The 2012 series of the South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search For A Star and the SEIB and Retraining of Racehorses Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championships will begin in May, with five qualifiers throughout the country. 

A star is born

Now entering its 15th successive year, Search For A Star was created by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to produce their horses to a high standard in the show ring and to give them the opportunity to compete at the prestigious finals at the Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS).

Each qualifying competition follows the same format, with classes for Working Hunters, Riding Club Show Horses, Show Hunters, Show Ponies, Show Hunter Ponies, Riding Horse/Hacks and Cobs.

There is always an opportunity after each class to speak with the judges who will offer advice on how to improve your horse for the show ring.

From racetrack to show ring

Held in conjunction with the Search For A Star Classes, the SEIB Racehorse To Riding Horse Show Championship was created to support and encourage the re-education of Thoroughbreds taken out of racing, re-schooling them and preparing them for a new career in the show ring.

The series is supported by the charity Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) and the winner of the championship will also collect the valuable ROR/SEIB Elite Performance Award for Showing and a valuable cash prize.

The classes are judged as for Riding Horses but the best of type, whether hack, riding horse or hunter, is deemed the winner.

“The Search For A Star Championship series is a way to give amateur riders the chance to achieve their dream of riding at The Horse Of The Year Show. The standard increases every year and we are delighted to give so many riders this opportunity”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager at South Essex Insurance Brokers.

Dates for your diary

The 2012 Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers will be held at:

26 May, Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre, Blackburn
17 June, Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Leighton Buzzard
1 July, Badgworth Riding Centre, Badgworth
15 July, Wellington Equestrian Centre, Hampshire
28 July, Vale View Equestrian, Leicestershire

Search For A Star competition rules, comprehensive information, a downloadable schedule and entry form are available from www.search4astar.org.uk.

More information on the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship is available from www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk