17^thOctober 2024-For immediate release

SEIB Search for a Star 2024

Amateur rider, Lauren Woodward from Tamworth and her horse, Beacon St James have fought off strong competition to win the title of Reserve Champion at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC.

Lauren and her striking black horse, Beacon St James, known as Jimmy at home, shone under the bright HOYS lights on the 9^thOctober to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Traditional Cob Championship. This win took the pair through to compete in the Search for a Star Supreme Championship in the International HOYS arena on Friday 11^thOctober when they were crowned Reserve Champions.

Lauren said: "I'm so very lucky, this win was unexpected in just our first year in the showring together. Jimmy was so good today in the huge atmosphere of the show. We entered Search for a Star just to get some experience and now here we are! I work full-time as an administrator in a recruitment company and Jimmy is my hobby, I've been so excited at work telling them about HOYS!"

Lauren bought traditional cob, Jimmy last August. She explained: "A friend saw him advertised near Blackpool so off we went to go and see him. I feel so lucky to have Jimmy! He will definitely have a holiday now to chill out and we might try some open classes next year. Everyone at Search for a Star has been so friendly and super helpful."

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.

Director at the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA), the breed society for Traditional Cobs, Andrea Betteridge said: "This is an amazing series for the traditional cobs, thank you to Nicolina MacKenzie at the Absolutely Genuine company for giving this opportunity to the amateur traditional riders. I was delighted to be there to see Lauren and her stunning black gelding, Jimmy enjoy their success at HOYS."

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."

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. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Photo - the 2024 SEIB Search for a Star Traditional Cob Champions and reserve overall SFAS Champions Lauren Woodward and Beacon St James.

For further press information please contact Jenny Vinerjenny@jennyviner.com.

About SEIB Insurance Brokers LTD:

• SEIB Insurance Brokers was founded in 1963 and is proudly part of the Benefact Group. 
• SEIB Insurance Brokers is a national company, specialising in various markets such as equestrian, funeral and private hire.
• Giving is embedded in the culture of SEIB and the company has always been committed to supporting good causes.
• SEIB Insurance Brokers has granted over £300,000 to charity since 2018 through their SEIB Giving initiative
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To find out more about SEIB Insurance Brokers Ltd and the policies it offers please visitwww.seib.co.ukor call 01708 850000.

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• Benefact Group is a charity owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes
• Owned by a registered charity, Benefact Trust, Benefact Group's family of businesses provide specialist insurance, investment management and broking and advisory services in the UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland.
• Benefact Group is the third-largest corporate donor to charity in the UK, according to the UK Guide to Company Giving 2023/24. It has donated over £200m to charity since 2014 and is aiming to reach its target of giving £250m by 2025.

Find out more about Benefact Group here -www.benefactgroup.com