and is now going to be self employed, backing and breaking young horses. “It means the world for us to go to HOYS”, says Katy who will get married on 1^st August.

With 28 entries the Show Hunter class was split into two sections, with 10 horses coming back for the final judging. Daniel Taylor took first place with his striking 8 year old liver chestnut gelding, Spymaster. He was originally bought for his wife, Lisette, 4 years ago but Dan, a former rider with the Household Cavalry, took over the ride last year and has been doing local shows. They won the Equestrian Life lightweight qualifier and the final at Arena UK last year and Lisette, an account manager for a recruitment agency, also does side saddle with him. “He has qualified for the Hunter Show and we are also going to do the Equestrian Life qualifier and Royal London. We will start jumping him this winter”, says Daniel, who has his own business in Ripley, Derbyshire, making show jumps and also does HGV driving and hopes to qualify as a veterinary nurse. When he left the Household Cavalry Daniel stopped riding for a few years. “Since I started riding again it has been my aim to qualify for HOYS. Now it is not just a dream I am in shock!” Second place went to Sally Catchpole and her 9 year old 17hh bay gelding, Bayleaf. Sally bought him as a 4 year old from Gorsbridge Horse Sales in Ireland and they have been eventing and take part in riding club activities. They won their local indoor winter dressage championships. Sally is also a keen racing driver and suffered a serious crash at the Le Mans 24h Classic motor race in 2006, breaking her back. Both car and driver are now fully recovered but the crash meant that Bayleaf was turned out in a field and did nothing for 3 years. “I am now completely recovered but I’ve decided I’m too old to event and motor race so when I took up show hunter classes. I brought Bayleaf back into work in June and we have done local show hunter classes. He has won ridden, in-hand and championships, hence entering for search for a star!”, says Sally.

In the Ponies Class, Stanley Grange Masterpiece, ridden by Rachel Miles and owned by her mother, Kim Miles, took first place. Kim has owned this 5 year old chestnut gelding for a year and they have done local shows. Rachel competed him at BSPS winter championships and they took part in the evening performance. “He coped brilliantly with the loud music and lights and was very laid back about it all! We call him Oliver or Ollie, because he likes his food!” He has been to the BSPS Summer championships and Rachel was planning on going to Kent County the day after this SFAS qualifier to compete in the Novice Show Pony classes. Rachel,14, is a pupil at Simon Langton Girls School. When she gets too tall for Ollie he will be passed on to her 12 year old sister, Charlotte. Courtlands JP Exquisite, ridden by Franchesca Beni and owned by her mother, Sarah Beni took second place. Franchesca, 13, has had “Ralph” for a year and has competed at Royal Windsor, Newbury and Kent County. They have done quite a few local shows to gain confidence at this level and also compete in part bred arab classes. The pony is kept at livery with Brian McMahon who acts as driver and groom at shows. “His favourite thing is to be scratched on the face and he sometimes neighs. He spends most of his time in the field and likes to go out on hacks”, says 13 year old Francesca who is a pupil at Brigidine Girls School, Windsor. “I have always wanted to go to HOYS – it has been a dream and I am really pleased”, she continued.

The 30 entries in the Riding Horse/Hack Class, were split into two sections for the preliminary judging and the top horses were brought back for the final placings. First place went to the lovely Bramley Moor Clover, owned and ridden by Stella Plant. This 6 year old bay gelding was bought from Ireland 2 years ago, having been broken as a 4 year old. This is his first season showing and Stella, a sales rep for her family fruit and vegetable wholesale business, says, “He is a pleasure to ride and look after. All my life I have dreamed of going to HOYS and just to get there is all I want. We will do some more shows including Equifest and the Show Horse Association show before going to HOYS”, said an excited Stella, who is helped at shows by her mother. Second place went to 16 year old Georgia Ahmet, riding her grandfather’s, Leonard Lenthorne’s Aquilas Stud Nigia, known as “Nigel” at home. This 6 year old bay gelding was bought as a 4 month old foal from the breeder, Margaret Boyles, who was at the show. Nigel and Georgia have done a bit of everything including the Pony Club one day event last year and novice riding horse classes this year and have qualified for the Balanced Horse Feeds final. Georgia’s crowd of supporters included her mother Lorraine, but not her grandfather, Leonard Lenthorne, as he is disabled and not able to get around easily at horse shows. However, this was a particularly poignant success for the family as they had tried to qualify 2 years ago, but 2 days after the qualifier the lorry had caught fire, destroying the vehicle and part of the house, and Nigel was put up for sale to pay for the repairs. Leonard decided to buy the horse to keep him in the family. “Nigel is really sweet at home. When he is lying down he will put his head in your lap. I am speechless. I have always wanted to go to HOYS and tried hard with my previous pony”, says Georgia, who has just completed GCSEs at the Bradbourne School in Sevenoaks, and will do A levels next year. The pair will do some dressage and pony club events as well as the Equifest show between now and the HOYS final in October. “The first person she rang was her Grandad to tell him the good news. We will have to get him to HOYS, he will be so pleased”, said mum, Lorraine.

