A COTSWOLD amateur rider has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show.

Samantha Wallin, of Weston-sub-Edge, near Chipping Campden, was second in the Riding Horse Hack class at the SEIB Insurance Brokers’ Search for a Star 2015 qualifier at Osbaldeston Riding Centre in Blackburn.

On her former racehorse Tallest Peak, Wallin fought off stiff competition from other riders in the class to gain qualification for the prestigious show.

The bay gelding, known at home as Coco, was previously in training with Johnny Butler and won on the Flat before retiring from the racecourse two years ago.

Wallin bought Coco from Butler and started retraining him for a career in the show ring.

“I got him to do the ex-racehorse classes so this is a lovely bonus,” she said.

As Coco was straight out of racing, the Cotswold rider, who runs catering company Cotswold Canapes, gave him plenty of time to adjust to his new life.

Wallin continued: “It takes a while for them to change. We have done a few local shows as experience but this is his first ever proper show.

“We worked hard through the winter and the retraining clinics have been brilliant.

“I have got to train with people like Louise Bell (top show horse producer). Louise suggested I should try him in Riding Horse classes.

“He has the most fantastic temperament, which has helped.”

The pair will be aiming for more ex-racehorse classes and will do lots of preparation before the finals at Birmingham NEC from October 7 until 11.