Lapford trio take Horse of the Year Show SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse ticket at Wiltshire Horse Show

The Mid-Devon team of Marina Greenaway and the stunning bay mare, Hagar, owned by Donna Bamonte have qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham this October.

Donna, Marina and Hagar made the trip to the Wiltshire Show at West Wilts EC in Melksham for the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier on the 27th March. Marina and Hagar will now go on to compete under the bright lights of the HOYS Arena at the NEC in Birmingham in early October.

The pair competed in and won the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class under top judges Michaela Bowling and Lesley Whitehall to earn their HOYS qualification.

Donna lost her husband, the musician Perry Bamonte on Christmas Eve 2025. Donna said: “I had a few months when I stayed away from the horses. My team at home have been amazing, this was a last-minute team effort. We saw the qualifier was on here a month ago so it was only then that we decided to get Hazel in and up and running. In that time she’s been clipped, out hacking and to practice in indoor schools. I told myself I can’t stay at home and I’ve got to get out. Hazel is still only seven now and has been placed in nearly every qualifier she’s been to. I never thought we’d get another horse as good as Valentine Jak again. Hazel came from Bryan and Vicky Smart who I’m very good friends with.”

SEIB Search for a Star organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “What a fitting win for Donna, Marina and Hagar. It was wonderful to see Donna and Marina out with this lovely bay mare. We are looking forward to the rest of the qualifier this season and our thanks go to Vincent Seddon and his team for putting on a great qualifying show at the Wiltshire Show.”

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 HOYS.

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.

Please see www.seib.co.uk/competitions or the SEIB Search for a Star facebook page for updates.

SEIB have been providing expert insurance services for over 60 years. Renowned for their specialist equestrian insurance, SEIB offers tailored cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind. For more information on their range of services and to explore their bespoke insurance solutions, please visit seib.co.uk.

Photos:  1st Class Images.