The Cob Class saw a selection of good quality cobs competing. First place went to Tracey Harris riding her own 6year old bay gelding, Hot Property. An Interior designer, Tracey works with her husband who is a property developer, which is how the horse got his show name. “We named him when business was good!” said Tracey, who has owned Hot Property, or Roger as he is known, for 2 years. This is their second year showing at local shows with some success. They did this qualifier last year but missed out, and then Roger had a tooth problem and missed the rest of the season. This year they have already clocked up 3 wins and 2 second places, but this is their biggest result yet. “Going to HOYS has always been an ambition. He loves going indoors and so I am sure he will be alright there. We have tried to qualify in open classes but always miss out. This is the highlight of our showing so far!” says Tracey, who has quite a few shows planned for the rest of this season. “We might just go a bit sparingly now and save him for HOYS. I got him on part exchange and when I first got him he was very weedy. He has changed out of all recognition and he picked up his schooling really easily”. Verity Woods, 31, earned the second qualifying place, riding her mother Lynda Woods’ Donny Brook. Lynda has owned Donny Brook, a striking dun gelding known as “Boycie” at home, for around 18 months and bought him to ride herself and for Verity to do a bit of dressage and showing. “Mum won’t compete so I do that, but she hacks out and does a bit of schooling. We have been placed a few times at county level against the professionals and he has won dressage at prelim and novice level. We are working towards elementary level”, said a delighted Verity, who first competed in Search for a Star 10 years ago with a Large Riding Horse. “He is a really nice sort of horse and easy to do – I am sure he will cope with HOYS. We have a few dressage competitions planned and will also go to Edenbridge & Oxted show before the Search for a Star finals”, added Verity, who can’t always compete at weekends as she has to work running her livery yard.

At the end of each class, riders are encouraged to stay in the ring to ask the judges for advice, so helping riders to improve their show ring performance on their next outing. “In Search For A Star, we also want to encourage riders to have another go, especially when they are so close to qualifying. We don’t want them to miss out on the chance to qualify at another venue and attend HOYS”, said conformation judge, Richard Ramsay.

The 2009 SEIB Search for a Star continues at Wellington...

The third South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star qualifier was held on July 11^th at Wellington Equestrian Centre, Hampshire. Over 100 riders took part, all hoping for the chance to compete at The Horse Of The Year Show finals, held at the NEC Birmingham, in October. At this venue, well known and highly respected show horse producers, and regular Search For A Star judges, Richard Ramsay and David Bartram judged conformation and ride respectively. Together they judged classes for Riding Horse/Hacks, Cobs, Ponies, Riding Club Show Horses, Show and Working Hunters.

The first class of the day was the Working Hunter Class. The course proved tricky for most of the horses and out of 12 entries, only 2 managed a clear round. Annette Christey took first place with her 13 year old grey, half Irish TB cross gelding, Kiitos. Riding Instructor, Annette has owned Kiitos for 4 years and he had previously done a bit of show jumping and hunted in Ireland. Now they event and he has 8 BE points and some dressage points. “I am so excited – over the moon! We went to HOYS last year but never dreamt that I would be competing there this year”, said a very pleased Annette. She only came to Wellington as her friend, Caroline told her to give it ago. “Kiitos is such a lovely person. He always opens his stable door and unties himself – a playful but very dependable character”, she continued. Housewife, mother of 4 and Dogue de Bordeaux dog breeder, Paula Kent came second in this class with her own 8 year old black gelding, Jake. He previously did 2 years hunt service with the whipper-in for Badgworth and Bramham hunt and Paula bought him last March. They have taken part in many events with the Ingatestone & Blackmore Riding Club. Paula and Jake have done lots of Hunter Trials and Cross Country and have been invited to go to RIHS, as part of the The British Horse Society Riding Clubs Team Jumping Championship. They have won nearly everything this year. “I am so happy with Jake! When I realised that I was going to HOYS, I cried. He will look after me there”, says Paula who had not ridden for ten years until taking up riding recently and even now, only canters on Jake.

There were 20 entries in the Riding Club Show Horse Class and after negotiating trotting poles and 2 jumps, ten stayed in for the final juding. Canadian born Diana Burgess rode her own home bred 7 year old bay gelding, Mr Mick, “Mickey”. Diana always wanted a 16.1hh horse but Mickey grew just an extra ½ inch on top of that and stands at 16.1 ½ hh. Diana evented Mickey’s dam and rode his sire as a 3 year old. “He is 7/8 TB and bred to event. We are actually off to Twesledown tomorrow”, said Diana, who came over to the UK in 1992 as a working pupil of Lucinda Green. Little did her parents know that 17 years later, Diana would still be here and she is now settled in Andover with her own family. “I event Mickey at pre-novice and hope to move up to novice soon. He is so easy - I give cross country lessons while riding him. I am absolutely terrified about HOYS and feel totally out of my depth! I am not sure how as a cross country rider, a few trotting poles could make my heart beat as much as it was beating in that class! Diana’s friend Lindsay Kemble is helping her as she herself qualified for HOYS in the Search For A Star Riding Horse class ten years ago. West Midlands Police Officer, Lisa Mullan rode her own 11 year old chestnut gelding Diad ‘O’ Diamonds in this class to take second place. She bought him when he was 5 years old from a local lady and now shows, events and does workers with him. “We came 5th out of 34 teams at Royal Windsor Horse Show this year in Service Teams Show Jumping, in front of the Queen! I always ride him in a snaffle but put him in a double for the first time today. I am ecstatic about going to HOYS as I am a regular follower of the show!” said a very pleased Lisa.

