17^thOctober 2024-For immediate release

SEIB Search for a Star 2024

Amateur rider, Carla Hainsworth from Harrogate and her horse, Darrowby Ajax have fought off strong competition to won a national championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC.

Carla and her striking grey horse, Darrowby Ajax, shone under the bright HOYS lights on the 10^thOctober to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Show Cob and Maxi Cob Championship.

Carla said: "Darrowby Ajax is only just 6-years-old, he has been so well-behaved here and wasn't overwhelmed by the occasion. Each time I've gone to see him in his stable he's seen me coming and neighed to me! I'm so proud of him, when he was three-years-old I sent him off to a professional but he couldn't be backed and ended up coming back to me. Its taken a long time to get there, but he is a real people person and loves it now. My old maxi cob was put to sleep last year so Darrowby Ajax has stepped up!"

Darrowby Ajax came from Reid Finlay in Ireland, I've always wanted a cob from him to bring on. Search for a Star has been amazing, everyone in the series has been so kind and the other competitors have been very lovely."

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."

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 Cob Champions Lauren Woodward and Darrowby Ajax.

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
• SEIB Insurance Brokers are rated 4.8/5 and "Excellent" on Trustpilot

To find out more about SEIB Insurance Brokers Ltd and the policies it offers please visitwww.seib.co.ukor call 01708 850000.

About Benefact Group

• 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