Lily Dolewska is the latest NAF Shining Star
Wednesday 12 April 2023
Lily Dolewska, from Sunderland, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Lily was nominated for the award by her coach Philippa Mckeever.
Lily currently has one horse and one pony; 16-year-old 14.3hh Sunny JR, whom she has owned for just over a year, and 9-year-old Jodola B, whom she has only owned for eight months.
Commenting on Sunny JR, who is known as Sunny at home, Lily said: “Sunny is grumpy mare who doesn’t like being told what to do but we have put lots of hard working into understanding her and building our relationship. Now she is my best friend and we have a great time together”.
Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star award, Lily said: “I was so shocked to find out I had been nominated for this award, but even more shocked to have been awarded it”.
Last year, Lily was proud to have won the 2022 80cm and 90cm Northern Club Junior League with Sunny.
However, her biggest achievement to date was competing Sunny at the 2023 Just For Schools Winter Championships, held at the David Broome Event Centre in Chepstow. Despite qualifying for the 2022 Winter Just For Schools Championship, but without success in the final, Lily did not let this stop her from working hard to improve for this year’s final. The pair produced two superb double clears, winning the Winter Individual 1.10m School Finals by over 5 seconds, and placing second in the Winter Individual 1m Schools Final.
Talking about her aims for 2023, Lily said: “I would really like to step up to bigger classes and try to make my Home Pony Team debut, as well as competing in some Children on Horses classes, at Bolesworth International and at The National Amateur Championships”.
Philippa Mckeever, Academy Coach said: “Lily only started her British Showjumping career two year ago in the Club classes and has worked very hard over the past year to achieve her dream to win at a championship show.
“Lily is an exceptional athlete and shows great sportsmanship and resilience which are essential skills to excel in sport. She is the first to wish others well, congratulate them and even console them after a bad round”.
Lisa Field from NAF added: “It is clear that Lily is a wonderful and committed young athlete. Her dedication to continue learning even if results may not go her way is a wonderful attribute to have in a talented young rider. Lily is a very deserving Shining Star, and we are sure your determination will see you continue to succeed. Well done, Lily!”
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
