The fourth SEIB Search for a Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers of the 2024 season took place at Arena UK, courtesy of Equifest, on the 1st August. Over 200 competitors took part in sweltering weather across the 19 classes, offering qualification opportunities for both Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live. The Search for a Star judging and stewarding team saw several new faces at this qualifier. Judges welcomed on the day included, Alan Mickleburgh, Magnus Nicholson, Kate Nicholson, Dena King, Terry Chalmers returned having judged for Search for a Star in 2023 and longstanding series judges, Jordan Cook and Louise Gaunt completed the judging set. Search for a Star stewards, John Foster, Alex Osborn and Craig McLelland were joined on the day by Emma Rodman and Dave Tabern.
The day got off to a fabulous start for Fell pony, Greenholme Jake and his rider, Liam Wrobel with a convincing win in the Working Pony class. This pair went on to even greater things later in the day with a follow-up win in the Your Horse Live qualifying Mountain and Moorland class. Class judges Alan Mickleburgh and Terry Chalmers were impressed with the “fluency of the Fell pony’s jumping and show”. Alan added: “Our winner had lovely, correct conformation and there was no hesitation when jumping.” Fourteen-year-old Liam said: “He went great, it feels so good to have won! This is our second year out together, we’ve been to plenty of local shows and the Cheshire show and we’ve mainly been concentrating on working hunters. I’ve worked pretty hard with him!”
A huge Working Horse class, judged by Magnus and Kate Nicholson went to SEIB Search for a Star first timers, Karen Tennent and Robin Vestey’s, lovely chestnut mare, Harley. Karen said: “We came for a lovely day out, I would have been happy with her going well and maybe a rosette, but to have won is just amazing! We’ve had Harley for a year, previously she was hunting in the Welsh mountains. We bought her to hunt which is her main job. The showing is some extra entertainment for her! I’m a full-time mum, my kids will be delighted when they hear about this. We will also give some dressage and eventing a go for the rest of the Summer.”
Jessica Buxton from Suffolk won the Show Hunter class with Laura Chisholm’s bay gelding, Rodney. Jessica said: “I’m so proud of Rodney, he is like a big Labrador! This is our first big show and we came for the experience. The ride judge, Jordan Cook said he really liked him. We will keep going to plenty of shows over the summer – he has won and been placed at local level before, but this is something really different!” Jessica works at the National Stud.
Taking the second qualifying spot in the Hunters was Kaitlin Mason and her own gelding, Question Time. Kaitlin said: “Alfie just lights up in the ring, he had the best time today and qualifying for HOYS is something you think is just a dream! I bought him in Covid and this is our second season in the ring. He also loves hacking out and leading the kids, he’s turned out to be a real star. We’ve also qualified for the London Horse Show in the Small Hunter class.”
In the Riding Horse Hack class at Arena UK, the win went to Solicitor, Hannah Pedley and her own mare, Kilbrickens Princess – known as Mable at home. Hannah said: “I’m really pleased, she felt great in the ring – it was like she knew she should really perform today! She was relaxed and lovely for the judge. I’ve owned Mable for three-years and during this time we have done a bit of everything. She was bred as a jumper so that and eventing are also things we like to do.”
Isabella Stagg and her own mare, Quite A Compliment, known as Holly, took second place in the Riding Horse Hack class. Isabella said: “She felt incredible today, she always puts in 100%. She’s now 16-years-old and we bought her as a five-year-old and have just done everything together in this time including competing four times at the Badminton Grassroots Championships in the 90cm finals. We’ve done Pony Club and Riding Club National Championships and we’ve gone through lots of things together. We started showing in 2023 when she became a veteran and have also qualified for the London Horse Show.” Isabella works as a Plumbing and Heating Engineer.
