The 2016 SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star series reached a thrilling climax in the international arena at the Horse of the Year Show, as the eight class winning champions vied for the Supreme. Each put in a superb performance for their individual show, giving the judges, Robert Oliver and Katie Jerram, a difficult task in choosing their winner. But the hunter champion, Yorkies Purple Diamond,a pure Irish Draught mare owned and ridden by Vicki Rogers, was foot perfect to take the title. Joanne Jesson’s lovely show hunter pony, Greensyke Sonny Boy, ridden by 11-year-old Amelia Jesson, took reserve.
“This is a tremendous mare that really gave a good show of herself”, said judge Robert Oliver. Katie Jerram added, “She gave me a beautiful ride, she is light in the hand which you don’t always expect with these large horses”.
Vicky Rogers, 38, from Salcombe, Devon, took the SFAS Show Hunter of the Year title earlier in the week with Yorkies Purple Diamond, known as Lottie. The pure Irish Draught chestnut mare was bred by Gina Exley and Vicki has owned the 8-year-old since she was a yearling. “I bought her as a brood mare and she has had 2 foals”, she explained. The mare, by Connaught Grey out of Dalton Gem is a Hornby Premium Class 1 brood mare recognised by the Irish Draught breed society of GB. Her 2-year-old filly, Corringdon Carrera, by Porche, was reserve supreme yearling at the SHGB Hunter Show. Lottie was backed as a 7-year-old and only started showing under saddle last year. “She had just the nicest nature could not do more for you. She loved the atmosphere and hasn’t flinched all week!”, said Vicky after the championship. “I am so proud to be a part of all this. She’s had two foals; I’ve had two children. I really am a proper amateur and I can’t thank the SEIB team enough for all the support. I’ve only had 7 hours sleep all week, but I’ve loved it”, she added, remembering that she would be returning to work as a special needs teacher the following morning.
The 2016 series of the popular SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star began in April with five qualifiers throughout the country. Now celebrating its 20th year, SEIB Search for Star offers the opportunity for riders to experience the thrill of qualifying for and riding at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show for the first time. 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 the series has helped many horses to go on to a very successful show ring career, with some competitors going on to win open classes at HOYS. SEIB has a strong ethos of putting something back into equestrian sport and the company takes an enthusiastic interest in all the competitions they sponsor.
2016 SEIB Search for a Star Championship Full Results
Supreme Champion: Yorkies Purple Diamond owned and ridden by Mrs Vicki Rogers
Reserve Supreme: Greensyke Sonny Boy, owned by Joanne Jesson and ridden by Amelia Jesson
SEIB Search for a Star Riding Horse/Hack of the Year
1st (RH) Aramis, owned and ridden by Miss Chloe Hiscock
1st (Hack) Izzat Starlight, owned by Terri Melnyk and ridden by Elishia Melnyk
2nd Hyperions Lady Boy, owned by Ann Tideswell and ridden by Hannah Bird
3rd Runestone, owned and ridden by Mrs Catherine Marshall
4th Malibu Dancer, owned and ridden by Miss Katie Atkinson
5th Trevisquite, owned and ridden by Samantha Henshaw
SEIB Search for a Star Riding Club Show Horse of the Year
1st Kerannen Brynn, owned and ridden by Jenny Eyton-Jones
2nd Roos Dead Ringer, owned and ridden by Miss Sammy Clare
3rd Kass, owned by Anne Cooper and ridden by Miss Hattie Cooper
4th Rubiks Cube, owned by Claire Turner and ridden by Victoria Turner
5th Mystical Clover, owned and ridden by Louise Chamberlain
SEIB Search for a Star Show Hunter of the Year
1st
