AN AMATEUR rider from Whitchurch, has qualified for the prestigious Your Horse Live Championships in Warwickshire this November.

Annabel Wilkes, aged 11, rode her mother’s part-bred Welsh Pony, Bitzy Mishika to win the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star qualifier last month at the Traditional of the Year Show to earn their qualification.

Pony and rider will both now go on to compete under the bright lights of Your Horse Live in the event’s national finals.

Annabel said: “I did not expect to win Search for a Star I was super pleased as we had been practising the set show at home.

“Bitzy was calm on the day and listened to me so I was pleased with how she went. I’m super excited for Your Horse Live and can’t wait to take Bitsy there, it’s a lovely dream. Bitzy is the best genuine pony and is kind to other ponies. We have a great bond and she’s a super star.”

Bitzy is a Welsh Part Bred and has been owned by the Wilkes family for four years. Annabel’s mum, Charlotte explained: “When my father died four years ago, I bought Bitzy as a gift from him to his grand-daughter.

“We chose Mishika on the end of her name as it means gift of love. Bitzy loves working Hunter and does all Pony Club rallies.

“They are with the South Hereford and Ross Harriers Pony Club. Bitzy and Annabel did a four-day camp the week prior to the big event.”

SEIB Search for a Star first took place back in 1996 and over the years has provided thousands of opportunities for amateur riders to compete at big shows.

Each of the SEIB Search for a Star qualifying shows offers opportunities for a full range of show horses to earn a place at the series championships at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live.