Rob Walker
This will take place during the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) hunter championship show at Addington on 7 September.
“I really do feel honoured to have been asked to judge,” said Essex-based Rob, who has officiated as a ride judge in the SEIB Search For a Star series and was also involved with the SEIB Racehorse 2 Riding Horse competition. He has been a keen supporter of SEIB competitions since they began.
“The RDA already does a wonderful job as it is, but for disabled riders to have their own high-profile showing championship to aim for is raising the game to a whole new level.
“Everyone should have something to aim for and this is a fantastic breakthrough – I believe this new competition is one which will grow and grow, and I’m very much looking forward to being involved.
“Maybe some of these finalists will have some pointers to help me get back into the saddle in the future.”
Rob Walker
Fellow judge Jane Holderness-Roddam, RDA life vice president and former national chairman, is also a former top showing and international three-day event rider. She, too, is excited about SEIB’s new initiative.
“It is fabulous,” she said. “It’s something which I believe will become very popular and gives RDA riders the chance to show off their skills in a new discipline.”
Addington Manor proprietor – and lifelong horseman – Tim Price will be the third judge. He, too, is full of praise for the concept.
“SEIB is a very forward-thinking company and proved this by launching the Search for a Star series, which has been a massive success,” he said. “This is another great idea and I’m sure it will catch on and grow.
“I was delighted to be asked to judge, and am looking forward to seeing how people with various disabilities cope in a show ring.”
Gabby Blake
“These riders are truly inspirational,” added SEIB marketing manager Nicolina MacKenzie.
“Many of them would give able-bodied riders a good run for their money, and the difficulties they have overcome in their lives are a lesson to us all.
“We are very grateful to RDA for its help with running this competition and its support generally, as well as BSHA for allowing our final to be staged during its prestigious national hunter championship show.
“I am so delighted to be involved with this – it is completely new and one of the most important things we have ever done. I am sure it will go from strength to strength and we are all looking forward to a superb final.”