Rebecca Davies and her own bay gelding, Top Gun, known as Otto, took runner-up spot in the Cobs at Arena UK. Rebecca said: “Otto is just ace! I love him! I bred him myself and we now have a full brother on the way. This is our first year showing and a friend said we should definitely give Search for a Star a go. We went to the qualifier at Stoneleigh and were pulled in first before being dropped down the line. I’m so pleased we came back and kept trying! I work as a Special Educational Needs teacher and am starting up an Open Equine Alternative Programme which I can’t wait to get going with.”
The third placed cob at Arena UK also secured a HOYS ticket. This went to Esther Lloyd-Jones and her piebald gelding, Fiddlers Green Elvis. Esther from the Cheshire / Shropshire borders said: “He was a bit fresh today and very good for the ride judge. This is his first full-season showing and our third Search for a Star qualifier this year. We were placed in the other two so decided to give it another go! I got Elvis when he was a four-year-old and backed him myself, we do fun rides and beach trips – he absolutely loves the show ring though. He’s now an eight-year-old and we will now go out and practise evening performances and plenty of hacking.” Esther works as a Quantity Surveyor in her family business.
Collette McGoldrick’s stunning, Mumford won a large and very competitive SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier at Arena UK. This is the third time Mumford has qualified for HOYS in this class and he looked better than ever at Arena UK. Collette said: “He is so great, my sister is keen to qualify him in the Riding Horse class as well! He has gone to HOYS twice in the Riding Horse class before as well. He’s still only 11-years-old and feeling as well as ever.” Mumford has finished in 3rd, 4th and 6th place previously at the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS finals.
In second place, was First Fandango, owned and ridden by Hannah Chisman. Hannah said: “He was fab today and its lovely to have done it again. This is now the fourth time he has qualified for HOYS in this class. We’ve also been trying to qualify side-saddle and have been placed every time out. He also won the racehorse class at the Great Yorkshire Show this year and took 4th in the ladies there too.”
In the Traditional Cob HOYS Search for a Star qualifier at Arena UK Fordfield Blue and Jack Gratton from Lincolnshire took top spot. Jack said: “I’m so pleased, he really felt like he enjoyed it today. I’ve had him for four years now and we concentrate on showing. We’ve got three other traditionals now at home as well! He’s won all the local shows and loves his hacking and jumping. The horses are very much my hobby and I work as a manager at McDonalds.”
Charmbrook Monkey Business and Hannah Barrett took runner-up spot in the Traditional Cob class to secure HOYS qualification. Hannah said: “We took 5th place in the qualifier at Carlisle, he went much better today. The judge at Carlisle said he needed to be more forward and into the bridle so we’ve really worked on it. I’ve owned Fluffy as we call him for five-years now. We got him to show and had followed his family for a long time before we got him. I’ve now been showing Fluffy for two years and he is absolutely phenomenal, we’ve also done STARS and been placed at the Great Yorkshire Show.” Hannah works as an Equine Veterinary Nurse.
Your Horse Live qualifying classes
Fell pony, Greenholme Jake and his rider, Liam Wrobel took top spot in the Your Horse Live qualifying Mountain and Moorland class following their earlier win in the Search for a Star Working Pony class.
Welsh Section D, Foxheys Fire Spell took runner-up spot in the Mountain and Moorland ridden class with Elizabeth Caley who was competing in Search for a Star for the first time. Elizabeth said: “I’m delighted with this, we’ve owned her for a year and a half and this is our second season showing having got her just broken. I had a Section D mare who we lost and then we had a year out, now we have Foxy, I share her with my niece who shows her in In-Hand classes. We have also competed in Pretty Polly classes.” Elizabeth works as a nanny.
Another Welsh Section D qualified in third place in the Mountain and Moorlands at Arena UK. This was Wishaw Ellie May, ridden by ridden by Sarah Hobbs and owned by Rosemary Sargeant. Sarah said: “She did everything asked of her today and this is our fourth Search for a Star qualifier. We’ve been placed every time out. Ellie is now a seven-year-old and we’ve owned her since she was eighteen-months old. We now have three ponies from the Wishall Stud – the others are Ellie’s full brother and sister.” Sarah works as a Theatre Nurse for the NHS.