In the Show Hunter Class, Vicky White rode Moira Robertson’s Santovs Exchange to take first place. Moira bought this 6 year old chestnut gelding, also known as “Posh”, two years ago. Vicky rides him 3 to 4 times a week and they do a bit of everything together. He is kept at the yard which Moira runs - Malt House Centre in Didchop. Posh got his name because Moira exchanged her previous horse, Santov for him. “I am over the moon about qualifying for HOYS”, says Vicky. Amy Eldridge, a prison officer on the Isle Of Wight, took second place riding her own 7 year old gelding, Pembroke Special Blend. She bought him a year ago and generally competes in shows on the IOW. “I am slightly restricted due to work commitments but did compete at Badgworth last week. He was too lively and I didn’t work him in for long enough so we didn’t get through”. Amy decided to give it another crack this week at Wellington and was so please with the result. “Living on the Isle Of Wight means I always have to get up at stupid o’ clock to catch a ferry and get to the show on time!” Pembroke Special Blend had a difficult start in life – he was not broken until he was 5 years old and was also kept a stallion until then, covering mares. Amy bought him and has put a lot of work in to him as he needs a lot of riding. “It is my birthday next week and this is a fabulous present, I couldn’t ask for anything else!”

Out of 8 competitors in the Ponies Class, 12 year old Xena Jean Ward took first place on her mother, Jillian Ward’s 7 year old gelding, Warleigh Curtain Call. Jillian bought him 18 months ago and he has done lots of hacking, jumping and showing. Apart from Xena Jean, Jillian and her 4 year old daughter also ride Warleigh Curtain Call. “He can be a little lazy but is very laid back and is a really nice person. I have been to HOYS once to watch and am very excited about competing there this year!” said Xena Jean, a pupil at Perse Girls School, Cambridge. “HOYS may give him a little extra spark so that he shines in the arena. I am absolutely elated that they have got through!” continued Jillian. Xena Jean has been riding since she was 5 years old and also competes in M&M first riders with her Exmoor pony and does WHP classes with her Welsh Section B. Twenty year old Emily Wells came second in this class riding her own Bogaloed Just Joshua, a lovely 10 year old dapple grey gelding bought for her by her Nan, Jean. He is an ID x Welsh Sec D and has a little bit of TB in him, “He is the nicest pony!” said Emily, a legal secretary at Meldrum Solicitors in St Albans. Emily is in her last year of pony classes and plans to pass the ride onto her younger sister, 16 year old Florence, although she will continue to compete him in side saddle and 15hh classes. “Bogaloed Just Joshua is at DIY livery – we do everything with him. His turnout today is due to Florence. Qualifying for HOYS is very exciting as this is only his first proper year showing”, said a very happy Emily who has been riding since she was 7 years old.

Rachael Peyton rode her own 11 year old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding, Ricardo to take first place in the Riding Horse/Hack Class. Rachael has ridden for many years as a happy hacker and has always groomed at shows for her 15 year old daughter, Annabel. “I have always been on the back burner but this year decided to take up showing seriously with the aim of riding at HOYS and I have fulfilled my dream! My students will be over the moon and I am so excited. I just need to sort out my time off work!” said Rachael, who is a lecturer for people with severe learning disabilities, on the Isle Of Wight. Sixteen year old Lauren Hawkes rode Annabel Walker’s 10 year old bay gelding, Jake in this class to take 2nd place. Jake is stabled at Annabel’s yard and as he was a spare horse, doing nothing, Annabel offered the ride to Lauren. “We have always done local little shows with him – nothing major so I am over the moon with this and so surprised! He is cheeky but nothing ever phases him. We are off to the New Forest Show to prepare and will compete in some larger shows in preparation for HOYS”, says Lauren who is off to study public services at Brocklehurst College this year. On the morning of the qualifier, Lauren was unsure if she was ready to compete in Search For A Star – little did she know that she would be pulled in second and qualify for HOYS. The result was fantastic all round as it had been Annabel’s aim, to get Jake to HOYS this year!

In the final class of the day, the Cob Class, Rose Shipham, a shop assistant at Gatleys Agricultural merchants in West Sussex took first place with her 9 year old skewbald gelding, Fergus VI. Rose bought Fergus VI when he was 5 years old from Gary Keywood and enjoys fun riding and hacking out. She has ridden since she was a child but only took up riding seriously when she was 35. “I am so excited to be able to compete at HOYS! I have never been to watch, so this is a whole new experience for me, although it has always been one of my ambitions”, says Rose. Gillian Hickford took second place in this class with her 6 year old piebald gelding, Ardenteggle Boy. Gillian bought him from Ireland last May but soon after he fractured his face and was off work for most of the year. He is still very novice and Gillian is now concentrating on getting him up and running again. They will join the Vale of Aylesbury with Garth & South Berk Hunt this year and would like to have a go at working cob classes. Gillian has been riding for many years and when she was just 4 years old, was taught to ride by the same lady who taught the Royal family. “I love coloured horses – I have another 3 year old coloured and I hope that he will do Search For A Star in the near future. I am so pleased to have qualified for HOYS as Ardenteggle Boy has a super character and is so easy – I can honestly say that he is the best horse I have ever bought, and I have had quite a few horses!” Says Gillian.

