Connie Turnbull from Stirlingshire is the latest NAF Shining Star
Thursday 29 May 2025
Connie Turnbull, from Denny, Stirlingshire, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Connie, a member of the British Showjumping Central Scotland Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Kelly Connor.
Thrilled to have found out that she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award, Connie said: “I was over in Ireland competing at Balmoral Show when I got the email to let me know I had won, and I was absolutely delighted!
Connie has three ponies that she competes; Treasson Aoife - known Aoife or Eefs in the stable – whom Connie has had for 2 years and has produced herself, Charlie, a five-year-old Connemara who joined Connie at the start of the year, and Podge, who Connie also produced from a five-year-old and has been with her for seven years.
So far in 2025, Connie has had an exciting year: “I am most excited with my result from the Pony Club Spring Festival, where I won the 1m Showjumping Championship on Aoife. Charlie has competed successfully in a few British Showjumping Shows and has also been both Reserve Champion and Champion over the past 2 weekends in M&M workers and is showing great potential for the future.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Connie has mapped out her ambitions with each of her ponies: “I would like to step up to 1.10m on Aoife and compete in some Newcomers Second Round classes. I'd also love to qualify her for the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show as a plaited worker, although it is her first season doing workers so I’m not pushing things too quickly.
“On Charlie, I hope to have him out showjumping at Newcomers level as well towards the end of the summer and Podge will be looking for a new home soon so in the meantime I just want to have lots of fun with him!”
Kelly Connor, Central Scotland Academy Coach said: “Connie is a pleasure to teach, she is extremely hardworking and always goes away from lessons taking everything onboard like a sponge. By the time I see her next you can tell she has been working on what we last covered and she cares immensely about everything she undertakes.
“Connie has been a regular at the Central Academy for many years and attended the annual camp for several years qualifying to represent Scotland at the National Academy Championships at Stoneleigh Park on several occasions.
“Connie volunteered to help the RDO for Scotland at the annual Scottish Academy Camp in April spending two days ensuring the camp ran smoothly and everyone was where they should be, keeping the coaches hydrated throughout the day, moving fences for the coaches and keeping the arenas clean. It was amazing to see one of Central Academy students giving so much of their time and energy back to the sport.”
Talking about this experience, Connie said: “I really enjoyed helping at the Academy Camp at Morris Equestrian Centre. I think it is important to give a little bit back to British Showjumping and my Academy as it takes so many people to run things like Shows, Camps and Academy Training that I have enjoyed so much.”
When asked what it is she most enjoys about being a member of the Central Scotland Academy, Connie commented: “I attend Central Academy training every month with Aofie and Charlie and it has really helped when we are out competing. The best thing about my academy must be our coach, Kelly! She really helps me ride confidently and I would like to thank her for all her help and for nominating me for this award.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Connie embodies everything the NAF Shining Star Award stands for. Her dedication and tireless work ethic sets her apart as not just an exceptional young rider, but an outstanding role model. From her commitment to developing her skills to the generosity she shows in giving back to her community, Connie is a credit to the sport and a shining example of the next generation of equestrian talent. We are incredibly proud to recognise her achievements with this award, well done, Connie!”
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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