Latest news with #HorseoftheYearShow
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Clarkston teenager secures place at prestigious horse show
Annie Duffy, from Clarkston, has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), which will take place in Birmingham this October. Riding Neuklear Master Blaster, a skewbald pony owned by Nakita O'Hare-Wilson, Annie earned her place at the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star qualifier held on July 6 at Greenlands Arena in Carlisle. The pair won the Working Pony class, judged by Michaela Bowling and Hannah Atkinson, securing their entry to HOYS. Read more: Man who was spotted walking sheep at train station speaks out Annie, a student at Hutchesons' Grammar School, said: "I'm so happy, Neuk is such a good boy and I've always wanted to go to HOYS – we've been to watch before. "This was our closest qualifier, so we said we can't not come and give it a go. "My old pony went on loan, and Nakita has now let me ride Neuk for a year now. "Nakita didn't plan to buy Neuk – she bought a mare without knowing she was pregnant. "When Neuk was born, Nakita kept him as company for a Friesian youngster she had. "Neuk and I also compete in jumping and dressage, along with some junior coloured showing classes." Read more: 'People want to leave': Residents claim rats are 'taking over' tenement block Launched in 1996, the SEIB Search for a Star series has given thousands of amateur riders the chance to compete at HOYS. The programme offers opportunities for a variety of show horses to qualify for the championships at both HOYS and Your Horse Live. SEIB Insurance Brokers, the sponsor of the series, has provided equestrian insurance services for more than 60 years. The company offers specialist cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses. Nicolina MacKenzie, organiser of the SEIB Search for a Star, said: "Search for a Star is all about the journey and learning and improving over time. "Our team of judges and stewards is all invested in providing support and encouragement to help competitors and their horses and ponies perform to the best level they can." More information about the Search for a Star competition and entry details is available on the SEIB website.
North Wales Chronicle
08-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Bangor showjumper awarded scholarship at St Gerard's
Grace Owen, 15, will begin her A Levels this summer at St Gerard's School after being awarded a sports scholarship. She said: "I've been riding for a long time, but it was only two or three years ago when I really started to compete in the British Showjumping events and took it to the next level. "This is my last year on ponies, I will be moving up to ride horses and jump seniors which I'm really looking forward to. "It will be very different, and the fences will be higher, but I am ready for the challenge." The young equestrian has been riding since the age of three and has competed nationally on ponies Milo and Stella. Her short-term goal is to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) later this year, where she will compete in her age and height category. She also hopes to represent Wales in future competitions. Grace recently competed in the Blue Chip Championships and is aiming for the HOYS qualifiers in the coming months. READ MORE: Popular family attraction in Gwynedd launches its first ever alpaca walks! She said: "To be able to do this with the backing of my teachers, friends and everyone at St Gerard's gives me a huge boost, especially as while showjumping I will be studying for A Levels and working towards a career in veterinary science. "The sports side of horses is where I see my future, it's going to be a busy and challenging couple of years ahead, but I am excited to see how it all unfolds." Her parents, Amanda and Matt, praised the support Grace has received from the school. Amanda said: "Families with sports-minded children in particular would benefit from the amazing environment at St Gerard's which is so welcoming while encouraging pupils to work hard and reach their potential." Matt added: "She has only been jumping competitively for a few years but has come so far; most importantly she is passionate about it and St Gerard's is helping her to realise her dreams."