At the end of the day, conformation judge, Richard Ramsay commented, “It was lovely to see more horses at this venue compared with previous years. There was a nice selection of horses that qualified and many with real potential, but they just need a little more work and development.” At the end of the class, the judges always encourage the riders to ask for feedback from them. This helps riders improve their show ring performance on their next outing. “In Search For A Star, we also want to encourage riders to have another go, especially when they are so close to qualifying. We don’t want them to miss out on the chance to qualify at another venue and attend HOYS”, he continued.

The 2009 SEIB Search for a Star continues...

The second South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star Championship qualifier was held on July 5^th at Badgworth Riding Centre, Somerset. Over 100 riders gathered together, all competing for the for the chance to attend The Horse Of The Year Show finals, held at the NEC Birmingham, in October.

At this venue, well known and highly respected show judge, Richard Ramsay judged the conformation. He was joined, for the first time, by top class show rider, Guy Landau, and together with the assistance of ride judge, Matthew Maher Burns, judged the Riding Horse/Hack, Cob, Ponies, Riding Club Show Horse, Show and Working Hunter classes.

The Working Hunter class was of a high standard and saw 8 horses jump clear. Rebecca Campbell, and her lovely 10 year old grey gelding, Step Aside, produced a smooth round and gave the judge a beautiful ride, putting them in first place. Rebecca bought Step Aside as a 3 year old and, apart from showing, they have done some eventing and regularly hunt with the Weston Hunt. “I am really very lucky to still have him as he had a bad accident before Christmas when he slipped coming in from the field and landed on a metal gate post. He had a huge open wound in his side and I thought we had lost him, but with time and patience, and a lot of help from my friend, Becky, who is also a veterinary nurse, he healed and we have managed to get him fit again. There was a lot of damage to the muscles, so we have had to do a lot of slow road work to build him up. He is so gentle and kind, a horse of a lifetime, and I am absolutely blown away – the result hasn’t sunk in yet!” says a delighted Rebecca. Second place went to Hannah Ladd, riding Horseworld Charity’s 6 year old piebald gelding, Northern Light. Hannah used to work for Horseworld and 2 weeks before she was due to leave, Northern Light, who was an 11 month old foal at the time, was brought in. Hannah fell in love with him straight away and went out of his stable straight to the office to say that she wanted to have him. The charity agreed and Hannah took him on permanent loan. She broke him in as a 3 year old and has since done a bit of everything. They came second in their first one day event and Hannah hopes to do County level working hunters with him. “He is the most fabulous all rounder and does a bit of everything. He is easy to work with and has a wonderful character - I can watch him for hours! I am shocked to have qualified for HOYS, I can’t believe it”, said Hannah, who also has 2 other coloured horses.

In the Riding Club Show Horse class, 17 entries were required to negotiate trotting poles and two small jumps which caused a few problems. Thirteen remained for the final judging and saw Claire Parsons’ 8 year old chestnut mare, All That Jazz, take first place. Claire has owned All The Jazz for a year and does a bit of everything with her including eventing and riding club activities. They have been placed in intermediate working hunter classes and hunt with the Brecon and Talybont. “Search For a Star seemed to be the right thing for us to do. We have come close before, 2^nd and 3^rd behind professional producers in open classes, so it is brilliant to qualify for HOYS. I have only ever been to watch and I am still in shock to have qualified. It has been my ambition”, said a delighted Claire. “We have a few more shows planned, but I will do some cross-country and other things to keep her fresh for HOYS”. Claire also works with horses, riding out for racehorse trainer, Nicky Evans, but keeps her own horse at home on her parent’s farm. “I don’t mind riding out racehorses but I really don’t want to become a jockey”, she says. Mister Julius, a 12 year old bay ex-racehorse, owned and ridden by Kayleigh Slater took second place in this class. Mister Julius was given to Kayleigh by her grandfather who trained point to pointers. He was not a successful racehorse but has since proved a brilliant all rounder for Kayleigh. “We have done a bit of everything, ROR showing classes, hunting, working hunter and riding club and we are in the show jumping team for West Wales Riding Club”, says Kayleigh. Mister Julius won 2 racehorses classes at the Three Counties Show and was Reserve Champion, and also qualified for the ROR class held at the Hickstead Derby meeting. The 4 hour trip from Pembrokeshire to Badgworth certainly paid off with a qualification to HOYS. “I have always wanted to get to HOYS, this is a dream come true”, she said. Kayleigh, whose cousin, Grace Gibbin also qualified for HOYS in the Ponies class at this venue.

