Amateur rider Zoe Clarke and her traditional gypsy cob, Marley VI, fought off strong competition to win a national championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC.
Zoe from Inverness and Marley shone under the bright HOYS lights on 8th October to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Hack Championship.
From Cattle Shed to Championship Glory
Zoe said: “I couldn’t have asked more of Marley, he thrived off the magical HOYS atmosphere and I am delighted! My mum, Nicola Clarke bought Marley 12 years ago when he was 6 months old for just £85 at a dispersal sale, in a cattle shed. She wanted him as a happy hacker but has never ridden him herself!
“It’s taken us a two-day journey to get down to Birmingham from Inverness, we stopped overnight in Carlisle, Marley just takes is all in his stride. We’ve enjoyed the build up to HOYS and I would love one day to come back in the Open classes. I work as a veterinary physio and am very lucky to be self employed and control my diary so we can come to these shows.”
The SEIB Search for a Star Championships
The SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Championships at Horse of the Year Show offer the chance for amateur riders to compete at this major championship show. The Search for a Star championships first took place at Horse of the Year Show in 1998 and have run 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.”
A True Rags to Riches Story
Marley VI’s journey from an £85 foal purchased in a cattle shed to a HOYS champion is a testament to the potential that can be found in traditional cobs. The 12-year-old gypsy cob has proven that success at the highest level isn’t reserved for expensive horses with prestigious bloodlines.
The two-day journey from Inverness to Birmingham, with an overnight stop in Carlisle, demonstrates the dedication and commitment required to compete at HOYS. For Zoe, who works as a veterinary physio, the flexibility of self-employment has allowed her to pursue her equestrian dreams alongside her professional career.
About SEIB Insurance Brokers
SEIB have been providing expert insurance services for over 60 years. Renowned for their specialist equestrian insurance, SEIB offers tailored cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind. For more information on their range of services and to explore their bespoke insurance solutions, please visit seib.co.uk.
Looking to the Future
With this championship win under her belt, Zoe has expressed her ambition to return to HOYS to compete in the Open classes. Her success serves as inspiration to amateur riders across the country that with dedication, the right partnership, and a horse that thrives in the atmosphere, anything is possible at Horse of the Year Show.
The SEIB Search for a Star championships continue to provide a vital stepping stone for amateur riders, offering them the opportunity to experience the magic of HOYS and compete on one of the most prestigious stages in British equestrianism.
