A 14-year-old from Whitworth Community High School has defeated a field of adult competitors to secure a place at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Abby Parnell triumphed in the amateur Search for a Star class during the qualifying heat held in Formby on June 28, beating 11 other riders.
Victory Earns Spot at National Event
Her win guarantees her entry to the Horse of the Year Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham this October. Abby was riding her nine-year-old horse, Maggie, whom she has owned for six years. The achievement follows a second-place finish in her very first qualifier in Rutland.
“This time I knew we had done well,” Abby said. “I have only started HOYS this year so I was shocked to get second in my first competition, but because I had done so well I thought I would give it another shot.”
Intense Preparation and Performance
Competitors were given the nine-move routine just before the competition began. Abby memorised the sequence by watching earlier riders before executing her own two-minute performance. Her mother burst into tears when the judges announced that she had won the class.
“It’s such a privilege, most people can’t afford horses, I am really honoured,” said Abby.
Young Rider's Passion and Future Plans
Abby has been riding since the age of two and practices five times a week. She is excited to compete in HOYS, a five-day equestrian event at the National Exhibition Centre. The young rider hopes to become a horse physiotherapist or a horse dentist in the future.
