17^thOctober 2024-For immediate release

SEIB Search for a Star 2024

Amateur rider, Kristie Short from Thorpe Malsor and her horse, Carrhouse Deal Me In have fought off strong competition to win a national championship at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) at the Birmingham NEC.

Kristie and her striking bay horse, Carrhouse Deal Me In, known as Rio at home, shone under the bright HOYS lights on the 10^thOctober to take the win in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Riding Horse Championship.

Kristie said: "That was an absolute dream, I couldn't ask for more of Rio! Its taken plenty of time to get here. I work as a restaurant manager and have a nearly two-year-old daughter as well and fit in training and riding Rio around everything else! Search for a Star has provided us with such a great opportunity to compete at a high level. I competed in Search for a Star back in 2008 and won the Show Hunter Pony class. Its fabulous to be getting back into it and we are hoping to compete in some Open Classes next year."

"Rio is a Part Bred Arab cross Cleveland Bay and I've owned him for 7-years, this win has been a long-time coming! I bought him from his breeder, Sharon Hawthorne at the Carrhouse Stud and we've also qualified for the London Horse Show this year."

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 Riding Horse winners Kristie Short and Carrhouse Deal Me In, credit 1^stClass Images.

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