SEIB Search for a Star Champion crowned at HOYS

Follow Her Home and Hannah Moore have been crowned the SEIB Search for a Star Champions at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), with Hunky Dory and Theodora Hopkins in Reserve.

‘Unbelievable’

After three days of competition, with some fantastic amateur combinations, the final six horses and riders had the opportunity to ride under the world-famous spotlight of the international arena at HOYS.

Follow Her Home won her place in the final by taking the Working Horse title. The six-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who is owned by Michelle Moore, has been with Hannah for just 10 months.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Hannah. “I knew her temperament is very good, but I never expected her to cope that well in there. She’s not at all mareish or phased by anything.”

‘Best thing ever!’

Reserve Champion Hunky Dory is a Riding for the Disabled and riding school pony, who has been owned by Claire Robinson since he was just four months old. Theodora Hopkins was taught to ride by Claire when she was eight, and has ridden ‘Dory’ since he was backed.

“This is the best thing ever!” said Theodora. “He does anything you want, he’ll be anyone’s friend and is just happy go lucky.”

Full list of winners are:

Show Cob of the Year: Ballygar Joker and Gillian Purgac

Working Horse of the Year: Follow Her Home and Hannah Moore

Working Pony of the Year: Hunky Dory and Theodora Hopkins

Riding Horse of the Year: Castors Son and Megan Barlow

Riding Hack of the Year: Carrhouse Dark Silk and Charlotte Hall

Hunter of the Year: Urswick Rock Solid and Caroline Airey

For full details, rules and entry forms for SEIB Search for a Star visit www.search4astar.org.uk.

You can watch highlights of this popular competition on Horse & Country. HOYS 2018: SEIB Search for a Star premieres on 11 October at 7pm.

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