Maya Patterson from Durham is the latest NAF Shining Star
Tuesday 25 November 2025
Maya Patterson, from Consett, Durham, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Maya, a member of the British Showjumping Northumbria Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Barbara Anderson.
Maya was delighted to find out she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award: “I was very happy and proud of me and my pony for being nominated and achieving this award. We have been working really hard.”
Sixteen-year-old Maya currently has one pony that she competes: “I have had Rosie, whose show name is Swallowtail, for two years. I got her as a four year old, she had just come over from Ireland so I have done everything with her.”
Maya and Rosie have enjoyed a successful 2025. At the National Academy Championships in August, they delivered a poised and polished performance to win the NAF Five Star 3* Final as well as winning the Individual 60cm Final JFS Summer final. Talking about what she has enjoyed most this year, Maya said: “I have enjoyed going to different competitions this year but especially going to Arena UK’s Spooktacular. It is such a fun show and was Rosie’s first time there and she did amazing including finishing fourth in the STX-UK Pony British Novice First Round.”
Steph Carney, Academy Coordinator for the Northumbria Academy, said: “Maya has slowly produced her young pony, Rosie, over the past couple of years. This year they had incredible success at the Academy Championships and were members of a competitive Northumbria Academy Midi Team only having one unlucky pole over the entirety of the competition. She has worked really hard to correctly bring on Rosie and we are very proud to be a part of their journey.”
Talking about what she most enjoys about being a part of the Northumbria Academy, Maya said; “The best thing about Northumbria Academy is the community of it all. Everyone is lovely and welcoming, always ready to help you out when you need it. I’d like to say a massive thank you to Barbara Anderson as she has helped me greatly, not only helping to train Rosie, but also one of my first ponies who was quite difficult before Barbara’s help.”
Elise Chugg from NAF said: “Congratulation, Maya. The dedication you have shown in producing your young pony, Rosie, is truly admirable, and your results this season are a testament to your patience, skill and hard work. It’s wonderful to see such a thoughtful young rider achieving success through correct training and commitment. Maya is a credit to her Academy, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this talented partnership.”
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
 c. Jamie Agnew Photography.jpg "Graham Babes takes top spot in the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre")
 c. Jamie Agnew Photography1eeyvtlqisk28.jpg "Aileen Craig claims a commanding victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Eqiune Bedding Winter Grades B&C Championship Qualifier")
