FRILLY, a pretty traditional gypsy cob and her stable mate Temptation, a distinguished plaited riding horse, have been groomed to stardom by their owner Liz Wright, owner of Moortown Stud in Crow, Ringwood.

The spotlight will be shining on both horses at the Horse of the Year Show next week at Birmingham’s NEC, after qualifying for the prestigious competition.

Moortown Frilly, eight, is no stranger to the limelight, boasting a run of awards, including winner of the equine extravaganza and scooping Personality of the Year at last year’s Showing World’s competition.

She even courted the attention of Patti Springsteen at the Windsor Horse Show in 2010, who wanted to buy Frilly for her husband Bruce.

“Bruce isn’t terribly tall and Patti thought Frilly would be perfect for him because he wouldn’t have as far to fall,” said Liz.

“Frilly has such a sweet nature and she is so eager to please. She also loves the spotlight and rises to the occasion every single time. The greater the occasion the better Frilly performs. She really is a superstar.

“If she was going to some local show she would be like an old donkey.”

While Frilly is easy and placid, Temptation can prove to be more taxing.

“Last year Temptation was doing really well in the ring and then she came upon a huge flower display. She wasn’t impressed and spooked. Sometimes the atmosphere in the ring, which is electric, just gets too much for her,” said Liz.

“Both my horses are ridden by Vicki Myronidis, who does a fantastic job. I just hope we do well next week. It is very exciting and I am already proud that they have both qualified.”

Liz’s passion for horses was born when her grandmother gave her a New Forest filly foal on the day she was born. She has been breeding traditional gypsy cobs and coloured cobs at Moortown Stud since 1985.