The one SEIB Search for a Star class open to all riders and not restricted to amateurs, the Open Ridden Veteran class was won by Charlotte Bunting and her own Traditional Cob gelding, Call the Shots. Charlotte said of the 19-year-old: “He was amazing in there today – he still thinks he’s a five-year-old! We just do veteran classes now and we plan to give dressage a go as well. I’ve owned him for 14 years now. I did sell him for two years but then he came back, he simply enjoys everything, jumping, pleasure rides and generally being the centre of attention. I work in children’s services and have a five-month-old baby too so its pretty busy.”
The runner-up in the Open-Veteran class had travelled over from Northern Ireland for their summer holidays. This was Victoria Laverty with her own eighteen-year-old Irish Sports Horse mare, Millenium Indi. Victoria said: “She did a lovely show today, I’m thrilled with her. We came over for the week for this and Equifest. There’s nothing like it in Northern Ireland. Other highlights of our showing over the years are a 2nd place at the Royal Dublin Show in the Small Riding Horses and we had a golden ticket to the Veteran Horse Show last year too. My auntie bred Indi from her thoroughbred mare out of an Irish Draught stallion. I bought her as a three-year-old to do Riding Club, Working Hunter and Showing as well. The journey took us fifteen-hours including the 8-hour overnight ferry, she takes it all in her stride.” Victoria works as a store manager for Lidl.
The SEIB Search for a Star Pony Club qualifying classes saw the first ever Search for a Star Train and Shine Pony Club Masterclass ably carried out by former Pony Club examiner and Show Pony Producer, Dena King. The Masterclass gave the opportunity for all those children entered in Pony Club Search for a Star at Arena UK to come forward before their classes and have a run through of the go-round and then carry out a trial show with instruction and pointers from Dena before going into their class proper. Dena also judged the classes and gave great praise for the improvement in the children’s performances. Jordan Cook also stepped in to help Dena judge the Open Pony Club class.
In the Lead Rein class at Arena UK, seven-year-old Jessica Stancliffe took the top spot with her Welsh Section A pony, Synod Miss Sapphire. Jessica is a member of the Oxenholme Branch of the Pony Club and her mother Danielle Stancliffe owns six-year-old Sapphire. Jessica said: “The sash I won is the best part of the day. I love cantering on Sapphire and we are going to Pony Club camp next week.” The Stancliffe’s have owned Sapphire for six-months.
The First Ridden class went to Ianna Grant and Thistledown Edison. This pair are members of the Ross-Shire Pony Club and had travelled down from the North of Scotland for Search for a Star and Equifest. Nine-year-old Ianna is no stranger to Search for a Star, she and Edison won the Search for a Star Lead-Rein championship in 2023 and are now in their first season off the lead rein. Ianna’s mother and Edison’s owner, Mary-Jo Grant said: “They are off the lead-rein in the ring this year, they’ve done plenty of local shows and BSPS Scotland shows. The 11 hour journey to Arena UK is our ‘Summer tour!’” Ianna and Edison also compete in side-saddle classes.
Jessica Carter from Sheffield and Rebecca Carter’s Appaloosa pony, Target took top spot in the Open Pony Club class at Arena UK. Nineteen-year-old Henry as this pony is known, and Jessica are in the Grove Pony Club. Jessica said: “My favourite part about today is spending time with Henry! He is just amazing, we got held up by an accident and only got here five minutes before the class. We compete mainly in showing although we had a really tough decision between Pony Club camp and Search for a Star and Equifest this week! I’ve had Henry for the last three-years, he came from the next-door village and he even has his own Facebook for all his previous owners to stay in touch with him and know what he is up to!”