Twenty four entries in the Show Hunter class meant that this class was split, giving the ride judges Guy Landau, and his assistant ride judge, Matthew Mayher Burns plenty to do. There was a double celebration in this class, as the two winners are both good friends! First place went to chartered accountant, Fiona Meardon, with her own 5 year old grey gelding, Penstrumbly Pen Arther. This was only his second outing and his first time indoors. “I am so pleased with the way he has gone, he is a superstar”, said a delighted Fiona. “It was not meant to be that easy – I only came here for the experience!” Fiona bought the horse unseen, on the recommendation of her friend and supporter, Cathy Wood. He was bought from Gary Merton, to go show jumping or eventing, but Fiona thought he was such a nice horse that she would have a go at showing. “It is something I have wanted to try, and as Tina was coming to Badgworth, I thought we would come along. I will definitely do more showing with him this year and am keen to have a go at show jumping and eventing too”, she said. “I thought getting to HOYS was an unattainable dream – I have been joking about it, but didn’t think that we could do it. Tina Sharp, a purchasing manager, came second in this class with her own 6 year old chestnut gelding, Pencarder Ramano. Tina bought him as a 2 year old and has broken him in and trained him herself. “He is such an easy horse, he has a fantastic character”, said Tina. “I like breaking and bringing on young horses, and I spotted him when he came onto the yard, with a friend, to be sold. I bought him, and things have just gone on from there”, she continued. “Fiona and I do horse things together, so it will be great that we are going to HOYS together”.

In the Ponies class, sixteen entries came forward. First place went to Paul Green’s show pony, Woodview Canasta, ridden by his 13 year old daughter, Rochelle Green. The 5 year old bay gelding, known as “Quazzi” at home, has been with Rochelle for a year. Helped by elder sister, Lucinda, they have worked towards producing him for showing and to date have competed in mainly local shows, including the 3 Counties at Malvern. This is Rochelle’s second pony and she does all the work herself, getting up early and riding after school. They have qualified for Equifest and Ponies UK and will do some more open classes in preparation for HOYS. “We really came to see what they would say. To qualify is brilliant”, said Lucinda, 16, who plans to make a career of producing horses. Heather Gibbon’s 8 year old bay gelding, Small-land Screenplay, known as “Bob”, took second place in this class. Bob is ridden by Heather’s 12 year old daughter, Grace who has previously done Pony Club activities, cradle stakes and M&M with her first pony. Grace has been riding Bob for a year and hopes to do more show classes and move on to workers. “We were 3^rd in the HOYS SFAS qualifier last year and were a bit disappointed, but this year has made up for it and we are delighted”, said Heather. Bob was broken late and has come on a lot recently. Grace is cousin to Kayleigh Slater, who qualified in the Riding Club Show Horse class earlier in the day and so the trip to HOYS will become a family outing with the cousins cheering each other on in the arena. “It is great that we have both qualified. We often ride together and go to shows together when we can, so it will be fun. It will be a dream come true to end this season with a trip to HOYS”, said Grace, who is a student at St Davids school, Pembrokeshire.

The Riding Horse/Hack class had a large number of entries. Out of 21 entrants, the top spot went to Hollys Golden Velvet, owned and ridden by Carol Jones. Carol travelled all the way from Alfreton, Derbyshire to compete at Badgworth. She wanted a show horse and got the 14 year old bay mare, known as “Brook” from the Brookwater Stud 3 years ago. “She was a bit difficult at the start and we needed to get her brain engaged, and then she had a hock problem which is now thankfully resolved. This is now her second proper season showing as a large hack and she has been great”, said Carol. The pair had a championship success at Derby County Show, the week before the qualifier, stood second at North Yorkshire Show, took 3^rdplace at the Area B Show and a 5^th at Rutland. “It is very special to win here. Qualifying for HOYS is everybody’s dream and I am delighted. The 5 hour journey to get here has really been worth it!” she continued. Claire Blackham rode her own 10 year old bay gelding, Barella and took 2^nd place in this class. Barella was bought by Claire in July 2007, straight off the racetrack and had latterly been in training with Liam Corcorran at Kingsbridge in Devon. He had 42 starts, 3 wins and 5 places during a career that included flat and hurdle racing both in Britain and Ireland. “I bought him to event but I chickened out and when I moved yards everyone was showing so I thought I would give it a go”, says Claire. The pair won first time out at a local show in Plymouth and did their first county level show last year. They qualified for the Ex-Racers Club Champion of Champions Show at Lincoln last October, where they stood Champion Ridden and Champion in-hand. This year they have managed to qualify for the RIHS in the Large Hack class, making this the last year that they will be eligible for Search for a Star. “I have always wanted to go to HOYS since I was a little girl. The trouble is I forget what I am sitting on and still think of him as my skinny little racehorse. This win is particularly special as he inadvertently got protein poisoning earlier in the year as we fought to put weight on him”, Claire said.

