Twenty Years After First Qualifying – Amateur Rider Competes and Wins at Horse of the Year Show
Amateur rider Jane Hemmings and her grey cob, The Boss 2, fought off strong competition to win a national championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC on 9th October 2025.
The Alfreton-based rider shone under the bright HOYS lights to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Cob and Maxi Cob Championship, marking a remarkable comeback two decades after her first qualification.
A Dream Twenty Years in the Making
Jane’s victory was particularly poignant given her journey to the championship. Speaking after her win, she said: “This is simply a dream come true, I was nervous before today and this is just his fourth ever show! I’ve owned The Boss for two years and it’s been a long and patient journey. I did Search for a Star 20 years ago and having qualified the horse went lame before the final. Eighteen months ago The Boss and I had an accident on the road with a cyclist and then lost my dad days later. All this makes it all the more special to be here today.”
From Goats and Chickens to Championship Glory
The atmosphere and glamour of HOYS couldn’t be more different to life at home for The Boss. Jane added: “He is a huge character – he lives at home with four goats, three chickens – his favourite one is called Judy – and two kittens!”
The grey cob’s transition from farmyard companion to national champion demonstrates the remarkable bond between amateur riders and their horses, and the dedication required to compete at this level.
Search for a Star Championships: Opening Doors for Amateur Riders
The SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Championships at Horse of the Year Show offer a unique opportunity for amateur riders to compete at this major championship show. The championships first took place at HOYS in 1998 and have run continuously ever since.
Over the years, Search for a Star has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at HOYS, with many going on to compete with success in open classes.
Series organiser Nicolina MacKenzie said: “We are thrilled to be providing these opportunities for amateur riders. The HOYS Search for a Star championships are the culmination of months, and in some cases years, of preparation and training for the riders and their horses and ponies.”
