News
Posted on November 17th, 2022
NEW SHOWING SERIES ANNOUNCED WITH FINALS AT LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW
At the Annual Conference of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), organisers of The London International Horse Show announced an exciting new Showing Series to run in 2023 with finals taking place at the renowned annual Christmas horse show in London in December.
The organisers have worked with the British Show Pony Society (BSPS), the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) and ASAO, to create a joint series that consists of 23 different classes which will be held at ASAO member shows including BSHA Rising Star classes for Hunters, Hacks, Cobs, Riding Horses and Show Horses and BSPS classes for Performance Ponies including Coloured Ponies, Mountain and Moorland Lead Rein, Working Sports Ponies, and Cradle and Nursery Stakes Working Hunter Pony classes which give the youngest riders the chance to qualify for the first time for a major indoor final.
The emphasis on this new series is to be inclusive with a focus on the amateur competitor, encouraging them to compete at their local agricultural and county show. Entrants for the classes will not have to be an association/society member to compete in the qualifying classes but would have to join the relevant association/society if they reach the final. It is expected that this open invitation will encourage many more competitors to ‘have a go’ at their local show.
The BSHA classes are Rising Stars classes and are performance led with all participants completing a timed freestyle show on the day. The classes are open to amateur BSHA members and non-members.
The BSPS classes are not restricted to amateurs however the majority of the classes are performance classes. For example, the Lead Rein Class will have obstacles and small jumps.
As well as making the classes more inclusive, the ambition is to make the classes more interesting and informative for the public. Commentators will be encouraged to explain the classes to the watching public, describing what is required of the competitor and what the public should be looking out for. The intention being to engender a higher level of interest in Showing.
The full list of classes is below, and Agricultural and County Show organisers have until early January 2023 to apply to run classes.
Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director for London International Horse Show said; “It has been a long-held ambition to add more Showing to London International Horse Show and we are very excited to be launching this Showing Series. The space that the ExCeL London venue offers means that we are able to put a new arena alongside our existing arena which allows us to accommodate this series. We are delighted to be working with the ASAO, BSHA and BSPS, as many will know, the BSPS already successfully hold the Ridden Mountain and Moorland Championships at the London Show.”
Paul Cook of BSPS said; “We are convinced that there is going to be a great appetite for these classes. We are determined to introduce a new style of showing which is much more inclusive for the competitor and educational and entertaining for the audience. Having the Mountain and Moorland Championships already at London means that we know that this venue will work brilliantly for this new Showing Series, and it will give a great day out for the competitors and their families who reach the final.”
Nigel Hollings of BSHA said; “We are very excited by the new Rising Stars series and the finals taking place at The London International Horse Show. We know this will be very well received by our existing members and the wider showing community, with the series very much focusing on making competing easy and educational, encouraging more to join in and have a go.”
David Tite Chairman of the ASAO said; “This is a great opportunity for our members to have a new showing series at their event. We are encouraged that this series has emphasis on inclusion and entertainment and will mean that local competitors can enjoy entering their local agricultural and county shows and it will prove entertaining for the watching crowds”.
Posted on November 16th, 2022
Search for a Star at Your Horse Live
Lead Rein Section A takes the SEIB Search for a Star championship title at Your Horse Live
The winner of the inaugural Pony Club SEIB Search for a Star Your Horse Live lead rein final, Thistledown Elpaso and his seven-year-old rider Emily Hiscox took the top title at the SEIB Search for a Star Championship in the main SEIB arena at Your Horse Live on the 12th November. Finn Williamson and Kirsty Wilson’s dark bay mare Port Lou Lou took the in-hand championship title.
Champions of all shapes and sizes were crowned across eleven finals at the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Your Horse Live Championship at Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Friday 11th November. The winners of ten of the championship classes went forward for the first ever Search for a Star Your Horse Live championship on Saturday the 12th November.
