AN AMATEUR rider from Coventry and her horse have qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October.
Izzy Little and her horse, Chelsey’s Opal Spirit, owned by Daniela Randino, won the traditional gypsy cob class at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.
The pair’s success in the SEIB search for a star qualifier means they will now head to the NEC in Birmingham for the HOYS later this year.
Izzy and Chelsey’s Opal Spirit earned their HOYS qualification after impressing top judges Jordan Cook and Nicola Taylor.
Izzy said: “We gave it a go – our best placing previously in search for a star was fifth.
“I’ve got her on loan from Daniela and have had her since last September. We’ve mainly done in-hand showing.
“We’re all booked in to go to Thetford Forest on holiday, I expect Opal will really enjoy riding in the forest and on the beach. She always tries her hardest.”
Daniela added: “Izzy has done all the work.
“Opal was a bit like a Ferrari to start with and Izzy has really got to grips with her over the past seven or eight months and now it’s all really coming together.
“They were fifth at Hartpury last month and they’ve really improved since.”
SEIB search for a star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “Search for a star is all about the journey and learning and improving over time.
“Our team of judges and stewards are all invested in providing support and encouragement to help competitors and their horses and ponies perform to the best level they can.”
SEIB Search for a Star first took place back in 1996 and over the years has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS.
