Tadley-based showing producer Hannah Horton and owner Sophie Camdy’s 15-year-old thoroughbred, Sonneofpresenting (“Sonny”), secured second place in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier at arena UK, Lincolnshire. This achievement earned them a spot at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October. Hannah, who began riding Sonny in May due to Sophie’s busy schedule with the British Horseracing Authority, praised Sonny’s elegance and competitive spirit, while Sophie expressed excitement about returning to the ring after many years.

The SEIB Search for a Star series, which started in 1996, supports amateur riders and horses in progressing to top-level competitions like HOYS. Organiser Nicolina MacKenzie emphasized the series’ focus on learning and improvement, with judges providing encouragement to help competitors perform at their best. The series offers various qualifying shows, giving a broad range of show horses opportunities to compete at major championships.