The second qualifier of the 2014 South Essex insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse series took place on the 11th May at Vale View Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire.   There was plenty to think about for the judges, Richard Ramsay (Conformation) and David Bartram (ride), and they were assisted by Grace Gostelow, (assistant ride).  Grace was assisting the judging for the first time at Search for a Star.  Several riders from the Equestrian Life area were successful in attaining qualification for HOYS at Vale View.

Working hunter
First place went to Flagmont Dazzler, owned and ridden by Sarah Birbeck, 51, of Beverley, East Yorkshire.  The pair have competed in show jumping, dressage and working hunter classes as well as ridden Irish Draft classes.  “I have always thought it would be nice to go to HOYS, and it was something to aim for”, said a delighted Sarah.    Second place went to Jessica Walker riding her own Bare Forest Girl.  Jessica, 21, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, has competed in show jumping, workers and done hunter trials.  “I tried SFAS 2 years ago with another horse, and this time I set out to try and qualify.  It is brilliant, all the hard work has paid off”, Jessica said.

Riding Club Show Horse
After the final judging, first place went to Emblem, owned and ridden by Haydn Ellis, 22, from Underwood, near Nottingham. This was the first ever showing show for Haydn and the 9 year old grey gelding, who normally compete in dressage and show jumping. “HOYS is every rider’s dream, I can’t think of anything bigger, I can’t believe it”, Haydn said.   Second place went to Emily Howe, 35, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, riding her own A Rom-tom-tom.  Emily bought the 14 year old Irish thoroughbred bay gelding 5 ½ years ago.  Emily said, “I bought him because he was going to be shot.  I couldn’t get a bridle on him, he was a physical and emotional wreck.  But basically he was sound so I just concentrated on sorting out his brain and working on his musculature.  He was tight, stiff and sore so it was a slow process”.

Hunters
Nineteen entries came forward for the ridden hunter class and first place went to Kingsclough Masquerade, known as “Marcus”, owned and ridden by Amanda Chatfield, 52, of Hammerwich, Staffordshire.  “I have been dreaming about this for 40 years!” she said.  “I am too shell shocked.  I have always dreamed of going to HOYS, but thought it was out of reach!”    Second place went to Border Grove Madison, owned and ridden by Hayley Graham, 25, from Cumbria.  The 5 year old black gelding is by Maximillian Marley out of Broadstone Love Affair and was bred by Lorna Reeve at the Border Grove Stud in Scotland.  Hayley bought him unbroken 2 years ago and has backed and brought him on herself. Hayley said, “I wanted to do SFAS as I liked the idea of trying to qualify for HOYS.  We did Osbaldeston but did not qualify so we decided to have another go today. Luckily the 4 hour drive paid off!”

Cobs
First place went to Warren House Patrick, known as “Paddy”, owned and ridden by Kayleigh Stockdale, 24, from Blackpool.  “We came to the first SFAS qualifier at Osbaldeston and were placed third, so we thought it was worth another shot”, said Kayleigh, who travelled for 3 hours with family and friends to compete at Vale View.
Second place went to Jasmine Hardy, 20, of Lindale, Cleveland, riding her own Charlie.  Jasmine bought Charlie having seen him tethered on a roundabout.  “I went to the travelling family to ask them to give me [horse] driving lessons and I ended up helping them to back some ponies.  Charlie was broken to harness and I started to drive him.  They had previously refused to sell him to anyone, but eventually they agreed that I could buy him”, explained Jasmine.

Ponies
First place went Rotherwood Mr Pepys, owned by Debbie and Liam Conway and ridden by Ellie Conway, 11, from Stockport, Cheshire.  Having qualified in SFAS for HOYS last year, the family were devastated when they arrived at the championships to find that there was a problem with their pony’s inoculations and they were not allowed on to the showground.  “We accepted that rules are rules and perhaps last year it was not to be, but we were determined to have another go this year”, said a delighted Liam.    Show Judge, Richard Ramsay said: “This competition gives amateurs the chance to compete at HOYS, a dream which many riders would love to realise and the standard at Vale View gets better every year.”

For further information please visit www.search4astar.org.uk or www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk.