GEORGIE Patrick, from Farnham, qualified for the Horse of the Year Show at the SEIB Insurance Broker’s Search for a Star 2016 qualifier, held at Stretcholt Equestrian Centre in Somerset.

She placed second in a competitive division aboard Carolyn Elwes’ Harry Duke.

Carolyn, who runs her own yard, bought the nine-year-old dappled grey 18 months ago. He had hunted in Ireland and Dorset before coming to Surrey.

“He’s very strong and Carolyn asked me to school him and do some jumping,” explained Georgie, 50. “I used to event, but I have two young children, so I don’t anymore.” Instead, the pair have been focusing on dressage to music and working hunter classes. “I last did working hunter classes 35 years ago,” she laughed.

The pair have qualified for the regional dressage to music finals and plan to do more showing.

The Search for a Star series has been created by SEIB to encourage amateur riders to bring their horses to a high standard in the show ring and give them the opportunity to compete at the prestigious finals at the Horse of The Year Show.

Georgie Patrick will compete in the SEIB Search for a Star Championship finals at the Horse of The Year Show at the Birmingham NEC from October 5-9.

More information on the Search for a Star series is available at www.search4astar.org.uk