Pulborough rider qualifies for ‘Horse of the Year’ show

James Robertson earned his coveted place in the final at the recent qualifying show held at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire on Sunday, July 7.

Speaking on the day, he said: “This is so exciting – I can’t believe it. I don’t usually get nervous but today there was a lot riding on the result and it really mattered.

“I have always wanted to get to HOYS and I hoped we might have a chance. I am really looking forward to the final.”

James was runner up riding his own horse ‘Top O’ The Morning’ in the Show Hunter class to earn a qualification to the finals.

He bought the 5 year old bay gelding, known as Thomas at home, last year and he was backed and brought on with a view to showing.

This is their first season in the ring and they have been busy at county level, competing in novice and amateur classes at Windsor, South of England and Surrey County where they finished third.

They have also qualified for the Equifest showing festival in August.

James added: “He should make a good Middle Weight hunter, and I hope to do more with him. We plan to do Edenbridge & Oxtead, and New Forest shows before heading to HOYS, and I will hunt him this autumn with the Chiddingfold Leconfield & Cowdray hunt.”

The Search for a Star series has been created by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to produce their horses to a high standard in the show ring and giving 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.

Nicolina MacKenzie, marketing manager at South Essex Insurance Brokers said:“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.

James will now compete at The SEIB Search For A Star Finals at the Horse Of The Year Show, 9th – 13th October 2013, at the Birmingham NEC.

For more information, visit www.search4astar.org.uk or www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk

Picture by www.smrphotos.co.uk