Douglas Bunn from Sussex Academy is the latest NAF Shining Star

Wednesday 20 September 2023

Douglas Bunn, from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Douglas, a member of the British Showjumping Sussex Academy, was nominated for the award by his coach Judi Piper-Dadswell.

Nine-year-old Douglas currently has one pony that he competes regularly: his 14-year-old gelding Renkum Grenadier, whom Douglas has had for only nine months. Douglas also has a new pony Pepper, whom he is also looking forward to competing in the future.

Commenting on Renkum Grenadier, who is known as Blue at home, Douglas said: “He loves his girlfriend Molly and he likes nibbling on fluffy hoods on people’s coats. His favourite thing is doing cool jump off turns but he also gets very excited doing mounted games!”

Following the news that he is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star Award, Douglas said: “I am happy and surprised to have been chosen for the Shining Star Award.”

Talking about his partnership with Blue, Douglas commented: “I’ve enjoyed really getting to know Blue this year and going to my first affiliated shows - we even managed to win a class! I’ve learned from some mistakes I’ve made and want to continue to improve and learn. Going forward, I really hope to be able to part of a winning Academy Team.”

Judi Piper-Dadswell, Sussex Academy Coach said: “Douglas has worked really hard and made some great progress cumulating with his recent win at Coombelands in the 80cm. He has had some worries about his riding, but determination has overcome all these, and he is now making positive progress.

“He is a very friendly, polite, hardworking, and knowledgeable boy who has recently completed his NAF 1* award, showing horse care and competition knowledge way beyond what one might expect from a rider his age! He is really interested in looking after his pony in a way that sometimes these days is overlooked and is a valued member of Sussex Academy.”

Talking about what it means to be a part of the Sussex Academy, Douglas commented: “The best thing about Sussex Academy is our Coach, Judi, who was kind and encouraging, especially when I first started at the Academy. I also really enjoy the horse care parts too!”

Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Douglas, a deserving winner of this month’s Shining Star Award. We are pleased to see how interested Douglas is in not only developing his riding with Blue but also his care and management knowledge, to help keep his pony in the best condition. We can’t wait to see you continue to succeed in the future. Well done, Douglas!”

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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