Ever wondered what it’s like to compete at HOYS?

Photo: 1st Class Images

Ever wondered what it’s like to compete at The Horse of the Year Show (HOYS)? We follow amateur rider Debbie Fitzpatrick, who rode at the prestigious show thanks to the SEIB Search for a Star showing series

For many amateur equestrians, big events like HOYS are a must-visit. To sit under the bright lights of the main arena and be dazzled by the jaw-dropping displays of horsemanship and equestrian sport is an annual highlight. But, the thought of riding through the gates and onto the sand to the applause of an adoring crowd is the stuff of dreams.

However, for a very lucky few, joining the professionals in the HOYS spotlight needn’t remain a fantasy – all thanks to Search for a Star (SFAS). Run by insurance provider SEIB, SFAS is a showing series set up 20 years ago –specifically for amateur riders who haven’t previously competed at HOYS to give them the opportunity to ride at the top event. Classes for all types are offered, from Working Horse to Riding Horse classes and cobs to mountain and moorland, and each has its own HOYS final round. The top two placings in each qualifier typically go through to the final, but before they do, they have the opportunity to go to a training day to receive tips from the top with the series’ knowledgeable judges.

When Lloyds bank manager Debbie Fitzpatrick and her homebred gelding Atlantic Flight (Indie) qualified for the Riding Horse Hack final, she said the emotions were overwhelming.

She told H&R: “I just burst into tears. It’s been my dream to compete at HOYS since I was four years old.

“I feel especially proud because Indie was difficult as a youngster,” she continued. “In fact, he spent more time on two legs than four. Lots of people told me I should sell him. Just to have got him this far and shown everyone just how smart he is ­– it’s the achievement of a lifetime. We only started showing two years ago, so it just proves how far we’ve come.”

Despite the electric atmosphere of the venue, Indie showed no sign of returning to his former boisterous ways. “He’s been so chilled all day,” said Debbie, “despite how overwhelmed and emotional I’ve been! It’s probably because he’s used to the spotlight – he’s done a bit of modelling as the Lloyds bank black stallion in the past, so he’s accustomed to being the centre of attention!”

Debbie said that, despite the huge significance of the event, she hadn’t felt a hint of nerves – only excitement.

“I received a great piece of advice from showing judge Russell Marks in training. He told me to ride as if I was in my own arena and enjoy every moment – and I did!

Debbie said she found the SFAS judges very friendly and encouraging, which put her at ease. She told H&R: “They were very complimentary about Indie and said he looked wonderful for 16-years-old. They advised me to take him into some veteran classes, which I think I will. Watch this space!”

Fancy a go at SFAS yourself? Here are the qualifying dates and venues for 2019…

• 14 April – Osbaldeston Riding Centre, Lancs BB2 7LZ
• 19 May – Stretcholt EC, Somerset TA6 4SR
• 9 June – Bury Farm Equestrian Club, Bucks LU7 9BT
• 7 July – Greenlands EC, Cumbria CA4 0RR
• 11 August – Arena UK, Lincs NG32 2EF
• 8 September – Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (Racehorse to Riding Horse only)