The eagerly awaited dates for the 2017 SEIB Search for A Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse showing series have been announced, and there will be new opportunities for competitors as a result of a revised schedule for 2017.
A new Working Show Horse/Pony class will be incorporated into the 2017 Search for a Star schedule to replace the former Working Hunter, Riding Club Show Horse and Show/Show Hunter Pony classes. It is envisaged at this stage that competitors will be asked to negotiate two straight forward fences and complete an individual show instead of horses being ridden by a ride judge. The changes mean that adults and children can complete on horses and ponies of any show type, and traditional coloured horses, ‘coblets’ and mountain and moorland types will be eligible, provided they can jump a small fence. There will be a horse and a pony section at each venue and the winners will earn a coveted place in the prestigious SEIB Search for a Star final at the Horse of The Year Show (HOYS).
The 2017 Search for a Star series will also offer classes for Riding Horse/Hack, Cob and Hunters.
The team of regular judges, Richard Ramsay, David Ingle and Jane Hubbard, together with occasional guest judges, have many years’ experience in the show ring and are very helpful. There is usually an opportunity after each class to speak with the judges who will offer advice on how to improve your horse for the show ring.
Held in conjunction with the Search for a Star classes, the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship encourages the re-education of ex-racehorses, re-training them and preparing them for a new career as show horses. The series runs six qualifiers throughout the country, with winners earning a coveted HOYS ticket. The classes are open to both amateur and professional producers and horses must have a legitimate racing record, but no registration with ANY organisation is required.
Leading equine Insurance brokers, SEIB Insurance Brokers provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much more. “I am very excited to be able to offer this new class, which will allow more show types to enter Search for a Star and give more amateur riders the chance to achieve their dream of riding at The Horse of the Year Show. The standard is exceptional and we are delighted to give so many riders this opportunity”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager at SEIB Insurance Brokers.
Grandstand Media, organisers of Horse of the Year Show, added: “We are delighted to be continuing our support with the SEIB Search for A Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse showing series. It provides an invaluable platform for both horses and riders and opens up the opportunity for them to compete under the spotlight at such a prestigious championship show such as Horse of the Year Show.”
The 2017 Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers will be held at:
23rd April 2017
Osbaldeston Riding Centre, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 7LZ
Tel & Fax: 01254 813159
21st May 2017
Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4SR
Tel: 01278 683312
18th June 2017
The College Equestrian Centre, Church Road, Keysoe, Bedford, MK44 2JP
16th July 2017
Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Slapton, Bucks, LU7 9BT
Tel: 01525 222114
6th August 2017
Vale View Equestrian Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3LX
Tel: 01664 823739
3rd September 2017 (Racehorse to Riding Horse Qualifier Only)
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2LH
Finals, Horse of The Year Show 4th – 8th October 2017
Birmingham NEC
The Search for A Star competition rules, comprehensive information, a downloadable schedule and entry form will be available from www.search4astar.org.uk and for the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championship from www.racehorse2ridinghorse.co.uk.
