Ten in-hand mountain and moorland ponies and natives and traditionals are through to the SEIB Search for a Star Championships at Your Horse Live, including a cob bought for just £100 and a Welsh section D who was originally purchased with driving in mind.

A champion will be crowned for both categories in the SEIB Main Arena on Friday 8 November, with the final starting at 9.20am. The two winners will then be invited back to bid for the supreme title on Saturday.

Here is a round up of the individual horses and their horses who have qualified for each championship.

In-Hand Mountain & Moorlands

The five finalists are…

 

Coldwell Victoria

This Welsh section D mare is owned and handled by South Yorkshire-based veterinary receptionist Saffron Loasby.

 

 

Danaway The Gambler

This Welsh section D pony has been owned by Karen Badrick for seven years. The pony is shown in the ring by her son, Lewis, who is a pupil at Laureat Academy in Hemel Hempsted, and they are working towards ridden classes.

Danaway The Gambler participates in most activities, including driving. In fact, it was the latter job for which Lewis’ father originally bought him. However, “the kids nicked him”!

Isle of Mona Sherry

This black Shetland mare is owned and handled by Lisa Brookes from Worcestershire.

Lisa bought the pony from her breeder and she was backed in January. She is intended as a child’s lead rein pony for Lisa’s friend’s children, Ava and Hadley Regan.

Nabside Gracie

Owner/handler Rebecca Jayne bought this Fell pony during lockdown as a three-year-old and she had a filly foal in 2022.

Rebecca is a theatre wardrobe supervisor and she also makes Concours d’Elegance costumes.

She has had Fell ponies since she was 15 years old and now has three.

“They are addictive — a bit like shoes and handbags,” says Rebecca with a smile.

Treworgan Titanium

‘Teddy’ is a five-year-old Dartmoor handled by Nottinghamshire-based Jessica Bowring, who bought him as a two-year-old.

Teddy has also qualified for the SEIB Search for a Star Pony Club Lead Rein Championship with Jessica’s daughter, Molly.

In-Hand Natives & Traditionals

The five finalists are…

Bromley Cask of Magners

Kimberley Turner, from Lincolnshire, owns/handles Bromley Cask of Magners, who is a traditional cob gelding.

He previously belonged to Kimberley’s late father, who drove the cob a lot.

However, Kimberley says she “wouldn’t know how to drive him” and so has given in-hand showing a go instead.

Magnus has a best mate to keep him company — Margo the donkey!

Jock Ellis

Megan Wright owns and handles this traditional cob gelding, and they have been competing in show together for two years.

Megan bought him as a two-year-old and says he has character in abundance.

Megan is studying for A levels in biology, chemistry and maths, and hopes to be a vet.

Mr Darcy

Devon-based Lucy Oetegenn bought this traditional cob two-and-a-half years ago — just two days before her daughter was born by emergency caesarean section — originally for her husband James.

However, when Lucy tried out Mr Darcy she decided he should go showing!

Mr Darcy is ridden by Lucy and James’ children, and he jumps and does dressage too.

Phantoms Masquerade

This traditional cob is owned by Sarah Adams and handled in the ring by 12-year-old Grace.

As well as in-hand showing, they also compete under saddle and in side-saddle classes.

Together they were crowned Junior Intermediate Rider and Junior Side-Saddle at CHAPS in 2023, and they also won the Junior Rider title at TOYS in 2023.

Rags to Riches

Known as Charlie at home, this traditional cob is owned and handled by Sarah Welfare from Cheshire.

The gelding cost just £100 when Sarah bought him he was aged just eight months old. Now nine, Charlie and Sarah show locally several times a year.

Sarah is a health and safety consultant and she has six ponies on her yard.

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