Stars shine and great stories shared among winners at2026 SEIB Search for a Star Championships
The spotlight fell on some of the countrys most talented amateur-produced horses and ponies as the prestigious 2026 SEIB Search for a Star Championships at Your Horse Live today (6 November). Coveted championship titles were up for grabs, with each class showcasing a thrilling celebration of quality, horsemanship and the special partnerships between horses and their riders. Read on to meet each of the winners at this years championships, which is one of the most eagerly anticipated occasions in the amateur showing calendar. NB Images of each winner will be added soonPure-bred Traditional Cob In-HandRSPCA Miley and Lisa KerwoodA pony once dismissed as an ugly duckling has proved her doubters wrong, enjoying another memorable showing success after being rescued from a desperate start in life. Affectionately known as Dolly Donut at home, RSPCA Miley (pictured top) was just eight months old when Lisa took her on eight years ago, having reportedly been left in a field to die by her previous owners near Hull. When I got her, everyone said she was ugly and would never become anything, Lisa recalled. How wrong they were! Shes done really well for a couple of years now. This mare has blossomed into a successful show pony, although Lisa insisted she never arrives at competitions expecting results.Everyone takes the mick out of me because I always say Im just going to have fun and take my pony, and then she does quite well! she laughed. While Dolly is a quiet character at home, she comes alive in the showring. Shes a bit boring at home, but she gets super excited going in. She knows her job and absolutely loves it. Her versatility extends beyond showing, with Lisas eldest daughter enjoying hunting and cross-country aboard the mare.But showing remains Lisa and Dollys thing. Shes just my show pony, really, Lisa, who works at a garden centre, said. Shes turned into a swan. In-hand Veteran Glenives Princess Sylvia with Amelia Stevens At 25 years old, Glen Ives Princess Sylvia is showing no signs of slowing down, much to the delight of her devoted owner Amelia Stevens, who credits the cheeky veteran with restoring her confidence in the saddle. The Warwickshire-based rider has owned Sylvia, affectionately known as Sylvie, for 10 years, having bought her following a series of nasty falls and a deterioration in her health owing to juvenile arthritis. We bought her as a confidence-giver and did a lot of research beforehand, said Amelia. She brought my confidence back. Shes a once-in-a-lifetime pony and I feel very lucky to have her. But Sylvie certainly has a mischievous streak. Shes very cheeky and knows shes the boss. She gets away with anything! She owes us nothing and she knows that, Amelia laughed. Nowadays, the pair mainly enjoy hacking, although Sylvie still has plenty of enthusiasm for schooling. Shes a little bit too keen sometimes and I end up on the floor! But shes still ready and willing and doesnt want to stop. Balancing a full-time retail management role with caring for Sylvie and two younger horses keeps Amelia busy. This season has seen the partnership step up their showing ambitions, although expectations remained modest when competing against an increasingly strong veteran field. I just wanted her to behave and stand for the judge, said Amelia. There are some really lovely horses competing and veteran classes are getting better and better. We just wanted to enjoy ourselves and see what happened. In-Hand Plaited HorseChronos and handler Amanda Jones A former racehorse who only began his new career less than two years ago has delighted his owner with a remarkable performance at just his third show.Chronos, affectionately known as Ron at home, was discovered almost by chance when Amandavisited Sophie Spatara Retraining Racehorses to view another horse.He had only arrived that day and I said, If this one moves, Ill have him! Amanda recalled. Having finished his National Hunt racing career after 10 runs with no success while in training with Paul Webber, Chronos has been given plenty of time to adjust to his new life, with Amanda taking a patient approach to his retraining. Weve taken everything very slowly and this is only his third show, she explained. The laid-back gelding proved the perfect partner on the day, particularly as Amanda admitted to feeling nervous about the occasion. Hes really laid-back and he looked after me today because I was terrified, she said. A district nurse from Rhosili on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, Amanda travelled four-and-a-half hours to the show, arriving the previous evening. Despite hoping Chronos would perform well, she admitted she had been unsure how he would cope with the atmosphere. I was hoping he could do it, but I didnt even know whether he would behave! smiled Amanda.In-Hand Plaited PonyTandridge Advocat with Bella McCallumThirteen-year-old Bella McCallum from Cheshire was left delighted after enjoying an unforgettable first appearance in a major showing arena aboard her seven-year-old pony, Tandridge Advocat (Angus). The young competitor, who has owned Angus for just over two years, admitted she had not expected such a successful outing, particularly against a strong field of quality ponies. Hes just amazing, said Bella of her much-loved pony, whose unpredictable personality keeps his young rider on her toes. You never really know what hes going to be like!The pair have spent their time together gaining experience in the showring, predominantly competing in ridden and in-hand showing classes, but this occasion marked a significant step up for the partnership. It was the biggest arena the teenager had competed in, making the experience all the more memorable.Asked how she had found the occasion, she replied: Just amazing. I didnt expect it at all.Bella had arrived with few expectations beyond enjoying the experience with Angus. There were lots of nice ponies in there, she said, acknowledging the quality of the opposition. With Angus continuing to surprise Bella, the pair have plenty to look forward to as they gain further showing