A LEOMINSTER rider has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show after taking first place in a qualifying event.

Katherine Loupart, from Leominster, came top in the Show Hunter Class as the SEIB Insurance Broker's Search for a Star 2015, held at Stretcholt Equestrian Centre in Somerset.

Riding her own horse, Clover Quest, Loupart fought off stiff competition from other riders in the class.

She has had the grey mare, known as Kettie, for three years and bought her from her niece Molly Hawthorne.

"She was sold as part of a job lot in a welsh market and Molly bought her in such bad condition, the vet thought she would be put down," said Loupart.

"Thankfully Kettie pulled through and after breaking her in to ride Molly put the mare in foal.

“Kettie came to me for grazing while she was in foal as my niece did not have enough grass, and then I took her."

Loupart and Kettie are members of Bromyard Riding Club and Vale of Arrow Riding Club.

She completed adult camp the week before Stretcholt.

Loupart, who works as head of humanities at Tenbury High Ormaston Academy. decided to have a go at showing after being encouraged to so do by a neighbour.

“This is so exciting – we slept in the trailer last night, but it has all been worth it," said Loupart.

"Kettie does not have a bad bone in her body, she is so good and kind”, said Katherine, who works as head of Humanities and teaches history at Tenbury High Ormaston Accademy.

The SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Championship finals will be at the Horse of the Year Show from October 7 to 11 at the NEC Birmingham.