Pure and part-bred natives triumph in ridden amateur showing series finale

A Welsh section B, part-bred Welsh and homebred New Forest pony all came up trumps in the ridden SEIB Search for a Star championships at Your Horse Live

Exhibits from all corners of the UK came together to battle it out in the ridden classes at the SEIB Search for a Star championships at Your Horse Live before vying to be crowned the first-ever Search for a Star Your Horse Live ridden champion. Two of the three ridden victors had competed in the series before, proving the popularity of the series.

Ridden M&M winners, Natalie Pastor and Langorra Ginger Port

Since its inception four years ago, the ridden M&M final has become a true amateur goal. Warwickshire-based Natalie Pastor and her homebred New Forest gelding, Langorra Ginger Port were convincing winners of this competitive final, having won the Search for a Star working pony final at HOYS last month.

“Anything was a bonus today, he’s been a star,” said Natalie. “When they started reading out the results in reverse order, I realised we were in the top three and was so delighted when we won!”

Part-bred traditional winners, Maia Ellis and Furlong Socks

Maia Ellis and her own part-bred Welsh cross traditional cob black mare, Furlong Socks won the part-bred traditional Search for a Star Your Horse Live championship. Maia, who lives in St Helens and works as an apprentice hairdresser, has owned 12-year-old ‘Sox’ since she was four, and the pair also compete in cross-country, dressage and fun rides.

“I’m just delighted! It was a three-hour journey and she’s been settled since we got here,” said Maia. “She went so well in the ring today, I’m so shocked and can’t believe we have won. Just getting here is a massive achievement.”

Open veteran winners, Millie Bowles and Cottrell Riverdance

Apprentice journalist Millie Bowles rode her mother Selina’s 24-year-old Welsh section B, Cottrell Riverdance, to be crowned veteran champions.

“We really enjoyed the atmosphere today,” said Millie, who has been taking ‘Ronnie’ for weekly water treadmill sessions in preparation, as well as some tackles riding. “It’s so exciting to come to a show with big names, such as Charlotte Dujardin, walking past the ring! We came here last year and won the in-hand veteran final before taking second place in the ridden class.”

Top results from the ridden classes were as follows…

SEARCH FOR A STAR PART-BRED TRADITIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

1. Furlong Socks, owned and ridden by Maia Ellis from St Helens
2. Bradwell Dun Deal, owned by Hannah Chalkly and ridden by Catherine Chalkly from Co Durham
3. Addien Toy Soldier owned and ridden by Helen Jackson from Yorkshire

SEARCH FOR A STAR RIDDEN MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

1. Langorra Ginger Port, owned and ridden by Natalie Pastor from Warwick
2. Lachlann of Croila Croft, owned and ridden by Judith Hogg from Crieff, Scotland
3. Saulire Thunder Struck owned and ridden by Caroline Edgson from Warwickshire

SEARCH FOR A STAR OPEN VETERAN CHAMPIONSHIP

1. Cottrell Riverdance, owned by Selina Bowles and ridden by Millie Bowles from Kent
2. Abbas Blue Rainbow, owned by Anna Dunn and ridden by Ella Dunn from Angus, Scotland
3. Dollar Boy owned and ridden by Alexander Osborn from Worcestershire