Darcey Blaze Marcus from Surrey is February’s NAF Shining Star
Friday 25 March 2022
Twelve-year-old Darcey Blaze Marcus from Surrey has been awarded February’s NAF Shining Star of 2022. She is a member of the Surrey Academy and was nominated for the award by her coach, Claire Edwards.
Claire has been training Darcey Blaze and her two ponies for over a year, where she has seen them progress to jumping around 90cm classes. She says “She is an absolute pleasure to train. Her natural ability along with her attitude towards learning and improving her skill set enables her as a rider to succeed.”
She has worked hard to achieve both short and long term goals at Academy training and as a result, was selected for the Surrey Team at the British Showjumping National Academy competition last year. Claire states “She has become a very competitive junior rider at British Showjumping shows winning frequently and being placed in other classes.”
Darcey Blaze is delighted to receive the award, stating ‘“I was so surprised and excited that I had been chosen for the February NAF Shining Star Award. I am really grateful for my wonderful coach Claire Edwards, who has helped me so much, for nominating me. But of course the real star is my fabulous strawberry roan mare, Starberry”
Speaking of the Surrey Academy, Darcey Blaze says, “My favourite thing about the Surrey Academy is meeting new friends. A real highlight was being part of the team at last year’s Championships at Stoneleigh - Starberry and I had so much fun. I love that I get to hang out with my team mates on the BS circuit throughout the year. I am aiming to make the team this year, so we can go again”.
Darcey Blaze would like to give a special mention to Annie Shoosmith, who had Starberry as a foal. “I would like to thank her for her help and guidance on our journey.”
Lisa Field from NAF added “Congratulations on winning the NAF Shining Star for February, Darcey Blaze. Your competitive nature and attitude towards your training will help achieve your goals – you are a very deserving Shining Star. We wish you the best of luck for 2022”
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.
