Amateur rider Sophie Williams from Okehampton has successfully qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October, riding her horse, Silver Lily of Mourne. The pair secured their spot by winning the Show Hunter class at the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier held at Hartpury University on April 13. Sophie, a nurse, has owned Lily since she was a foal, and they primarily compete in showing and hunting on Exmoor.
This marks Sophie’s first participation in the Search for a Star competition, although she has previously competed in local and county shows, including a notable 7th place at the London Horse Show last year. She expressed her dedication by swapping shifts at work to attend the qualifier, highlighting her commitment to both her profession and her equestrian pursuits.
The SEIB Search for a Star competition, established in 1996, aims to provide amateur riders with the opportunity to compete at prestigious events like HOYS and Your Horse Live. Nicolina MacKenzie, the event organizer, praised the positive atmosphere and high standard of participants at the qualifier, emphasizing the event’s significance in the amateur riding community.
