Stretford rider qualifies for premier national championships (From Messenger Newspapers)

Stretford rider a winner in 2012 South Essex Insurance Brokers search for a star qualifier

10:00am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Trafford Sport

A YOUNG amateur rider from Stretford has won the chance to compete alongside seasoned professionals at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show 2012.

Katie Holloway, aged 15, won the Riding Horse Hack class at the South Essex Insurance Broker’s (SEIB) Search For A Star 2012 qualifier, held at Osbaldeston Riding Centre on May 26.

Riding her mother’s horse, Etherow April Affair, Katie fought off stiff competition from other riders in the class to gain qualification for the Horse of The Year Show.

Katie said: “We came to Osbaldeston for the experience. The Horse of the Year Show has been our target – dad said recently if I cannot qualify in 10 years then probably I should give up.

“April loves attention, so now I will get friends to come round and create noise and applause to get her used to is before the Horse of the Year Show.”

The South Essex Insurance Brokers Search For A Star Championship finals will be held at the Horse Of The Year Show, October 3 - 7 at the Birmingham NEC.