The final class of the day was the Cob class and Rose of Leamlara, owned and ridden by Emma Kirby, took the honours. “Rosie”, a 10 year old piebald mare, has been with Emma since she was 3 years old after having a foal weaned from her side. She had been lightly backed but Emma started from scratch, backed her properly and brought her on. The pair have done a bit of everything including dressage and jumping and she is even broken to into harness. “We fell into showing but I really think it is her thing, she is such a show off”, said Emma. They have mainly done local shows in coloured and cob classes and have qualified for the Coloured championships. “She is kept at home and is a proper family horse. Qualifying for HOYS was a childhood dream, and not something that happens to ordinary people or ordinary horses like Rosie”, said Emma modestly, whose whole family will be at HOYS to support. Malcolm Dixon’s 7 year old bay gelding, Chinwagg Finn came second in this class. Bought from a local horse dealer, Malcom says, “I just went along to see him for a chinwag and saw Finn as a foal. I liked him and bought him, which is how he got his name, but I didn’t think he would turn into such a good cob. Last year we showed him lightly and won the Royal Welsh and stood champion. He is a proper family cob and both myself and my wife, Gwyn, ride him. He hunts regularly through the winter and does a bit of dressage for variety and to keep him supple. He needed time to come into himself and has come out much better this year”. The pair stood second at the Bath and West and have qualified for the RIHS, making this the last year that they will be eligible for SFAS. “It is a lifetime ambition to go to HOYS, and it has taken me until the age of 51 to get there!” joked Malcolm, a production assistant for GE Aircraft Engines. “You are certainly flying high today”, quipped Gwyn.

At the end of the day, ride judge, Guy Landau commented, “I have had some really cracking rides today and there were some horses with really good mouths such as the top riding horses/hacks, which were very nice”.

The 2009 SEIB Search for a Star Journey Begins

This year’s first 2009 South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship qualifier was held on June 7^th at Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre, Lancashire. A terrific number of competitors gathered, for the chance to attend The Horse Of The Year Show finals, held at the NEC Birmingham, in October.

With over 200 entries, many of the classes were split into two sections before the final judging could take place. Well known and highly respected show judges, Richard Ramsay and David Bartram judged the Riding Horse/Hack, Cob, Ponies, Riding Club Show Horse, Show and Working Hunters and were assisted by ride judge Matthew Maher Burns. “This year, a terrific number of entries came forward and we are so pleased that Search For A Star is so well supported by riders. This competition gives amateurs the chance to compete at HOYS, a dream which many riders would love to realise. Many of the competitors have very little or no showing experience and there is always a super competitive atmosphere in all of the classes. The general turnout of both horse and rider in these classes improves each year”, commented Richard. The Racehorse to Riding Horse Class was judged by conformation judge, Ros Hargreaves and ride judge, Nicky Gill. This class gets more and more popular each year.

The day began with the Working Hunters, a class which put 24 horses over a testing course. An up to height oxer at fence two caught out the unwary but some good riding saw 5 clear rounds go forward. First place went to Faith Crompton on her own Bolingey Brook. “Bolly”, a 12 year old chestnut gelding with a beautiful flaxen mane and tail, is a grade B show jumper but fellow liveries persuaded Faith to have a go at workers. “This is only our third go at workers and the last one was a disaster. I am still in shock that we have qualified for HOYS, but he is a show off, and I think we might do more showing now”, said a delighted Faith. Second in this class was Ruth Masen, riding her own home bred Moorhey Mohawk, who jumped a lovely round. “Hettie”, a 7 year old bay mare, is by Ruth’s own appaloosa stallion, Moorhey Tomahawk, and his other progeny, out of the same mare, are all spotted. “She has won £90 show jumping and has done a few workers. I am aiming to do more workers as she is such a nice type and she can really jump, so we will still do some show jumping. We have a busy family yard and she just has to fit in. “HOYS is just the ultimate - I can’t believe we have qualified!”

In the Riding Club Show Horse class, Suzanne Hodson’s 8 year old grey gelding, Glen Avie, took first place and was ridden by Jessica Smith. Suzanne bought Glen Alvie 3 years ago, unseen over the internet from Ireland. He has been brought on by Jessica doing dressage, one day events and lots of riding club activities with Chaple Riding Club. “I bought him for Jess to ride, and she has done all the work producing him”, said a delighted Suzanne. “He is kept at home, and is great with my young son. I can’t believe we have qualified for HOYS”, she continued. Second place in this class went to Sam Titley riding her own Zeldaan, known as “Sylvester” at home. Sam bought the 5 year old brown gelding in February and has been doing the Burghley Young Event Horse series. “Ultimately I want to event him but we have been doing Trailblazers, arena eventing just to get him an education. He is very green, and we just thought we would have a go. This was our first go at showing, and qualifying for HOYS is brilliant”, said Sam.

The Show Hunter class saw Rachel White’s What’s On Top take first place. Rachel bought 6 year old “Watson” from a field, when he was an unbroken 3 year old and wants him to be an all-rounder. This is Watson’s first year showing and at 17.3hh, Rachel has struggled with the fitness of this gentle giant, although in the last couple of weeks he has learned to canter around the school without stopping. At the North of England show in May, they qualified for the RIHS Amature HW Hunter. “He has been absolutely brilliant and I am aspiring to do working hunters with him eventually, as he loves jumping. He is very well mannered and has no quirks at all. I have been to HOYS to watch, and never thought I would have a horse that could possibly go, but it is the thing to aim for – it is absolutely brilliant!” Second place went to Joanne Dean and her own 4 year old chestnut gelding, Jackson. He previously stood second as a 3 year old, in-hand, at the National Hunter Show. Joanne bought him 5 months ago and wanted to do some showing. “He has not done much. We went for a gallop on the beach last week and have been to a riding club show but we really came here for the practice”, said Joanne, a beauty therapist who had a crowd of supporters from Redgate Stables, near Rochdale. “It has not sunk in yet, but I will be concentrating on preparing him for HOYS now”.