South Wales Guardian
05-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Amman Valley sports volunteers recognised for service
As part of this year's Volunteering Week, Carmarthenshire County Council is recognising the efforts of those who give their free time to support and develop sport across the county. Among those being celebrated is Dave Pallot of Ammanford Cricket Club, who has led the club's junior programme for more than seven years. Mr Pallot oversees 11 boys' teams, two girls' teams, and the All Stars programme for children aged four to eight. His work involves coordinating coaches and team managers, organising training sessions and fixtures throughout the year, and ensuring all logistical needs are met. He also serves as the junior section's representative at club meetings and the South Wales Junior Cricket League AGM. Under his guidance, the club's junior section has grown to include more than 140 young players who take part in 135 games and 360 hours of training annually. Ann Ivey of Amman Valley Pony Club is also being recognised. She has volunteered with the club for more than 20 years and currently serves as district commissioner, organising weekly activities for over 50 young riders. Ms Ivey is known for her inclusive approach and commitment to ensuring every child feels supported, regardless of ability. She has helped develop riders who have represented Wales and Great Britain, including world champions. Last year, she led a fundraising campaign that raised more than £20,000 to help the club's Mounted Games team compete at the Horse of the Year Show. Alongside her voluntary work, Ms Ivey is a full-time biology teacher and Duke of Edinburgh coordinator. Councillor Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, culture, leisure and tourism, said: "Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that sport remains inclusive, accessible, and fun for everyone in Carmarthenshire. "The incredible work of volunteers across the county demonstrates how much can be achieved through dedication and community spirit." The council is encouraging residents to get involved through its Actif Volunteer Platform, which connects individuals with opportunities in sport and leisure across Carmarthenshire. The platform also supports clubs and organisations seeking volunteer assistance. It is part of ongoing efforts to make sport and physical activity accessible, enjoyable, and community-led throughout the county.
Pembrokeshire Herald
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Fishguard Sports edge Camrose in dramatic Division Two Cup Final
A FISHGUARD amateur rider has qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) following a standout performance at a major qualifier in Warwickshire. Hannah Jenkins and her eye-catching grey horse, Le Paz—known as Balou at home—secured victory in the Working Horse class at the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier held at Stoneleigh Park on Saturday (May 25). Judged by top showing experts Nicola Taylor and Richard Ramsay, the win earns the pair a coveted place in the HOYS finals at the NEC Birmingham this October. Hannah, who works full-time as an intensive care nurse, spoke of the challenges she faced juggling work commitments and competition preparation. The pair narrowly missed qualification at an earlier event at Hartpury University, where they finished runners-up. 'Hartpury was originally the only qualifier I could do,' she said. 'After we came second there, I thought, 'I'm going to have to try again now,' so I swapped my shifts around so we could come here today.' Balou originally came to Hannah on loan from her best friend, who bred him. 'I had twin boys and she knew I got on with Balou and wanted to help me get back in the saddle,' Hannah explained. 'He came to stay and never left. I've owned him since last summer and I love him to bits.' Nicolina MacKenzie, organiser of SEIB Search for a Star, praised Hannah's determination and the ethos of the competition. 'Search for a Star is all about the journey—learning and improving over time. Our team of judges and stewards are committed to supporting competitors and helping them achieve their potential.' The SEIB Search for a Star series, launched in 1996, has opened the door for thousands of amateur riders to compete at national level, including at HOYS and Your Horse Live. Qualifiers take place throughout the country, offering a broad range of classes for amateur show riders. For more information and updates, visit or the SEIB Search for a Star Facebook page. Entries can be made via the Showing Scene platform. SEIB has been providing specialist equestrian insurance for over 60 years, offering tailored cover for horses, riders, horseboxes, trailers, and businesses. More details can be found at
Western Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Fishguard rider qualifies for Horse of the Year Show
Amateur rider Hannah Jenkins and her horse Le Paz, known as Balou at home, have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October. The pair competed in the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier on May 25 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. They won the Working Horse class under judges Nicola Taylor and Richard Ramsay, earning their HOYS qualification. Ms Jenkins and Le Paz had narrowly missed out on qualifying last month when they took the runner-up spot in the Search for a Star qualifier at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire. Ms Jenkins said: "Hartpury was originally the only qualifier I could do, I work as an intensive care nurse and after we came second there, I thought I'm going to have to try again now and managed to swap my shifts around so we could come here. "Balou came to me on loan from my best friend who bred him. "I had twin boys and she knew I got on with Balou and wanted to help me get back in the saddle so he came to stay and has never left. "I've now owned him since last summer. "I love him to bits." The SEIB Search for a Star competition first took place in 1996 and has since 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. 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."
