Lucie Williamson from Ayrshire is the latest NAF Shining Star
Thursday 07 March 2024
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Lucie Williamson, from Ayrshire, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Lucie, a member of the British Showjumping Southwest Scotland Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Aileen Craig.
Thirteen-year-old Lucie currently has two ponies that she competes: Carrowbeg Suzie, a 16-year- old mare whom Lucie has had for three years and Vagebond Van Duyversputten, a seven-year-old gelding she has recently taken on the ride of, on behalf of owner Stal Duyversputten.
Lucie was absolutely delighted to hear that she had been nominated for and is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star Award
Talking about her achievements so far this year, Lucie said: “I recently gained my qualification to the Winter 138cm final held at the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), Hickstead by jumping three rounds to finish 2nd at Aintree’s Small Pony Premier. More recently we have achieved back-to-back wins in the 138cm Winter classes at Bogenraith Equestrian. My two other aims for 2024 are to qualify for the Royal Highland Show & Horse of the Year Show.”
Commenting on Carrowbeg Suzie, who is known as Suzie at home, Lucie’s mum Donna recalled: “Suzie was bought unseen from Ireland for someone else. However, it turned out that she is not the easiest pony to ride but Lucie and Suzie instantly clicked together. Since then, they have gone from strength to strength together. Everything they have achieved to date together has been down to Lucie’s hard work and determination as Suzie didn’t have a British Showjumping record before Lucie started riding her.”
Aileen Craig, South West Scotland (SWS) Academy Coach said: “Lucie has worked exceptionally hard with her ponies over last year and has improved a vast amount. She has also worked very well and with great success on their mindset and nerves and it has paid dividends. She has gone on to excel with her ponies and has recently qualified for the 138cm final at the Agria RIHS. Lucie has been a regular attendee of the SWS Academy from a young age and is a pleasure to teach.”
Talking about what she likes most about being involved with the South West Scotland Academy, Lucie said: “I really enjoy attending regular lessons at SWS academy, gaining lots of experience through my coaches.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Lucie on all the hard work you have put into developing your pony. Lucie is extremely deserving of this Shining Star Award for her commitment to her ponies, the academy and her willingness to learn and improve herself within the sport. Well done, Lucie!”
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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