North Warwickshire Pony Club member, Emily Hiscox and her mother, Heather Hiscox’s, Welsh section A pony, Thistledown Elpaso won the Search for a Star Pony Club lead rein championship at Your Horse Live on the Friday before returning for Saturday’s overall championship. Their Saturday performance was foot perfect and Emily finished by showing her fabulous balance and her pony’s steadfastness by standing up on his back for a few seconds. Judge Katie Jerram-Hunnable said: “It was a unanimous decision from the judges, myself, Chris Hunnable and Matthew Lawrence. The grey pony’s show was exceptional.” Heather said: “We didn’t think for a moment we’d be in with a chance of winning the Pony Club final. Today I was shaking in the ring! Emily has been up since 5.30 this morning and Elvis is meant to be going to a Pony Club rally tomorrow, although I think we might give him a day off!” Emily added: “I wanted to stand up on his back today and mummy said I could. I would like to do some vaulting on Elvis next!” Heather continued: “We have owned Elvis for three years and he has plenty of variety in his life from pony club camp, to hacking to jumping. He is Emily’s little unicorn and will be going back out in the field tonight – with no hood!” Seven-year-old Emily is a pupil at Leamington Hastings Church of England Academy in Rugby.
Pony Club Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Capel said: “We are absolutely delighted that the inaugural Pony Club Search for a Star has been such a success. It was wonderful to see all the members and parents here enjoying this fabulous show and for a Pony Club member to go on and win the supreme is just the icing on the cake, thank you to SEIB for giving our members this opportunity and I look forward to next year.”
Another young rider took the in-hand SEIB Search for a Star championship at Your Horse Live. Finn is fifteen-years-old. He said: “I have been so nervous this week. It was amazing to win yesterday and then she was brilliant today. We cracked on and it all went brilliantly. Search for a Star has been such a good experience for us and she loves showing! I’ve got my GCSE’s coming up next year and we hope to do some intermediate classes. After the great time we’ve had this season we think showing is her thing!” Finn and Port Lou Lou were Search for a Star HOYS finalists in the riding horse hack championship at Horse of the Year show last month. Finn is a student at Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield. Conformation judge Matthew Lawrence said of Port Lou Lou: “As soon as this mare entered the ring I thought she was a great type. She has a lovely way of going with fabulous cadence and has been beautifully produced by her enthusiastic handler.”
Your Horse Live Director Emma Bedford said: “We have been so excited to welcome Pony Club Search for a Star this year to Your Horse Live. It is great to see so many young aspiring riders giving showing a go and enjoying the experience. We are delighted to see Search for a Star at Your Horse Live growing and becoming an integral part of our Friday programme.”
Founder of Search for a Star, SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “You simply couldn’t beat the atmosphere at the Search for a Star Your Horse Live championship this year. Our competitors were so enthusiastic and grateful and both our team and the Your Horse Live team ensured everything ran seamlessly. This year we have more than doubled from five to eleven championship classes and it has been a delight to see. We are thrilled to welcome The Pony Club to Search for a Star and the inaugural championship really has been a true success.”
FRIDAY SEIB Search for a Star Championship classes at Your Horse Live
The first championship final of the day encompassed the five classes that make up the SEIB Search for a Star in-hand championships. Twenty-two horses and ponies and their handlers entered the main SEIB Arena en-masse. Many different types were represented, from Dartmoor ponies, through hunters and thoroughbreds right up to the first ever Shire finalist at Search for a Star. Each finalist completed a go-round in walk before lining up and coming out for individual conformation assessment followed by trotting-up for the judges. Detailed commentary was provided by Spencer Sturmey and judges, Matthew Lawrence, Chris Hunnable and Katie Jerram-Hunnab.
The first winner to be announced was the in-hand veteran which went to Lucy Ashworth and her own twenty-four-year-old bay gelding, Randall IV. This showjumper still competes to 1m 30 level and also qualified in the plaited horse Search for a Star in-hand final. A delighted Lucy said: “I have been really ill, I was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in November last year and didn’t think I’d be showing this year. It is just brilliant to have got my life back a bit. Randall was an ex-international showjumper and he is still ridden and does everything. When I bought him, I went to see an ex-racehorse and ended up coming home with Randall !”
