18/9/2003

Local News

West Byfleet horsewoman finds her star

Adie Bath of West Byfleet and her grey roan cob Blue Batik are taking part in the Search for a Star competition at the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC in Birmingham from Wednesday September 17 to Saturday September 20.
Following a riding accident in 2001, Adie was left with severe muscular damage and neck and spine injuries.
“I never thought I would go near a horse again,” she said. But Batik helped her regain her confidence and fitness.
Adie was first introduced to Batik by a friend who described him as a ‘gentle cob looking to go to a good home’.
The friend found Batik in a local yard and offered the owner £100 to take him away. He was in a sorry state but she nursed him back to health and fitness.
“Looking at photos of him then and now you would not believe he was the same horse,” said Adie.
“I fell in love with his face and his personality and my instinct told me he was the one for me.”
The pair competed at novice and amateur level and local dressage competitions winning a number of rosettes.
However, Adie’s injuries have since flared up again and she has been unable to ride since May this year.

Batik is now ridden by her friend Helen Orr and Adie is delighted with their progress.
She said: “Helen is doing wonders with him.
“She took him to the Cranleigh Show in mid-August and, having won the Novice Cobs class, went on to take the Show Championship.”
Helen also rode Batik at the Search for a Star qualifier and earned their place in the final at the Horse of the Year show.
Adie said: “It was a dream come true for me — Batik thoroughly deserves his achievement in return for what he has given me.
“We really believe Batik has potential.
“And you cannot imagine how grateful and impressed we are by the thoughts behind the Search for a Star competition aimed at beginners and amateurs.
“It is a real opportunity for us to go out and enjoy the experience and what is bound to be an amazing atmosphere at the Horse of the Year show — we cannot wait.

First printed in: Byfleet News and Mail