THE 2012 SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR AND RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE DATES ANNOUNCED

The 2012 series of the popular South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search For A Star and the SEIB and Retraining of Racehorses Racehorse to Riding Horse Show Championships will begin in May with five qualifiers throughout the country.  Now entering its fifteenth successive year, 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 giving them the opportunity to compete at the prestigious finals at the Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS).  SEIB are very enthusiastic about and committed to all the competitions they sponsor; the company has a strong ethos in putting something back into equestrian sport.

The Search for a Star 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.  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.  Search for a Star Judge, Richard Ramsay, along with his co-judges at each venue, have many years experience in the show ring and are very helpful. There is always an opportunity after each class to speak with the judges who will offer advice on how to improve your horse for the show ring.

Search for a Star has an enviable reputation for supporting the true amateur and riders at the grass roots level. While lessons and professional advice are encouraged to help riders improve their game, competitors are expected to take part in the spirit of the competition and rules regarding eligibility are strictly enforced.

Held in conjunction with the Search For A Star Classes, the SEIB Racehorse To Riding Horse Show Championship was created to support and encourage the re-education of thoroughbreds taken out of racing, re-schooling them and preparing them for a new career in the show ring.  The series is supported by the charity Retraining of Racehorses (ROR) and the winner of the championship will also collect the valuable ROR/SEIB Elite Performance Award for Showing and a valuable cash prize.  The classes are judged as for Riding Horses but the best of type, whether hack, riding horse or hunter, is deemed the winner. 

Equine Insurance brokers, South Essex Insurance Brokers provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much more. “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”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager at South Essex Insurance Brokers.

The 2012 Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers will be held at:

26th May, Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre, Blackburn, BB2 7LZ, Tel:  01254 813159

17th June, Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, New Bury Farm, Mill Road, Slapton, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9BT, Tel: 01525 222 114

1st July, Badgworth Riding Centre, Beech Tree Farm, Badgworth, Somerset, BS26 2QU, Tel:  01934 732543

15th July, Wellington Equestrian Centre, Heckfield, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 0LJ, Tel:  0118 932 6308

28th July, Vale View Equestrian, Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3LX, Tel:  01644 823739

2nd September, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2LH, Tel:  01780 484502

The competition rules, comprehensive information, a downloadable schedule and entry form will be available here soon. 

Further information on all competitions sponsored by SEIB is available at www.facebook.com/SEIB.Competitions1