The first selection day for this year's South Essex Insurance Brokers Search for a Star championship will be held at Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre, Lancashire, on June 7.

Search for a Star is designed to give amateur owners and riders an opportunity to compete at the Horse of the Year Show, due to be held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on September 17-21.

Horse and ponies which fall into the following categories are eligible - Working Hunter, Riding Club Show Horse, Show Ponies and Show Hunter Ponies, Cobs, Show Hunter and Riding Horse/Hack.

Judging on selection days follows accepted showing routine, except that riders can talk to the judges afterwards to seek their opinions. Two entries from each class, provided they reach a good show standard, are invited to take part in Birmingham.

Other selection days this year will be held at West Wilts Equestrian Centre, June 28; Merrist Wood College, Surrey, July 19; College Equestrian Centre, Bedford, July 20; Richmond Equestrian Centre, Yorkshire, August 10.

There are reductions to the entry fee for British Horse Society members and anyone insuring through South Essex Insurance Brokers. Entry forms and more information is available by sending a self addressed envelope to The Secretary, Search for a Star, 5 Magpie Drive, Totton, Southampton, SO40 8TE

June 7 Osbaldeston Equestrian Centre, Lancs
June 28 West Wilts Equestrian Centre
July 19 Merrist Wood College, Surrey
July 20 College Equestrian Centre, Bedford
August 10 Richmond Equestrian Centre, Yorkshire

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