We are delighted to announce that the NAF Shining Star for January 2018 has gone to Polly Locke from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Fourteen year old Polly is an enthusiastic and committed member of the Yorkshire Junior Academy. She regularly attends Junior Academy training and has demonstrated a determined attitude to improve during these sessions, which has led to her glowing nomination for the NAF Shining Star Award.

Polly was nominated by Yorkshire Junior Academy coach Nicola McLeish “Polly is a polite and dedicated young lady who is a pleasure to coach. She is a regular attendee of Junior Academy Sessions and this year competed at the Inter Academy show. Polly has shown huge improvement during her training sessions and competitions and is gaining consistent results in Pony Newcomers classes.”

Having only joined British Showjumping in 2015, Polly has competed frequently and with much success as a National member from 80cm classes up to Pony Newcomers level. Commenting on the award, Polly said “I was surprised and delighted when I found out I had won this award. I enjoy attending the Junior Academy sessions and camps where I have learned a lot and I am looking forward to progressing further. My aspirations are to get some good results at Championship shows, including the British Showjumping National Championships this year and I’d like to hopefully compete at Horse of the Year Show in the future!”

Branwen Griffin, from NAF, commented “Polly’s wonderful attitude combined with her dedication towards attending Junior Academy sessions makes her a very deserving winner of this month’s Shining Star award. Polly’s commitment to continually improving her skills has been the key to her success and it’s wonderful to hear she is out competing consistently at Pony Newcomers level. Well Done Polly!”

Polly will receive some NAF equine products to use alongside the NAF grooming, tack and first aid products that she currently uses.

The NAF Shining Star Award was introduced when NAF became a British Showjumping Business Partner. The award is for members of a Junior Academy who have shown a great deal of commitment, progression and outstanding behaviour along with their riding ability and much more. Riders are nominated by their lead coach, and then judged and awarded by NAF to one person each month.