Young Rider Triumphs on National Stage
A talented young rider from Pontyclun has secured a spectacular victory at a major national equestrian event. Efa Moore and her beautiful grey pony, Thistledown Alice, fought off intense competition to win the prestigious SEIB Insurance Brokers' Search for a Star Ridden Championship title.
The grand finale took place at the Your Horse Live show, held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The pair shone under the bright lights of the main arena, captivating the audience and judges alike.
A Hard-Fought Victory Against the Odds
The path to victory was not an easy one. The competition began with more than 70 qualified riders, handlers, and their equine partners across 12 different championship classes. The section winners from these initial rounds then progressed to compete for the Supreme Championship.
The event was judged by the esteemed Mathew Lawrence and Chris Hunnable, with Katie Jerram-Hunnable providing commentary ringside. In a remarkable display of skill, Efa, who competes as a member of the Pentyrch Pony Club, first won the Search for a Star Pony Club Lead Rein final before advancing to the ultimate championship round.
Her final challenge was competing against the adult section winners, making her victory all the more impressive.
Family Pride and Future Plans
The win came as a delightful surprise to Efa and her family. Her mother, Laura Moore, who owns Thistledown Alice, expressed the family's joy, stating, "We didn't expect this win! We came along to the Search for a Star qualifier to give it a go and we're all delighted! Efa has only been riding for a year, we will do more next year and see how it goes."
For Efa herself, the highlights of the unforgettable day were winning her purple sash and the experience of riding Thistledown Alice in the big arena.
Emma Bedford, the Your Horse Live event director, commented on the significance of the competition, saying, "We're delighted to have the SEIB Search for a Star finals at Your Horse Live – in recent years the classes have become a key-part of the show."