Paula Gautrey’s Story

Horse of the Year Show Qualifying Story 💜

“We have qualified for the SEIB Search for a Star Traditional Cob. It will be our first time riding at HOYS although I have been coming to HOYS for many many years as a spectator.

“Our story isn’t out of the ordinary but it is special. My friend (Mitzi) and I found “Odie” (Meadford Lass) literally down the road in the village where we both live. ODIE was being kept on some rough/waste land that had been fenced off along with 2 other horses.

“Mitzi persuaded me to stop and have a look at her one day so we made some enquiries as to who the horses belonged to. Turns out they all belonged to a skip hire/scrap man, arranged to meet with him one day and he said that the “oss was no good” couldn’t do anything with it, do you want to buy it. I said I wouldn’t buy her but have her a couple of weeks and see what she was like.

“Well, it’s fair to say she was just very green, a little bit nervous and absolutely no education whatsoever. She was very scared of water and anything like rope dangling near her she would scoot forwards and try and run away from it.

“In the early days she would try and hide in the back of her stable. Mitzi and I agreed that she just needed time and patience so we agreed to buy her between us. We have spent six years bringing Odie on, doing a bit of everything.

“Mitzi enjoys hacking and does all the in hand showing and I do all the schooling and ridden training. Mitzi was ready to quit riding after a nasty fall and breaking her wrist on her old horse but Odie has restored her confidence to beyond what it was.

“It has allways been my dream to compete at HOYS from being a little girl but I just never had the support, or calibre of horse to do so until now. This mare has realised my dreams and given me back three fold the effort I/we have put in.

“Two years ago, I thought I would have to give up horses due to needing a knee replacement and was starting to think about making important life choices. Thankfully I was able to have surgery in the summer of 2024 and with Mitzi’s help and the other ladies at the yard whilst I recovered I haven’t looked back, I have my life back and was able to ride after about 10 weeks of re hab.

“We (Mitzi , Odie and I) did SFAS all of 2025 and learned lots, followed all the judges feedback and put together our strategy for 2026 season. We have both worked so hard and I can honestly say we couldn’t have done it without each others support.

“We have been carrying around a bottle of champagne in the trailer for nearly 3 years that we were “saving” for when we qualified. – it was worth the wait!!!!! Every day we say it’s not sunk in yet…. Qualifying day was extra special because I had (along with Mitzi of course) my son came with me as groom to the show and my coach who has been helping us came along to support too. We also met up with some lovely friends who went out of their way to watch the class too which was very appreciated.”

Paula Gautrey & Meadford Lass qualified for the SEIB Search for a Star Traditional Cob at Rutland County Show