The largest horse in the championship, Shire mare, Milnerfield Lady Isabelle won the in-hand native and traditional Search for a Star championship for her handler, Lucy Parr. Issy, as the mare is known is everything to Lucy who said: “All I wanted 
when I came along to the Search for a Star qualifier was to get her out and help raise the profile of the breed. We have achieved so much more, we put in plenty of time and effort and Issy is so versatile. She rides, drives and hopefully we will also breed from her.” There were just 250 Shire foals registered in 2021 with around 800 breeding mares. Denise Badger from the Bickers Court Stud who is Lucy and Issy’S main cheerleader explained: “There is a push to expand the gene pool of the Shire horse, more artificial insemination means access to more stallions. The Search for a Star series is really opening up showing of Shires to both younger and more inexperienced people. It would be fabulous if people can learn from what Lucy has been out and done.”
The in-hand mountain and moorland winner at Your Horse Live, Lachlann of Croila Croft, had traveled all the way down from the Scottish Highlands with his owner and handler, Judith Hogg. Lachlann of Croila Croft is only five years old. Judith said: “He has never seen anything like this before! He was broken in this spring and has been to several outside shows. We realised at the beginning of this week that he is scared of clapping so had to quickly remedy that.” Lachlann of Croila Croft is also broken to traditional hill work in the Highlands. Judith continued: “His hill work involves carrying hinds and fallows down the hill to the larder. It is a very traditional thing to do and ensures the hill is looked after. There aren’t many places that this still takes place. He will have a short holiday now and then carry out some more hill work through the winter.” Judith and Lachlann of Croila Croft also competed in the ridden Mountain and Moorland championship at Your Horse Live where they finished in second place.
Bay mare, Ryehill Petit Ami won the in-hand plaited pony championship for her handler Lisa Hayyez. Five-year-old Ryehill Petit Ami has been owned by Lisa since last May. Lisa said: “I am over the moon with her today, this is her first proper season going to shows and even to qualify was amazing! We came today with no expectations and as a schooling exercise. Search for a Star has helped give her a really good grounding in the show ring. We plan to bring her out as a lead rein pony next year and this will have helped her experience hugely.”
Next in the arena were the Pony Club Search for a Star classes. A total of sixteen ponies traveled from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for the first ever Pony Club Search for a Star, Your Horse Live championship over the three finals classes.
The first ridden Search for a Star Pony Club championship went to Rufford Pony Club member Emily Elliott and her roan pony, Larchgrove Isabella. Owned by Connie Elliott, Issy as the pony is known at home is a Welsh Section B. Connie said: “She is such a lovely pony, Issy and Emily have done everything from galloping on a racecourse at camp to veteran championships and working hunter pony classes.” The Elliott’s have owned Issy for just over a year. Connie added: “She is such a polite pony, Emily would love to start to ride her side saddle next year.” Nine-year-old Emily is a pupil at Muskham Primary school in Newark.
In the open Pony Club Search for a Star championship, Mid Surrey member, Helena Kitchener riding Naomi Kitchener’s grey Connemara, Cavan Mick took the win. Helena said: “What an amazing experience, we still have borrowed gear for this but it is fine! Mick wasn’t all that forward going at the start of the year so we’ve had a few showing lessons with help getting him forward. Search for a Star has been great, through the showing I’ve learned to ride with two reins and go through trotting up practice. He is such a patient pony. We will spend the winter arena eventing and we will have another go at Search for a Star next year.” Helena also competes in tetrathlon with Mick and the pair competed at the Pony Club championships this year finishing in the top 20%.
Katie Jerram-Hunnable continued: “It is fantastic that The Pony Club are encouraging showing, the Pony Club Search for a Star series is a major step forward and it is all thanks to Nicolina and SEIB for getting the championship in motion, it couldn’t be better. I am so pleased to see the versatility of these ponies and the diversity of entrants at this Search for a Star championship. The in-hand final at Your Horse Live was such a spectacle with all these different animals in the ring together. I think the only breed we didn’t have was a Shetland! It was lovely for the spectators to have the live commentary too. I would strongly encourage amateur riders with an interest in showing to give Search for a Star a go. The team offer so much support and enthusiasm to the many competitors.”
Maia Ellis and her own part-bred Welsh cross traditional cob black mare, Furlong Socks won the part-bred traditional Search for a Star Your Horse Live championship. Maia said: “I am just delighted! It was a three hour journey and she has been settled since we got here. She went so well in the ring today, I am just shocked and can’t believe we have won. Just getting here is a massive achievement.” Maia has owned twelve-year-old Sox since she was four. Maia works as an apprentice hairdresser and she and Sox also compete in cross country, dressage and fun rides.
The first Your Horse Live Search for a Star championship took place in 2018 for Mountain and Moorlands, and now, four years on, the championship has become a true amateur mountain and moorland goal. Natalie Pastor and her lovely chestnut, New Forest gelding, Langorra Ginger Port were convincing winners of this competitive final. Natalie said: “Anything was a bonus today, he has been a star. When they started reading out the results in reverse order, I realised we were in the top three and was so delighted when we won!” Natalie and her homebred, Langorra Ginger Port last month won the SEIB Search for a Star Working Pony final at Horse of the Year Show. She continued: “It was always the plan to breed from our lovely mare. We bred two foals from her while I was away at uni, the other one went to Ireland and I kept Larry. I backed him and have produced him myself.” Larry is by Woodrow Portman who competed at HOYS in flat and working hunter pony finals.
Just four top horses and ponies came forward to contest the Search for a Star Open Veteran final at Your Horse Live. Each gave a unique individual show with plenty of flamboyance and the four judges held up score cards – similar to Strictly – and gave a mark out of 10 for the shows. Following stripping and trotting up, the winners were announced.
Millie Bowles riding her mother Selina Bowles’, twenty-four-year-old Welsh section B pony, Cottrell Riverdance were crowned the champions. Millie said: “We really enjoyed the atmosphere today, it is so exciting to come to a show with big names, such as Charlotte Dujardin walking past the ring! We came here last year and won the in-hand veteran final before taking second place in the ridden Search for a Star veteran class. Ronnie as we call him has recently been going to water treadmill sessions once a week. I work as an apprentice journalist for Kent Online Monday to Friday and it helps get him out. We have also been doing some tackless riding which we are enjoying. He just has a rope around his neck while I am riding him!” The winner of the Open veteran Championship did not go forward to the Saturday Search for a Star championship as the class was open to all riders without Search for a Star amateur rider rules applying.
Competitors at the Search for a Star Your Horse Live championships are lucky to go under top producers, Katie Jerram-Hunnable and Chris Hunnable and Matthew Lawrence for their final. As each class is underway, the judges will voice their thoughts over a microphone. This has proved very popular with the audience.
PHOTOS: SMR Photos.
Results SEIB Search for a Star Championships at Your Horse Live 2022.
