A FARMER and amateur rider from Whitchurch has won a major title at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Samantha Lea picked up the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star title on her Irish sport horse Redshaw Valentino – commonly known as Henry – on Friday, October 11 under the bright lights of the HOYS main arena.

She was supported at the arena in Birmingham by Hugo, her nearly one-year-old son, and said she was taken aback by the win.

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"I'm so overwhelmed to win, it was totally unexpected,” she said.

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“Henry always tries his hardest and he is usually so laid back, it’s really helped him shine in the HOYS atmosphere."

"Henry and I competed in Search for a Star in 2022 and the judge said he needed a bit of time to mature.

“We had the 2023 season off and we brought him back into work slow and steady, we qualified first time out and now we've won this."

Samantha’s journey to victory began in June and ended in front of judges Katie Jerram-Hunnable, Chris Hunnable and international judge, JJ Kemp, from South Africa, finishing ahead nearly 1,000 people.

She owns an equine rug cleaning business from the family farm, where Henry also lives, and explained their relationship.

"My friend bought Henry from his breeder to do Working Hunter classes with and I saw him over the stable door and fell in love with him,” added Samantha.

Seasoned SEIB Search for a Star judge, Katie said: "As ever, I enjoyed every minute of Search for a Star. I loved having our international judge JJ with us.

“I met JJ before when I judged him 15 years ago and spent some time running showing workshops in South Africa.

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“JJ rode the horses here really well and it is so refreshing to have him here."

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."