AN amateur rider and her ex-racehorse have secured a spot at this year’s Horse of the Year Show after impressing judges at a national qualifier.

Maisie Bush, from Radstock, qualified with her horse Joe Warbrick after winning the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class at Stoneleigh Park.

The pair competed in and won the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class under top judges Richard Ramsay and Nicola Taylor to earn their HOYS qualification.

Maisie said: “We came to Stoneleigh to have a go, it’s the first HOYS qualifier we’ve been to. Joe’s a lovely horse and I know his breeder who also owned him throughout his racing days. He was in training with Neil Mulholland and we also have Joe’s mum in the field at home – she’s 25-years-old now. We’ll do a few more shows over the summer – he’s already qualified for Hickstead and Aintree.” Maisie works as a groom.

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.

Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live.

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