Vicki Rogers’ show hunter Yorkies Purple Diamond was crowned the SEIB Search for a Star Champion on the final day of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
Vicki, who comes from Salcombe in Devon, triumphed with the eight-year-old mare ahead of show hunter pony Greensyke Sonny Boy, ridden by Amelia Jesson, in reserve.
It was an eventful week for Vicki, who had to travel home after winning her Search for a Star class because her mare wouldn’t settle in the stable, then make the 5hr trip back for Sunday’s final.
“It’s been quite a week – and then I was ill twice this morning – but sleep is for wimps!” she joked.
She bought the mare when she was a yearling. “We’ve been through our ups and downs. She has had two foals, I’ve had two children. She literally could not do more for you, this horse. She is a star, which I knew when I bought her, but I never knew she was this good.”
About the Search for a Star series
The SEIB Search for a Star series offers an unique opportunity for amateur horses and riders to learn and improve from showing’s best.
During qualifying shows, riders are encouraged to discuss with the judges where they might be going wrong, and gain help and encouragement to improve their turn-out and horse’s way of going.
In the Championship, the judges give commentary on each horse during the class, which has been contested at HOYS since 1998. The initial classes are judged in the TopSpec Arena, with the championship held in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
The champions
Cob: Andrew Johnson’s Quinton Earnest
Show Pony: Margaret Kivell’s Newoak Flower Girl, ridden by Emma James.
Show Hunter Pony: Joanne Jesson’s Greensyke Sonny Boy, ridden by Joanne’s daughter Amelia.
Working Hunter: Geoffrey, owned by Louise Halsall, ridden by Emma Wilson
Hack: Izzat Starlight, owned by Terri Melnyk, ridden by Elishia Melnyk
Riding Horse: Aramis, owned and ridden by Chloe Hiscock
Riding Club Show Horse: Kerannen Brynn, owned and ridden by Jenny Eyton-Jones
Show Hunter: Yorkies Purple Diamond, owned and ridden by Vicki Rogers