Charlie Hancox from Worcestershire is February’s NAF Shining Star
Tuesday 26 March 2024
Charlie Hancox, from Droitwich, Worcestershire, has been awarded February’s NAF Shining Star accolade. Charlie, a member of the British Showjumping Hereford and Worcester Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Hannah Jackson.
Eleven-year-old Charlie currently has two ponies that she competes – an eight-year-old mare called Brockington Rubinette, and a 10-year-old gelding, known as Chase, whom Charlie has had had for nearly four years.
Charlie was thrilled to have been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award: “My mum read the email out to me, and I could not believe the words I was hearing. I was so happy, and shocked, to be nominated by my Coach, Hannah. The first words I said to my mum were ‘Thank you Hannah!’”
Talking about what she has got up to so far this year, Charlie said: “I've not had chance to do much yet this year, but I'd say my greatest achievement so far is qualifying for the British Riding Club Winter Intermediate Championships on Chase. We'll be competing at Arena UK on the last weekend in April so I'm really looking forward to that.”
Commenting on Brockington Rubinette, who is known as Ruby at home, Charlie commented: “My sister had her in to sell and I am lucky enough to ride a lot of the sales ponies that come in. We all fell in love with her and although we weren’t planning on getting another pony until I outgrew Chase, we were able to buy her.”
This year Charlie is most looking forward to taking her two ponies to British Showjumping competitions: “They are now both registered, and I hope to jump some clear rounds before I start learning more about where I can take lines to improve my round. I would like to have Chase jumping at 70/75cm and Ruby at 80/90cm by the end of the year.”
Hannah Jackson, Hereford and Worcester Academy Coach said: “Charlie joined the academy last year after only competing at Pony Club competitions. She is very dedicated and passionate about jumping and has set her goals high this year. Charlie is a valuable member of the Academy, loves being part of a team and she always strives to improve and progress. She attends regular training and always puts her all into her riding to achieve her goals.”
Talking about what she enjoys most about being involved with the Hereford and Worcester Academy, Charlie said: “I would say that the best thing is Hannah, but I also love the Academy Training days and am really looking forward to the team competition day on 25th March. I have made lots of new friends in the Academy, who I will sometimes see out and about at different competitions too, and we always support and cheer each other on.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Charlie’s positive attitude and ambition towards showjumping has been inspiring as she starts her journey in the sport. It is great to see Charlie throwing herself into the Academy training sessions to help further her and her ponies. Congratulations Charlie, a very deserving winner of this month’s Shining Star.”
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.
For further information on NAF follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and rider stories or visit the NAF website at naf-equine.eu/uk
Further information on the British Showjumping Academies can be found here: britishshowjumping.co.uk/training/Academies-1
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