While beauty pageants may appear to be a long way from the life of your average equestrian, one dedicated amateur rider has proved you can be successful in both after being placed third at the Miss World final in Sanya, China, on 18 November.
Derbyshire-based Stephanie Hill, 22, who holds the 2017 Miss England crown, was the highest placed English contestant in a Miss World final since 1992.
(Image credit: Graham Stone for Miss England)
The keen showing enthusiast has been placed at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and recently graduated with a first class honors degree in oncology and radiography.
“Miss World was like nothing I have ever experienced or will experience again in my life,” said Stephanie.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
“It was exhilarating, exhausting, inspiring, incredible and unbelievable.
“I have come away from the experience exceedingly grateful; for my family and loved ones, for the wonderful memories I will treasure for the rest of my life, and for my country, its culture and the incredible opportunities I have as a result of living here.
“To be placed third in the oldest, most prestigious competition of its kind in the world, surrounded by sensational representatives from 118 countries was more than I ever could have dreamt of.”
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Stephanie has owned her now 17-year-old gelding Diamond Cavalier Royale (Piggles) for seven years.
Stephanie and Piggles have enjoyed showjumping success as well as top results in the show ring, particularly in working hunter classes.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
One of Stephanie’s highlights with Piggles was coming fourth in the SEIB search for a star working hunter horse of the year at HOYS in 2012.
“He’s a bit of a star in his own right,” said Stephanie. “He’s my first horse and an absolute dream.
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Miss England 1017 Stephanie Hill with her award winning horse Piggles
This photo is copyright Graham Stone but sent to Angie Beasley Miss England Director for use on the Miss England social Media and for use in Local Press of the Stephanie Hill Miss England's and on Horse and Hounds web site.
This Photo¤¤¤¤¤¤¤È2017:08:17 15:08:492017:08:17 15:08:49
The rider is organising a horse show to raise money for charity ahead of the semi-final
“Surprisingly, a lot of people in the showing world have done Miss England; I think it’s because we’re used to performing and being in the spotlight.
“Not a lot seems to faze horsey people; we all have weird and wonderful hobbies.”
Stephanie eventually plans to become a clinical scientist, but now intends to take a year out from her studies to fulfill her Miss England role travelling with Miss World for their ’Beauty with a Purpose’ charity projects across the globe.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
