An amateur rider from Weston has qualified to compete in the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

AN amateur rider from Weston has qualified to compete in the South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB) Search for a Star Championships at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Chelsey Bartlett earned her coveted place in the final at the qualifying show held at Badgworth Arena, Somerset.

Chelsey, aged 22, qualified in the Riding Horse Hack class, on her own Tara Des. Twenty five entries were split into two groups for the initial judging, and the top six came back for the final judging, where Chelsey was placed second.

She has owned the six-year-old bay gelding for 18 months when Tara Des was brought over from Ireland two years ago by yard owner, Helen Buffin, who backed and brought him on to sell.

Chelsey bought her and kept her on the same yard. Her old thoroughbred horse had arthritis and is no longer able to be ridden, so Des was just what she wanted.

The pair have qualified for the Royal International this year and will head to Hickstead for the small riding horse championship.

“This is our first season and he is the most laid back six-year-old I have ever known, he should be lying down”, said Chelsey.

“He will cope with the atmosphere at the finals, he is very responsive so should settle really well,” said Chelsey, who works for Weston College as a specialist support worker.