SEIB Search for a Star Your Horse Live Champion 2022
Thistledown Elpaso owned by Heather Hiscox and ridden by Emily Elliott from Warwickshire
SEIB Search for a Star Your Horse Live Reserve Champion 2022
Finn Williamson owned by Kirsty Wilson and exhibited by Finn Williamson from Cheshire
IN-HAND VETERAN
1st – Randall IV, owned and exhibited by Lucy Ashworth from Oxfordshire
2nd – Woodview Ingot, owned and exhibited by Hollie Thomas from Birmingham
3rd – Midnight Magic, owned by Gemma Hoe and exhibited by Donna Hoe from St Helens
IN-HAND NATIVE AND TRADITIONAL
1st – Milnerfield Lady Isabelle, owned and exhibited by Lucy Parr from Yorkshire
2nd – World Horse Welfare Paolo, owned and exhibited by Grace Willis from Essex
3rd – Razzle Dazzle Them owned by Sue Baker and exhibited by Brooke Baker from West Sussex
IN-HAND MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND
1st – Lachlann of Croila Croft, owned and exhibited by Judith Hogg from Crieff, Scotland
2nd – Amilas Slumberdown, owned by Jo Stewart and exhibited by Michelle Prentice from Hertfordshire
3rd – Collstone Perfect Storm owned and exhibited by Jamie Clarke from Birmingham
IN-HAND PLAITED PONY
1st – Ryehill Petit Ami, owned and exhibited by Lisa Hayyez from Buckinghamshire
2nd – Romanno Royal Myth, owned by Victoria Bryan and exhibited by Molly Bryan from Staffordshire
3rd – Rhos Elodie owned and exhibited by Sam Crutchlow from Warwickshire
IN-HAND PLAITED HORSE AND HOGGED SHOW COB
1st – Port Lou Lou, owned by Kirsty Wilson and exhibited by Finn Williamson from Cheshire
2nd – West Country Samurai, owned and exhibited by Suzi Ayres from Ayrshire
3rd – Randall IV owned and exhibited by Lucy Ashworth from Oxfordshire
SEARCH FOR A STAR PONY CLUB LEAD REIN CHAMPIONSHIP
1st – Thistledown Elpaso, owned by Heather Hiscox and ridden by Emily Hiscox from Warwickshire
2nd – Blackhill Osprey, owned by Lisa Croft and ridden by Millie Croft from Nottinghamshire
3rd – Clearfell Bumblebee owned by Sophie Milczarek and ridden by Florence Milczarek from Shropshire
SEARCH FOR A STAR PONY CLUB FIRST RIDDEN CHAMPIONSHIP
1st – Larchgrove Isabella, owned by Connie Elliott and ridden by Emily Elliott from Nottinghamshire
2nd – Desabre Sparrow Hawk, owned by Victoria Cable and ridden by Lucia Cable from Essex
3rd – Nerwyn Leonardo owned by Sarah Fraser and ridden by Annabel Fraser from Cumbria
SEARCH FOR A STAR PONY CLUB OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
1st – Cavan Mick, owned by Naomi Kitchener and ridden by Helena Kitchener from Surrey
2nd – Battlestown Jenny, owned by Fiona Radford-Jones and ridden by Isobel Radford-Jones from London
3rd – Phantoms Masquerade owned by Sarah Adams and ridden by Grace Adams from West Yorkshire
SEARCH FOR A STAR PART-BRED TRADITIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st – Furlong Socks, owned and ridden by Maia Ellis from St Helens
2nd – Bradwell Dun Deal, owned by Hannah Chalkly and ridden by Catherine Chalkly from Co Durham
3rd – Addien Toy Soldier owned and ridden by Helen Jackson from Yorkshire
SEARCH FOR A STAR RIDDEN MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
1st – Langorra Ginger Port, owned and ridden by Natalie Pastor from Warwick
2nd – Lachlann of Croila Croft, owned and ridden by Judith Hogg from Crieff, Scotland
3rd – Saulire Thunder Struck owned and ridden by Caroline Edgson from Warwickshire
SEARCH FOR A STAR OPEN VETERAN CHAMPIONSHIP
1st – Cottrell Riverdance, owned by Selina Bowles and ridden by Millie Bowles from Kent
2nd – Abbas Blue Rainbow, owned by Anna Dunn and ridden by Ella Dunn from Angus, Scotland
3rd – Dollar Boy owned and ridden by Alexander Osborn from Worcestershire
Posted on November 11th, 2022
The 2022 Equestrian Business Awards
Peewee Saddlery’s Poppy Webber has won 2022 Saddle Fitter of the Year at The Equestrian Business Awards.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary has been named Charity of the Year at the Equestrian Business Awards.
The UK’s largest horse charity was nominated by the public then a thorough process including interviews, references and mystery shops was conducted by a team of judges.
Lynn Cutress said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be the first winners of this category, which was introduced to the Equestrian Business Awards this year.
“Thank you so much to those who nominated us, to the organisers and a special mention to the runners-up, Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue.
“We’re very grateful to our wonderful staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in our care 365 days a year and this award is dedicated to them.”
The awards had almost 17,000 nominations across 19 categories – which included Event Venue of the Year, Farrier of the Year, Saddle Fitter of the Year and Horse Transporter of the Year.