experience together. In-Hand Mountain and Moorland Thistledown Kingbee and Liliana PickettEleven-year-old Liliana Pickett overcame a crisis of confidence to enjoy a memorable showing success with her seven-year-old pony, Thistledown Kingbee (Bluey). The young competitor admitted she had arrived with no expectations beyond being thrilled to have reached the championship. Im just really happy, she said afterwards. I was just really happy to get here. Bluey has been part of the family since he was three and has proved a versatile partner, turning his hoof to dressage, jumping and showing. Hes a really good pony. He does everything, said Liliana, describing him as a particularly affectionate character. Hes really sweet. Hes always the one asking for cuddles. Their win was particularly poignant given Lilianas nerves the previous evening. Last night she had a complete meltdown in there, explained her mother, Kathy. She was crying and hyperventilating, saying, I cant do it, and then she goes in and does this. Kathy said she had never doubted her daughters ability, despite Lilianas own uncertainty. We know she can do it. She just needs to believe, she added.Part-bred Traditional Cob Willowsway R Kizzy and Kylie RamsdenA mare bought to enjoy hacking has enjoyed a remarkable debut showing season, bringing joy to her Leicestershire-based rider Kylie Ramsden following the loss of her first pony. Kizzie, who joined the family in January, arrived on the same day Kylie said goodbye to her beloved pony, making their partnership particularly poignant. Shes like a gift from my old pony, an emotional Kylie explained. We only bought her to hack and puddle around on. I just cant believe what shes done. Described as the kindest, sweetest soul, Kizzie is equally at home being handled by the familys six- and eight-year-old children. She walks around like a Labrador, but she picks herself up when she needs to, said Kylie. Despite being a showing newcomer, Kizzie was champion at her first outing and has since collected reserve supreme honours at Derby County and several other shows, alongside qualifying for the finals at Traditional of the Year Show (TOYS). I just cant explain this year, said Kylie, who works as a quality manager for a medical device manufacturer. The family left Leicestershire at 3am for the show, with the early start proving worthwhile. We can go shopping and have a glass of champagne now! a delighted Kylie laughed. Originally bred within the Gypsy Traveller community, Kizzie has become such a treasured family member. First Ridden Twyford Gyro and Imogen KeyNine-year-old Imogen Key was left beaming after exceeding her expectations to take top honours aboard Sue Cubitt-Smiths 19-year-old pony, Twyford Gyro, improving on their fourth-place finish at the same show last year. Imogen had hoped for a place among the top three, but admitted she had not expected to head the line-up. I didnt think Id finish first. I thought I might get second or third, she said. Gyro, who has been with the family for around five years, is a much-loved pony who has helped teach children to ride and continues to prove his worth in the showring. Despite his advancing years, the cheeky veteran still has plenty of character. Hes very spicy, but when he comes into a show and needs to calm down, he does, Imogen explained. His professional attitude was evident in the ring, where he settled to the job in hand, although his connections admitted he is not one for standing around. Having finished fourth last year, the victory marked a significant improvement for the partnership. Asked what her favourite part of the experience had been, Imogen needed little time to consider her answer. Winning! she said. Lead Rein PonyLacy Sting Bee and Gwennie HodgeA delighted five-year-old Gwennie Hodge celebrated a wonderful achievement with her much-loved pony, Lacy Sting Bee (Sting) Sting, following an impressive season of showing and Pony Club activities. Sting, an 11-year-old Welsh section A pony, has been part of the family for around 18 months and has proved to be the perfect partner for Gwennie. Described as cool as a cucumber, Sting takes everything in his stride and has a wonderfully laid-back temperament. The partnership has made remarkable progress in a relatively short time. The young rider was only learning to rising trot in May this year, but has since developed her skills and enjoyed considerable success. This summer, the pair competed in National Pony Society (NPS) showing classes, achieving some fantastic results and demonstrating just how far they have come together. Sting is also a versatile pony who enjoys a variety of activities. Alongside showing, he takes part in Pony Club games and has enjoyed hunting with the Pembrokeshire. The emotional significance of this win was clear, with the family admitting there had been a few happy tears. Riding Club TypeGreenvale Don Legend and Rosa Cartwright Rider Rosa Cartwright, who nearly abandoned her showing plans to compete in this championship after a stressful week, was left overwhelmed with emotion after achieving a memorable victory aboard her much-loved Greenvale Don Legend (Donny). Im amazed. I was having a meltdown yesterday and was even thinking about not coming, admitted Rosa. Ive been so busy with work that I hadnt had time to get anything ready. Encouragement from a fellow livery persuaded her to make the journey, a decision made all the more worthwhile following Donnys difficult summer. The gelding suffered a field injury after getting a screw embedded in his foot, raising concerns that it might have damaged the pedal bone. He had X-rays and was on box rest. When we re-X-rayed him, the vets said wed been so lucky, explained Rosa, who is from Cardiff. The setback meant limited preparation, but Donnys story started many years previously. Originally from Greenvale Stud, he arrived with Rosa virtually feral, having had little human contact. We had to usher him into the trailer and then into a stable. It took me two weeks to catch him. He was trembling and would fall over the only human interaction hed had before that was when he was gelded, she recalled. Through patience, the