As Horse Insurance specialists, supporting equestrian associations and events is something that is incredibly important to us at SEIB Insurance Brokers.
For over 10 years, we've sponsored the SEIB Novice Winter Championships, and on the 2nd November, Sandy McLean confidently rode every tight line on new ride of one month, Jip B to take victory in the SEIB Winter Novice qualifier at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic in Cheshire.
“He’s the most fun little horse and so competitive and loves his job,” said Sandy.
A sizeable field of 73 faced course-designers Shaun Sands and John Bedford’s 11-fence 1.10m track with 24 answering every question to make for a fast and furious jump-off as riders chased the two coveted Royal International finalist tickets on offer. But they were no match for Sandy on Matt Pike’s Eldorado Van De Zeshoek x Wolfgang 10-year-old and they flashed round in a blink-and-you-missed-it lightning-fast effort to win with almost three seconds in hand.
“I looked at the jump-off beforehand and there were a lot of really tight turns which I didn’t think most of the riders on their novice horses would do, but he is so eager, looking for the next fence before I do, so I was confident I could trust him to turn inside everywhere and I didn’t need to gallop,” said Sandy.
Hannah Tiley slipped the six-year-old mare Nilavska (Apardi x Zambesi), a ride of two months, into second to take the final Hickstead qualifying place on offer.
SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre Winter Classic – 2 November 2024
1st Sandy McLean & Jip B – 0/0 - 33.47
2nd Hannah Tiley & Nilavska – 0/0 - 36.37
3rd Imogen Rome & Millfield Cor Blimey – 0/0 - 37.50
NB Results pending final grading
Thank you to British Showjumping and the fantastic event centres for hosting the qualifiers.
About SEIB
SEIB Insurance Brokers are specialists in insurance for Horses, Horsebox Insurance and Horse Trailer Insurance. We are able to provide flexible policies to suit individual client needs and provide advice on what cover is needed.
The SEIB Winter Novice Championship is a popular series made up of ten national qualifying rounds which are held ahead of the Championship Final, which will once again be run during the prestigious Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead. For more details, visit hickstead.co.uk
