The team behind SEIB Search for a Star has announced that a new showing class for Riding for the Disabled (RDA) riders will be incorporated into the popular series this year.

The move comes following the successful launch of showing at the RDA Championships at Hartpury in 2016 and will see the SEIB Search for a Star RDA Showing Championship qualifiers at three different venues.

The new class will offer RDA riders the opportunity to compete and try to qualify for the prestigious final which will be held at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Hunter Championships at Addington Manor in September.

“From an RDA perspective, this is really exciting,’ said Lottie Dronfield, Activities Co-ordinator for the RDA. “What we love about Showing as an activity is that it has its practical elements, with the riding and then the theory side to it. It allows our participants to use what they have learnt in a stable management and grooming session and see the results in the show ring. After the demonstration that we did at the RDA National Championships last July, I have been asked by many riders and groups for more information for this year. I am so pleased we have been able to work with Nicky and SEIB Search for a Star to make this series a reality.”

The competition is open to any rider associated to an RDA Group who can walk and trot independently. Competitors will enter the arena, ride around together in walk and trot on each rein before lining up. Each rider will then give a short individual show, which may include canter if the rider wishes but this is not necessary. Competitors should aim to give a good display showing the best of the horse and rider as this will form an important part of the judging. After giving their show, each rider will be asked to come out of line, remaining mounted, and stand for the conformation judge to have a good look at the animal.

Any type of horse or pony is able to compete and the class will be judged 30% on conformation, 30% on turnout and 40% on suitability, manners and way of going, so giving a good show within the horse’s capability will be important.

Riders should be neatly turned out, clean and tidy and will be encouraged to use the tack and saddlery that is most suitable for the rider, rather than the show ring.

The top two horses from each qualifier will be invited to compete in the final at the BSHA Hunter Championship, where there will be a preliminary judging during the day, and all six finalists will then go forward to the evening performance with the opportunity to wear evening dress for the final judging and prize giving.

The qualifiers for the 2017 SEIB RDA Showing series will be held at:

  • Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 7LZ – 23rd April
  • Hartpury College, Gloucester, GL19 3BE – 14th July
  • Vale View Equestrian Centre, Old Dalby, Leicestershire, LE14 3LX – 6th August

The Finals will be held at the BHSA Hunter Championships, Addington, Bucks – 7th September.

Leading equine Insurance brokers, SEIB Insurance Brokers provide cover for horses, horse boxes, yards and much more. The company has a long association with the showing world and is renowned for ‘putting something back’ by supporting equestrian events and activities. “I have wanted to introduce an RDA showing competition for a long time, so I am very excited to be able to offer this new class to the Search for a Star series. It gives RDA riders a real chance to have a go at showing and be judged and tutored by the best in the business”, said Nicolina MacKenzie, Marketing Manager at SEIB Insurance Brokers.
Further details and a downloadable schedule and entry form are available on the SEIB Search for a Star website at www.search4astar.org.uk

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