pair developed an extraordinary bond. Once he started trusting me, everything clicked. He looks to me for guidance all the time. Having previously struggled with competition nerves, including at this championship in 2024, Rosa was thrilled to put in a successful performance this time. I still get very nervous, but Im learning to deal with it better. Im over the moon. A former riding instructor and groom who now works for a brewery, Rosa keeps Donny at a riding school, where he is a firm favourite. All the children call him the champion, laughed Rosa. Hell definitely need his winners plaque on his stable door now! Ridden Mountain and MoorlandKillimazing Kwanza and Emma LastEmma Last, who arrived at this years championships hoping to enjoy the occasion with her mare Killimazing Kwanza (Daisy), was left celebrating a dream victory in the amateur ridden mountain and moorland championship a goal she had worked towards all season. Having spent months preparing for this competition, Emma admitted that winning had been the ultimate ambition, although her priority was ensuring both she and Daisy enjoyed their time in the ring. I just wanted to have a great time, for her to enjoy it and for me to enjoy it, said Emma. Whatever the result, I would have been happy. But the partnerships hard work paid off in spectacular fashion when they delivered the performance they had been hoping for and claimed the top honours. Weve worked so hard, explained Emma. This was our aim for the year, and to not only come here and do everything right, but to go and win it, is just a dream. The mare has been with Emma for around five years, having previously belonged to a close friend, who bought her directly from the stud, meaning Emma has known the now six-year-old Daisy for most of her life. Ive known everything about her since she was a baby, said Emma, who suffers from a long-term spinal condition, ankylosing spondylitis. But as Daisy has such brilliant movement, combined with her brilliant temperament, it is almost like physio for my back while Im riding, and my hospital consultant has told me to keep riding for as long as I can as it is proving so beneficial for my condition. Emma and Daisy have worked hard to develop their partnership, enjoying a varied programme that includes dressage alongside their showing commitments. We do lots of different things to keep her happy and interested in life, Emma, who works in helping to care for children and young adults with Down Syndrome, explained. To come here and win is just a dream, she added. Ridden Open Veteran Brickell Mr Pickwick and Rebecca Lock The much-loved traditional cob, Brickwell Mr Pickwick (George), brought his rider Rebecca Lock close to tears with a memorable victory in the ridden open veteran championship as the pair approach the end of their showing career together. Having bought the now 17-year-old gelding as a weanling, Rebecca admitted she had twice considered selling him, first as a three-year-old and again at six, before accepting he would never leave. Hes just such a good boy. Hes so good at everything you do with him, said Rebecca. Bred by Bob Brickle, the cob caught her eye as a youngster when she spotted him trotting across a field. He was miles away, but he did that trot and I just thought, Oh! Despite his impressive showring presence, he remains a sensitive character at home. Hes still a bit of a chicken. If someone moves a flowerpot outside the yard, he notices! The pair have enjoyed an illustrious career, including supreme ridden honours with the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA) when he was four and qualification for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) they have since competed at HOYS six times and was also champion coloured at the Royal International. George has been brought back out showing this year having had a break from it since 2021. He subsequently enjoyed dressage before Rebecca decided on one final showing campaign. I thought Id do one London qualifier, and he qualified! she said. Performing their show last in todays championship, Rebecca concentrated on showcasing his trademark movement. I knew he could gallop and he has a great medium trot, so I thought Id just show those off as well as I could. With an appearance at The Showing Register finals before Georges swansong at the London International Horse Show, Rebecca admitted the impending retirement is bittersweet. I was quite emotional at London before, so goodness knows what Ill be like this time, said Rebecca, who runs a rug-washing and repair business Pony Club TypeBallacurra All Star and Amelia Hoskins Nineteen-year-old Ballacurra All Star, who is owned by Maureen Wyman, proved that experience is invaluable as he helped his nervous young rider Amelia Hoskins overcome her fears and enjoy a memorable day to take the open Pony Club pony championships. Despite admitting to being terrified before entering the arena, Amelia soon found her confidence aboard her trusted partner, with whom she has enjoyed a seven-year partnership. Once inside the ring, Amelia, who is a member of the Grafton Hunt branch of the Pony Club, said her nerves quickly disappeared and she was able to enjoy the occasion. I was absolutely terrified going in, but once I got in there, I loved it and had the best time, explained Amelia, who Maureen offered this lovely grey pony to seven years ago when her two sons gave up riding. The veteran pony, who has been a familiar and dependable partner throughout Amelias equestrian journey, appeared entirely unfazed by the atmosphere.He is exceptionally relaxed and he took everything in his stride, said Amelia. Hes the most relaxed pony ever in the ring. He gets in there and obviously loves it. Related contentSEIB Search for a Star Showing Championships Meet Oliver Townend & Ballaghmor Class at Your Horse Live Ros Canter & Becky Moody together for the first time ever at Your Horse Live! Harlow takes over Your Horse Live for one night only!The post Stars shine and great stories shared among winners at2026 SEIB Search for a Star Championships appeared first on Your Horse.
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