Rider overcomes arson attack and qualifies for HOYS (From Smallholder)

Rider overcomes arson attack and qualifies for HOYS

1:45pm Thursday 26th August 2010 in

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Vicky Marsh from Bolton, Nr Manchester has qualified to compete at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the UK’s biggest indoor equestrian event, at the NEC, Birmingham from 6th - 10th October 2010.

Tens of thousands of competitors set out each year to become one of the coveted finalists at HOYS. This world famous horse show is the pinnacle of the domestic equestrian calendar.

Vicky has qualified El Sahir (Merlin) for the Hutchinsons Staff Ridden Arab Gelding of the Year.

February 23rd 2009, will be a day Vicky will never forget. Arsonists set fire to her hay and straw and the fire quickly spread to the stables with the horses inside. Vicky lost four of her horses including the 2002 Horse of the Year Show winner Johara El Kheil. Three horses survived the attack including Merlin, who was being stabled at a friend’s yard.

People from all over the country rallied around to help Vicky by donating money, rugs, feed, headcollars and so she was ableto get her stud back and running. Merlin stayed with a friend for the year so that Vicky was still able to compete him – winning at the Wessex Arab Horse Show and qualifying for HOYS has definitely been a team effort. The stables are now nearly rebuilt and soon Merlin will be able to return home.

“To all the people who have donated something to help, whether it be money, physical help or just a shoulder to cry on, this journey to the Horse of the Year Show is for you.”

In addition, HOYS will also play host to the winning H Factor act The Knights of Middle England. Their exciting display features fast paced stunt riding and jousting by a team of regal and very handsome Knights.

The high speed Osborne Refrigerators Scurry Racing and the thrilling NFU Countryside Pony Club Mounted Games for the prestigious Prince Philip Cup also return to the Show alongside the HOYS Dressage Special (Friday’s performance only) and the new Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle during Sunday’s Daytime performance.

For show information and ticket prices: www.hoys.co.uk