Stirlingshire’s Gemma Kennedy Awarded with NAF Shining Star

Thursday 17 December 2015

Image: Sinclair Photography

Dedicated and enthusiastic were two of the words used to describe 16 year-old Gemma Kennedy from Falkirk, Stirlingshire ahead of her being awarded the NAF Shining Star for November 2015.

Gemma is a member of the Central Scotland Academy and was nominated for the award by Lead Coach Aileen Craig, who commented “Gemma has been a dedicated and active member of the academy since its inception. She is always enthusiastic, supportive, and friendly and she helps out at all academy events. Gemma started out on ponies before then progressing onto horses and she now competes at 1.10m/1.15m level. After making the brave decision to sell her most experienced horse, Gemma went on to buy a youngster, Bee, with whom she has worked patiently and tirelessly with to now compete at British Novice and Discovery level.

“Not only has Gemma been an attribute to the academy from a riding point of view, but she has now taken over the organising of the stable management aspect. She has done this in a very intuitive way, increasing the popularity of the sessions with the children by implementing ‘hands on sessions’. She really is one very dedicated young lady and we are very lucky to have her involved. She is more than deserving of the Shining Star Award.”

 

A delighted Gemma added “I was completely shocked to learn that I had won the November NAF Shining Star Award and I am very pleased and proud to be the person receiving it. I joined the academy as I was interested in showjumping and wanted to gain more experience and since joining, I have become involved with the stable management sessions. I have put together sessions on Tendons & Ligaments, Goals & Objectives and Strengths & Weaknesses whilst hosting quizzes too. I really enjoy helping with the development of all my co-riders in the Academy whilst we all work to gain our levels of the NAF Pony Five Star Performance Awards Programme.

“If I am not helping with stable management, I spend my time in the arena shadowing the coaches so that I can learn things to improve my riding and provide me with experience in coaching, an area that I am very interested in. I have gained so much experience during my time in the academy and would like to thank both Aileen Craig & Andrew Wilson, who have taught me so much. My mum Lorraine has supported me every step of the way and she is helping me to fulfil my career aspirations. I am looking forward to an exciting 2016 in my working pupil position and I’ll hopefully compete more with Bee and other horses.”

Gemma will kindly receive some NAF equine products to use alongside the products and supplements that she currently uses which include NAF hoof products and also Immuforte powder which boosts vitality, healthy growth and assists the body when the immune system is challenged.

Melissa Newman, NAF Brand Manager, further commented “Gemma’s dedication has clearly paid off. Her intuitiveness and hands on approach within the academy makes her a fantastic candidate for the Shining Star accolade. She definitely sounds like one to watch for the future; well done!”

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.

Recent Scotland News
	Show Reallocation from Cabin to Bogenraith & Tillyoch 27/02/2024
	SCOTTISH OFFICIALS SEMINAR & EVENING SOCIAL 2024 23/02/2024
	AGRICULTURAL SHOWS 2024 – BRITISH SHOWJUMPING SCOTLAND 22/02/2024
	SCOTTISH SHOWS RUNNING SATURDAY 24th & SUNDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2024 19/02/2024
	SCOTTISH BRANCH CHAMPIONSHIPS & SENIOR POINTS LEAGUE 2024 16/02/2024