Posted on November 10th, 2022
Ponies from across Great Britain to take part in the first ever SEIB Search for a Star Pony Club Championships at Your Horse Live
The first ever SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Pony Club Your Horse Live Championships will take place in the main SEIB Arena at Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on the 11th and 12th November 2022. Each of the four nations of Great Britain are represented in this exciting championship with young riders and their ponies travelling from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales for the big day.
The SEIB Search for a Star Pony Club Your Horse Live championship is part of the Search for a Star Your Horse Live championship which includes a total of eleven championship finals on the Friday of the show. For the first time ever, a Search for a Star Supreme Championship will be held for all the amateur finals winners on the Saturday of Your Horse Live in the main SEIB Arena.
The Search for a Star Pony Club championships include three finals, lead rein, first ridden and open. To compete, children and young people must be a member of a Pony Club branch or centre. Pony Club members from as far a-field as the Ross-Shire Pony Club in Inverness and East Antrim Pony Club in Northern Ireland have qualified for the first ever Search for a Star Pony Club championship.
SEIB Search for a Star has been running since 1996 and over this time the series has helped many amateur riders learn showing skills and go on to compete with great success in open classes. Founder of Search for a Star, SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We are delighted to welcome The Pony Club to Search for a Star and are looking forward to the first ever Pony Club Search for a Star championships. Our competitors have worked so hard to secure their qualifications, we wish everyone the best of luck at Your Horse Live.”
Following six qualifying shows across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a total of sixteen young riders have qualified for the three Search for a Star Pony Club finals. Search for a Star 2022 kicked off with its first qualifying show at Vale View Equestrian Centre back in April and qualifiers followed at Bury Farm, Netherton Equestrian Centre in Perthshire, Laurel View in Northern Ireland, Stoneleigh Park and Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre. All finalists have either won, or been placed runner-up at one of these qualifying shows.
Search for a Star is unique owing to the support provided to amateur riders and their horses and ponies. Qualifying shows are headed up by senior judge, Mr Richard Ramsay who has a lifetime of experience producing, judging and mentoring showing competitors. Other series judges include Nicola Taylor, Hannah Horton, Samantha DeCaprio and former Search for a Star competitor, Louise Gaunt. All competitors are supported and encouraged by the team of Search for a Star judges and stewards who also give up their time for two Search for a Star ‘Weekender’ events throughout the season – where a training workshop is offered the day before the qualifying show and the Search for a Star training day held in September for all riders that have qualified for a Search for a Star final.
Competitors at the Search for a Star Pony Club Your Horse Live championships are lucky to go under top judges, Katie Jerram-Hunnable and Chris Hunnable and Matthew Lawrence for their final. As each class is underway, the judges will voice their thoughts over a microphone. This has proved very popular with the audience.
Your Horse Live Event Director, Emma Bedford said: “We are thrilled to welcome and host more SEIB Search for a Star championship classes than ever before. The Search for a Star schedule is packed and will run back-to-back all morning on the opening Friday of the show with for the first time ever, the Search for a Star supreme championship to follow in the SEIB Arena at prime time on the Saturday lunchtime!”
The SEIB Search for a Star Your Horse Live Championship 2022 will begin at 8.20am in the main SEIB Arena with the in-hand finals. This final includes in-hand plaited horse and hogged show cob. In-hand plaited pony, in-hand native and traditional, in-hand veteran and in-hand mountain and moorland. At 9.40 the first of the new Search for a Star Pony Club finals gets underway with first-ridden and lead rein. At 10.25, the Pony Club Open final will take place, going on at 10.50 to the Search for a Star ridden part-bred traditional final. The biggest championship class of the day follows with the Search for a Star ridden mountain and moorland final at 11.15am and the action-packed morning will have its finale at midday with the SEIB Search for a Star open veteran championship.
Each winner of the ten Search for a Star amateur sections on the Friday will be invited forward to the Search for a Star Your Horse Live Supreme Championship at 1pm on Saturday in the main SEIB Arena at Your Horse Live.
