There’s always a brilliant excitement surrounding the SEIB Search for a Star classes at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). It is, after all, a unique opportunity for amateur horses and riders to compete at this prestigious show, while seeking top tips from the very best in the industry. The classes are judged by Robert Oliver, Claire Oliver and Katie Jerram-Hunnable with commentary throughout.
Three days of competition across the Show Cobs, Working Show Horse/Pony, Riding Horse/Hack and Hunter classes culminated in the overall Championship where Lynsey Lawrence’s Hunter, Mista Fezziwig, took the top honours with the Riding Horse winner, Ellie Simmonds’ Hevans Forever in my Life, in Reserve.
Lynsey has had ‘Ralph’, as he is known at home, since a yearling and bought him straight from the breeders who were here today to watch. “I couldn’t be happier,” she said. “I said today, ‘imagine what it would be like to ride down the centre line under the spotlight’ and then a few hours later, here we are! It’s incredible!”
Lynsey had tried to qualify Ralph last year: “He just wouldn’t go for the ride judge,” she explained. “We did loads of clinics over the winter and put lots of different people on him.” The hard work over the last year has clearly paid off, as ride judge Katie confirmed: “He gave me a lovely ride… I would like to see Lynsey and Ralph here next year in the weight classes.”
Lynsey does now plan to contest Open classes next season and would like to try him with a side saddle over the winter.
“We have found a star,” exclaimed Robert, after coming to their decision. “This is what this series is all about.”
END
Image caption: Mista Fezziwig, crowned the SEIB Search for a Star Champion
Image credit: 1st Class Images
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2017, or to request a selection of copyright free images, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office
Grandstand Media Ltd
Tel: 02476 858 205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