The Search for a Star In-Hand Plaited Horse and Hogged Show Cob went to Charlotte Liley and her own pure-bred Irish Draught, Doyley Wood. Charlotte said: “We came second in this class at Vale View last month and took away what the judge said before coming back today! He is thirteen now and we also compete in ridden showing, show jumping and dressage. I’ve had him since he was a six-year-old – I had a retired racehorse before him and was on the lookout for something with more bone.” Charlotte works as a Financial Advisor.
In the In-Hand Plaited Pony Class, Kathryn Masters four-year-old Part-Bred Arab pony, Broadtown Make a Wish took first place with handler, Charlotte Langridge. Known as Paris, this beautiful pony arrived with the Masters’ family on Valentine’s day. Kathryn said: “We were visiting family in Cornwall, went to see Paris in a muddy field and she is just great. My daughter Emily is fourteen and Paris will be the next size up for her. We are using the In-Hand classes as a grounding for Paris, to get out and about and see the world. Then hopefully Emily will compete in 14.2 Show Pony classes and part-bred Arabs with her.” Emily added: “She is like riding a cloud!” Paris was broken in by Charlotte Langridge and she was bred by Tabby Brightmore.
Kimberley Turner and her own Traditional Cob gelding, Bromley Cask of Magners won the In-Hand Native and Traditional class at Arena UK.
In the In-Hand amateur Veteran class, Sammy Oates with Janet Oates’, Welsh Section B pony, Newtonhall Casanova took top spot. Sammy said: “He has always done in-hand showing. We’ve owned him since he was a yearling, we went on a stud visit, saw his head over the door and fell in love! We broke him in but he can be quite sharp! He is now 19-years-old, he came 8th at the Royal International and qualified for London Horse Show in 2022. He is mainly a field and travel companion, but also as a three-year-old won the Riding Pony class at the Royal Welsh show.” Sammy works as a Maternity Support Worker.
The In-Hand Mountain and Moorland class went to Rebecca Jayne Rawlinson-Allen and her Fell pony, Nabside Gracie. Rebecca Jayne said: “She is a superstar and loves her showing! We haven’t done all that much, I bought her as a three-year-old in lockdown and she had a filly foal – who I still have – in 2022. Gracie was bred on the fells in Cumbria, the In-Hand showing we’ve done has been a real stepping-stone and now having qualified in the In-Hand Search for a Star class, it would be great to have a go at the ridden one next year! She also came 2nd in the In-Hand class at Windsor this year. I’ve had Fell ponies since I was 15-years-old and now have three of them – they are addictive, a bit like shoes and handbags! I work as a wardrobe supervisor for the theatre and also make concourse costumes – the week at Equifest is always a really busy one!”
The British Riding Clubs (BRC) Search for a Star class also took place at Arena UK. This class is open to members of BRC Affiliated Riding Clubs that are also amateur showing riders. The class was won by Kate Smith and her Connemara gelding, Dream Shadow.
Kate and Oreo as the dun gelding is known, are members of the North Mimms Riding Club. Kate said: “He went all-right today! I’ve owned Oreo for nine-years and he can be tricky, but luckily we have a super instructor, Lisa Street who has kicked us into shape! I like showing and Oreo likes jumping so we do a bit of both. We went jumping at Wales and West recently and got a clear round and we compete both locally and on Riding Club teams. Today is an extra special day for Oreo as its his Birthday – he’s 17 today!”
SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We’ve had a great Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier today – many thanks to Equifest for helping it all run so smoothly. We had some different judges and stewards on board today and are grateful for their enthusiasm and passion in judging, supporting and encouraging our Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse competitors.”
SEIB Search for a Star first took place back in 1996 and over the years has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS with many going on to compete with success in open classes.
Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live.
Please see www.seib.co.uk/competitions or the SEIB Search for a Star facebook page for updates. To enter please visit www.seib.co.uk/competitions/schedule which will link directly to the Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse entry page on Showing Scene.
SEIB have been providing expert insurance services for over 60 years. Renowned for their specialist equestrian insurance, SEIB offers tailored cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind. For more information on their range of services and to explore their bespoke insurance solutions, please visit seib.co.uk.
