A TEENAGER from Nether Poppleton has qualified for the new SEIB Search for a Star final at Your Horse Live in Warwickshire.

Abigail Walton rode her mother’s Welsh Section 'C' pony, Corstan Rihanna, to qualify for the championship in the 'mountain and moorland' class at Alnwick Ford Equestrian Centre.

The SEIB Search for a Star 'mountain and moorland' championship is new this year and is open to pure-bred 'mountain and moorland' ponies ridden by amateur riders.

Owned by Abigail’s mother, Alison Walton, Rihanna is 15-year-old Abigail’s pride and joy.

Alison said: “It is just fantastic. She is only six and we haven’t done masses of showing. It is all a bit of a shock.” Abigail, who has just finished her GCSEs at Manor CE Academy in York, said: “I am going to do loads with Rihanna over the holidays and we are going to practise like mad for the finals. I have never been to Your Horse Live and it will be great to be a part of it and to get to see everything.

"This is the first time we have been to Search for a Star and the venue for the qualifier was just perfect”.

SEIB marketing manager Nicolina Mackenzie said: “We are truly delighted to be able to give amateur 'mountain and moorland' enthusiasts the opportunity to compete for a national showing title.

"Search for a Star is now in its 22nd year and we are constantly looking at ways to include more riders in the series and help them achieve their dreams.”

This will be the first time ever a championship competition will take place at Your Horse Live. The 'mountain and moorland' finalists will compete in the main arena at Stoneleigh, which has a 3,000 capacity.

Your Horse Live event director Emma Bedford said: “Search for a Star is something our visitors can really aspire to, and we are very excited to be adding something completely new to the Your Horse Live line-up”.

Equine insurance brokers, SEIB, provide cover for horses, horse boxes and yards, among others.