In the Ponies class, the show hunter pony, Sianwood Persion Punch, owned by Susan Barker and ridden by 14 year old Rosie Barker, took first place. Rosie has had the 5 year old chestnut gelding for 3 years and won the in-hand championship at Wiltshire Riding Club before bringing him out in ridden classes this season. He has qualified for the Trailblazers finals and NCPA (Northern Counties Ponies Association) and the aim is to go to Ponies UK this year and concentrate on preparation for HOYS. Rosie’s win was greeted with cheers by supporters from Longsight Stables, and they are all now looking forward to a party at the NEC in Birmingham. Second place went to Oliver Berry, riding his mother, Samantha Berry’s 5 year old chestnut mare, Greenhow Lavendars Blue. Their last outing in August 2008 saw them take second in the restricted show hunter pony class at the BSPS Championships. “This is only our 4^th show and I am delighted. We have been trying for HOYS forever, always close but never getting there, so it is brilliant to have qualified”, said Oliver, a student studying for A-Levels at Craven College.

Due to the huge number of entries in the Riding Horse/Hack class, the 37 competitors were split into two classes for a preliminary judging. Susan Fernside’s Othello took a well deserved first place in this class and was ridden by Julie Fearnley. Sue has owned “Theo” since last October and bought him after she lost another horse. She was looking for a horse that was easy to do and to ride herself. “Theo had done some dressage, and Sue has done some side saddle. We thought it would be nice to have a go at Search for a Star. He gives a lovely ride and I jumped at the chance to ride him”, says Julie, a family friend, who shows her own coloured cob. “I have tried before to get to HOYS, and this is just fab”, she says. The pair are heading for Lincoln in 2 weeks to compete in the Riding Horse classes and Sue also plans to take him to the National Side Saddle show before they head to HOYS in October. Second in this class was the 10 year old home bred bay mare, Fynetime, owned by Sue Simons and ridden by her daughter Lorna Pearson. Known as “Kiera” at home, she was bred to be a Riding Horse for Sue. “The dam was a small hunter and won at county level. As a youngster, Kiera was unbeaten as a hunter in-hand, but ended up going eventing”, says Sue. Last summer they showed her in amature and home produced classes and hunted all winter with the High Peak and the Four Shires. This is her first show this year. “It has been a lifelong ambition to qualify for HOYS and I can’t believe it. It was a last minute decision to come here”, says Sue, who also has a show hunter and she hopes to try a Search For A Star qualifier later in the year. “She is a princess, very spoilt but she is the easiest to do, sweet and kind and loves going to parties, so she will love HOYS”, she continues.

First in the Cob class was Amanda Peet riding her own 7 year old bay gelding, Finius Fogg, also known as “Dexter”. She bought him a year ago and he had done nothing before she got him. This is only his third outing and he finished 4^th in the cob class at Newark & Notts. He has been doing a bit of everything just to get him out and about, clear round jumping, pony club rallies and fun rides. Amanda wanted a show horse, but also a family horse. “He was in such a dreadful state when I got him that it has taken a bit of time but he has just bloomed. He is an absolute superstar”, says Amanda who works as a community staff nurse and so has to fit in her showing around work. “The last time I showed was in 1981. I wanted to know about showing, so I went to work for the best person and that was Vin Toulson, in the 1970’s. I was there when Mr Fehler’s horses were there”, she said, referring to SEIB’s Managing Director, Barry Fehler, whose enthusiasm for showing was the catalyst for the launch of the Search for a Star competition. “This is an absolute dream come true and my mother, who died 2 years ago, would have been so proud”, said Amanda. Victoria Buckland came second in this class and is another rider who juggles showing with her full time job as a Control Supervisor with the Manchester Police. She has had the aptly named Traffic Cob, known as “Bailey” at home, for 2 years and she bought him, to do showing. “He was late maturing, but he is now 6 years old and does some jumping and dressage in the winter. He is really easy, a sweetie – a horse in a million. It has been a dream to go to HOYS and last year we finished 5^th in the qualifier so we had to have another go now that he has grown up a bit and matured”, said an excited Victoria. “He will be fine, he takes everything in his stride. I usually have to persuade someone to come with me to a show or go on my own, but I think there will be plenty of volunteers to come to HOYS!”

The Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship, which is supported by the charity, Retraining of Racehorses, was initiated by South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) to help ex racehorses when they come out of training and help to recognise their abilities in the show ring. Horses need to have been in training with a recognised trainer and have raced to be eligible for these classes, which provide an opportunity to qualify for the prestigious HOYS finals. This year’s winner in the Racehorse to Riding Horse class at Osbaldeston was Sara Hartland’s Another Man, who took the Supreme Champion Racehorse to Riding Horse title at HOYS last year, with top show rider, Claire Oliver. Sara, who was unable to ride him to success last year, due to a leg operation, reclaimed the ride this year and is enjoying every minute, including a win at the Royal County of Berkshire show. “He lives as a family pet, sharing his field shelter with the chickens. I have had him for 3 years now and this is absolutely brilliant. I promised my father I would get to HOYS, and now we are really going!” said an excited Sara. Whistle up the wind, a 6 year old bay mare owned by Catherine Altham and ridden by Heather Rothwell took second place in this class. Also known as “Doris”, Whistle up the wind was trained by James Eustace, at Park Lodge Stables, Newmarket. The height of her career was in 2006, when she won at Yarmouth in the 1m fillies handicap, on the 15^th June, and then won again on 1^st July at Lingfield in the 7f handicap. She then had a number of 2^nd and 3^rd but won again on the 10 Sept 2007 at Folkestone in the 7f handicap. Catherine purchased her in March 2009, from Ian Olding, who unfortunately died in an eventing accident in April. “I have only been riding her for the last 3 weeks and this is her first time out anywhere. Her last time out was racing. She is a very genuine mare with a fantastic temperament and does everything. Catherine could not be here today, she won’t believe it”, says Heather.

WELTON ARCHER SHINES AS NEW STAR 2008

Our 2008 Search For A Star Championship reached a thrilling climax at the Horse of the Year Show when a polished performance by the Riding Club Show Horse, Welton Archer, took the Supreme title with the delightful Show Pony, Beckside Step Lightly, standing in reserve. A very special presentation was also made to the first ever Search For a Star Supreme Champion, the heavyweight hunter, Shelford Rupert, to mark his retirement after 12 successful years in the show ring.

For more on the 2008 competition and a full listing of winners click here.

How to Cope at HOYS!

A coveted place to compete at the Horse of the Year Show is every rider’s ambition and for a fortunate few, that dream will come true in Birmingham this month.

Competitors in the South Essex Insurance Brokers’ Search for a Star Championship are all competing at HOYS for the first time. To help prepare and to ensure that this dream does not turn into a nightmare, SEIB invited them to a training workshop with well known show producers, Richard Ramsey and David Bartram. Here we summarise their wise advice on being organised.

HOYS is like no other horse show you have ever attended. The NEC consists of vast acreages of tarmac car parks, huge exhibition halls and officious traffic controllers – all rather alien to the green fields of most equestrian events. Just arriving at the showground can be fraught with difficulty and extra time is needed for the journey and the arrival procedure.

Queuing starts well before the entrance to the horsebox park, and once there, all paperwork must be in order for the horse to be allowed in. It is heartbreaking to arrive, only to find that your horse’s vaccinations are incomplete, perhaps because of a lapsed date with a previous owner, and be turned away at the gate; this has happened. Then you need to find your allocated stable, which may be some way from the horsebox, get your horse settled in and collect the passes you will need to get to the arenas and back again.

There is plenty of walking to be done, as the arenas are a good 10 minute walk from the stable area. The timetable is strict and times are allocated for evening exercise and for the class. Miss your slot and you will not be allowed in, so don’t forget anything, such as your number, on your way to the ring. Check everything carefully and allow plenty of time to get you and your horse ready to present yourselves in a calm and relaxed state in the collecting ring. It is better to arrive 10 minutes early than to have to rush, upset the horse and be unable to give your best performance when you enter the arena.

The atmosphere in the arena is electric, another experience that can be unexpected. If all goes well, you may be required to return for a championship in the international arena and it is as well to check the turnout requirements should this happen as a top hat or white stock may be required.

Coping with HOYS, while suffering the inevitable nerves, takes planning and the key is to allow plenty of time. This is a big occasion and you should enjoy the experience and remember that just qualifying and getting to the final is a great achievement. Having put on your best performance, dazzled the audience and caught the eye of the judge, it might just be your day, and when the lights are dimmed and all focus is on the winner in the spotlight for the lap of honour, it just could be you and everything will have been worthwhile!

Tips from the Judges for Search for a Star Competitors

1. Do not worry if you are not sure about what category your horse should compete in for example are they a riding horse or a hunter, is it a show hunter pony or a show pony? The judges will point you in the right direction

2. Try to hire an indoor school or go to an indoor show prior to the search for a star competition – get your horse used to being indoors.

3. Try to ensure that someone else has ridden your horses besides yourself, especially if it is young. Being green is not a draw back but bad manners can cost you a class

4. Remember that ride judges come in all shapes and sizes – make sure your leathers will go shorter or longer and that your irons are full size.

5. It helps enormously if you can ride with other horses as often as possible, so that your horse/pony does not hot up in company, which is especially important in the Riding Club Horse class.

6. Practise taking your horse or pony out of line and getting him used to leaving others. Try setting up a mock show with your friends.

7. If your horse or pony is young and a real novice you can show in a snaffle, it will not count against you.

8. Always remember that there is sure to be someone in your area who knows about showing, don’t be afraid to ask advice, you are entitled to get help and it will not affect your amateur status.

9. Read the competition rules carefully so that you are clear on the amount of help you are allowed and whether you are eligible for the competition.

10. Always remember that the judges and officials are there to help. Don’t be afraid to approach them!

Archwood Romeo Gigle Shines as New Star