A LOCAL amateur rider has won the chance to compete alongside seasoned professionals at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show 2012.
Laura Lowcock, of Barley, took second place in the Riding Club Show Horse class at the South Essex Insurance Broker’s (SEIB) Search For A Star 2012 qualifier, held at Osbaldeston Riding Centre.
Riding her horse Annagh Spider Monkey, Laura fought off stiff competition from other riders in the class to gain qualification for the Horse of The Year Show.
Annagh Spider Monkey is known as “Monarch” at home, Laura has owned him for three years having bought him to show and do workers.
“But I was a bit novice and it is taken me a long time to be able to do what I wanted with him”, explained Laura.
“Now we can do anything and really enjoying jumping.
“Last week he qualified for the RIHS with a friend – I was too nervous – as a small hunter, and I can’t go to RIHS as I am getting married in July.”
Laura has already had some success having done dressage and won a local riding club hunter class.
“I wanted to do a bit of everything. It was our aim to qualify to HOYS.
“The last 6 months have really made a difference. He has given me lots of confidence”, said Laura, 27, who works in the family pub, The Pendle Inn, and keeps the horse at home on their farm.
Show judge, Richard Ramsay said: “This competition gives amateurs the chance to compete at HOYS, a dream which many riders would love to realise and the standard at Osbaldeston gets better every year.”
The South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star Championship finals will be held at the Horse Of The Year Show, between October 3rd and 7th, at the Birmingham NEC.