A Great Dunmow rider has qualified for the prestigious Horse of the Year Show 2014.

Katie Jerram took first place in the Racehorse to Riding Horse class at the South Essex Insurance Broker’s (SEIB) ‘Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse 2014’ qualifier, held at Vale View Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire.

Riding HM The Queen’s ex-racehorse, and former Cheltenham Gold Cup contender, Barbers Shop, Katie fought off competition from other riders in the class to gain qualification for the Horse of The Year Show (HOYS).

The popular class attracted 36 entries that were split into two groups for provisional judging.

Barbers Shop was a HOYS finalist last year and has numerous wins in ex-racehorse classes but this was his first showing outing since HOYS last year. However, having also been a successful racehorse, he is required to put in other public appearances and has paraded at Newbury Racecourse and the Cheltenham Festival this year.

Katie said: “I am amazed how well behaved he is after having paraded at Cheltenham.

“Terry [Pendry, stud groom at Windsor] was worried he would fret after taking him back into the racing environment, but he was completely chilled. He let down well during the winter months but was kept in work.

“His field companion is Dunbeacon [2013 Ladies Hunter of the Year and now retired] and they are inseparable in the field. He is my first ride of the day, and then he goes out in the field.

“He is turned out every day and has a strict routine, which is what he is used to in racing, and he is loving it.

“I won’t do much with him this year, he will do the Royal Welsh and I would like to do Burghley and then HOYS, and he will also parade if asked. Next year we are aiming at ladies side saddle. It is quality of outings rather than quantity with him now.”

The judges were impressed with the standard of horses coming forward in this class.

Conformation judge, Jeanetta la Four, said: “It is several years since I last judged the racehorses, and the standard has risen incredibly. They are beautifully presented, competitors are listening and taking advice and enjoying it. It was lovely to judge this class, and the standard was exceptionally high.”

Katie and Barbers Shop will compete at The South Essex Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship finals at the Horse of the Year Show, October 8-12, at the Birmingham NEC.