Taylie-Rae Owen from the Kent Academy is the latest NAF Shining Star

Wednesday 14 December 2022

Taylie-Rae Owen from Ashford, Kent has been awarded with the latest NAF Shining Star accolade; a member of the British Showjumping Kent Academy, she was nominated for the award by her coach, Katy Ford.

Taylie-Rae currently rides seven ponies: three 128cm ponies (Hardwickview Yen Man, Rockbury faccination and Telynau Halle), three 138cm ponies (Hatterall Inka, Annaghmore Boomete and Woodstock Bluebell) and one 148cm pony (Bella Trix).

Commenting on Hardwickview Yen Man, who is known as Max at home, Taylie-Rae said: “He’s funny in his stable when you go to put his bridle on, he lifts his head right in the air and curls his top lip like he’s laughing at you because I’m not tall enough to reach. He also talks to you, I’m sure he thinks he’s human. We have built up such a bond and totally trust each other when I’m riding him”.

Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star award, Taylie-Rae said: “I was totally overwhelmed and lost for words that I was nominated let alone that I had been chosen as the winner! I’m very proud of this achievement and couldn’t have done it without my amazing ponies”.

This year, Taylie-Rae’s proudest moment has been qualifying for The London International Horse Show, after she placed 2nd in the 128cm Grand Prix at the English Home Pony competition at Southview Competition Centre riding Max. Talking about this achievement, Taylie-Rae said: “This was my biggest and most proud achievement to date, and I can’t wait to compete there”.

She is also proud to have won three championship finals this year: The 128cm Silver League Final at the British Showjumping National Championships and the 128cm Graham Heath Final at Scope, both on Max, as well as the 138cm Cats and Pipes Final on Hatterall Inka at Scope.  She was also part of the winning Mini Academy Team at the Academy Championships with Rockbury Faccination, on whom Taylie-Rae began her British Showjumping journey. 

Katy Ford, Coach of the Kent Academy, said of Taylie-Rae: “She has recently qualified for the 128cm class at The London International Horse Show at the English Home Pony competition. She has only been competing for a couple of years and has achieved so many great results on all her ponies including jumping many clears for the Kent Academy.

“Taylie-Rae works so hard to keep all her pony’s fit and healthy whilst keeping good results at school. I have never seen her without a smile on her face, on or off a pony”.

Explaining what she enjoys most about being part of the Kent Academy, Taylie-Rae said: “Kent academy is the BEST academy. I love going to the academy shows with my friends and being part of a team. We have so much fun and are known for our team spirit. Katy is an amazing coach, she’s so supportive and encouraging which makes competing so enjoyable, and she has our team spirit too!  I have jumped for the Kent academy since I started British Showjumping and I’m really looking forward to 2023 where I will be onto 138cm ponies and hopefully I will get picked to jump for Kent Academy again”.

Lisa Field from NAF added: “Taylie-Rae is a busy young rider, but it is clear to see that she is dedicated to learning as much as she can from her coaches to develop both herself and her ponies. It is great to hear the progress she has made throughout the summer at different competitions, and we love how supportive she is of her teammates. Congratulations Taylie-Rae on your recent successes and on being awarded the NAF Shining Star, we can’t wait to see how you progress in the future”.

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 products click here or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and rider stories.

Further information on the British Showjumping Academies can be found here: britishshowjumping.co.uk/training/Academies-1

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