ENDS
Results SEIB Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse Arena UK 1st August 2024
HOYS Qualifying classes:
Class 1 Working Pony – Greenholme Jake owned by Susan Keegan and ridden by Liam Wrobel from Cheshire
Class 2 Working Horse – Harley owned by Robin Vestey and ridden by Karen Tennent from Suffolk
Class 3 Show Hunter – 1st Rodney owned by Laura Chisholm and ridden by Jessica Buxton from Suffolk
Class 3 Show Hunter – 2nd Question Time owned and ridden by Kaitlin Mason from Middlesborough
Class 4 Riding Horse Hack – 1st Kilbrickens Princess owned and ridden by Hannah Pedley from South Yorkshire
Class 4 Riding Horse Hack – 2nd Quite A Compliment owned and ridden by Isabella Stagg from Suffolk
Class 5 Show and Maxi Cob – 1st Away With The Greys owned by Corrine Knox and ridden by Carl Phillips-Davies from Swansea - WITHDRAWN
Class 5 Show and Maxi Cob – 2nd Top Gun owned and ridden by Rebecca Davies from Cheshire
Class 5 Show and Maxi Cob – 3rd Fiddlers Green Elvis owned and ridden by Esther Lloyd-Jones from Cheshire
Class 6 Racehorse to Riding Horse – 1st Mumford owned and ridden by Collette McGoldrick from Derbyshire
Class 6 Racehorse to Riding Horse – 2nd First Fandango owned and ridden by Hannah Chisholm from Gloucestershire
Class 7 Traditional Gypsy Cob all colours - 1st Fordfield Blue owned and ridden by Jack Gratton from Lincolnshire
Class 7 Traditional Gypsy Cob all colours – 2nd Charmbrook Monkey Business owned and ridden by Hannah Barrett from Middlesborough
Your Horse Live qualifying classes:
Class 8 Mountain and Moorland – 1st Greenholme Jake owned by Susan Keegan and ridden by Liam Wrobel from Cheshire
Class 8 Mountain and Moorland – 2nd Foxheys Fire Spell owned and ridden by Elizabeth Caley from Essex
Class 8 Mountain and Moorland – 3rd Wishaw Ellie May owned by Rosemary Sargeant and ridden by Sarah Hobbs from Staffordshire
Class 9 Open Ridden Veteran Horse and Pony – 1st Call The Shots owned and ridden by Charlotte Bunting from Norfolk
Class 9 Open Ridden Veteran Horse and Pony – 2nd Millenium Indi owned and ridden by Victoria Laverty from Co Antrim
Class 10 Pony Club Lead Rein Pony – 1st Synod Miss Sapphire owned by Danielle Stancliffe and ridden by Jessica Stancliffe from Lancashire
Class 11 Pony Club First Ridden Type – 1st Thistledown Edison owned by Mary-Jo Grant and ridden by Ianna Grant from Ross-Shire
Class 12 Pony Club Open – 1st Target owned by Rebecca Carter and ridden by Jessica Carter from South Yorkshire
Class 13 Amateur In-Hand Plaited Horse including Hogged Show Cob – 1st Doyley Wood owned and handled by Charlotte Liley from Nottinghamshire
Class 14 Amateur In-Hand Plaited Pony – 1st Broadtown Make A Wish owned and handled by Kathryn Masters from Lincolnshire
Class 15 Amateur In-Hand Traditional and Native Type – 1st Bromley Cask of Magners owned and handled by Kimberley Turner from Yorkshire
Class 16 Amateur In-Hand Veteran – 1st Newtonhill Casanova owned by Janet Oates and handled by Sammy Oates from West Yorkshire
Class 17 Amateur In-Hand Mountain and Moorland – 1st Nabside Gracie owned and handled by Rebecca Jayne Rawlinson-Allen from Essex
Class 18 British Riding Clubs – 1st Drean Shadow owned and ridden by Kate Smith from Hertfordshire
