Search for a Star is designed to give amateur riders and owners an opportunity to compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show and to identify top class horses and ponies which otherwise may not be given the opportunity to compete at this level. It is, however, run by professionals and the imposed standards are identical to those applied to professionals. One fundamental difference is that at HOYS the judges will use radio microphones to give their thoughts and explain decisions. They will not publicly criticize riders or horses.

Show Hunter

Exceeding 15hh, 4 years and over. Riders 16 years or over on the date of the venue. Class will not be divided into different weights. Tweed jacket. Correctly dressed grooms may be required in the arena.

Working Hunter

15hh and over. Horses 4 years and over. Riders 16 years or over on venue date. Horses will be asked to jump a short course not exceeding 3ft 6ins. Martingales and boots permitted for the jumping phase. The same bridle must be worn throughout. Tweed jackets are acceptable. Grooms, correctly dressed.

Riding Horse / Hack

15hh or over, 4 years or over. Rider 16 years or over on the date of the venue. Riding Horse - tweed jacket. Hack - show jacket. Correctly dreesed grooms may be required in the arena.

At the HOYS championship rosettes will be awarded to both a Riding Horse and a Hack and they will both qualify for the final judging.

Cobs

Up to 15.1hh, 4 years or over. Riders 16 years or over on the date of the venue. Tweed jacket. Correctly dressed grooms may be required in the arena.

Riding Club Show Horse

Horses 15hh and over, 4 years and over. Judged on 50% conformation, temperament, type and manners and 50% performance. Judges will ensure that conformation and temperament allows the horse to be a competent all round performer, capable of doing most work including jumping and dressage. Harmony of horse and rider will be taken into account. Will be expected to demonstrate the ability to negotiate a small rustic and a coloured obstable. Jumping style and approach is important. Snaffle bridles will not be penalized, but the same bridle must be worn throughout the competition. Martingales optional. Tweed or show jackets. Correctly dressed grooms may be required in the arena.

Show Ponies & Show Hunter Ponies

Ponies not exceeding 15hh, 4 years and over. Riders not exceeding 20 years on Jan 1, 2004. Will be expected to perform a short, individual show. Correctly dressed grooms may be required in the arena. Leading rein ponies NOT ELIGIBLE.

At the HOYS championship rosettes will be awarded to both a Show Pony and a Show Hunter Pony and they will both qualify for the final judging.

SFAS Rules

Please visit the SFAS Website for up-to-date information on classes, qualifiers and rules.