Ellenna Lewis from Hereford and Worcester Academy is the latest NAF Shining Star
Friday 10 February 2023
.jpg "Ellenna Lewis from Hereford and Worcester Academy is the latest NAF Shining Star")
Ellenna Lewis, from Ludlow, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Ellenna, a member of the British Showjumping Hereford and Worcester Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Hannah Jackson.
Ellenna currently has two ponies; You’ve Got A Friend In Me, whom she has owned for just over a year, and Cherintonridge Grenache, whom she has owned for nearly five years.
Commenting on You’ve Got A Friend In Me, who is known as Woody at home, Ellenna said: “Woody was rescued from the streets of a local town as a foal. He is full of character and likes to roll on his feed bucket after he’s eaten his food.
“Woody had only done a few shows when we bought him. I am producing him myself, so I am really proud of how far he has come in such a short time”.
Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star award, Ellenna said: “I was so shocked when my mum told me the news. I was so excited and proud to have been nominated”.
This year, Ellenna most enjoyed representing Hereford and Worcester Academy at the 2022 National Academy Championships, held at the NAEC Stoneleigh, as well as competing at Arena UK‘s Spooktakular show.
Talking about her aims for 2023, Ellenna said: “My aims for this year are to be out jumping as much as possible and step up to 1.05m and 1.10m classes by the end of the summer if Woody is able to. If we don’t it doesn’t matter. I’m happy as long as we are having fun”.
Hannah Jackson, Hereford and Worcester Academy Coach, said: “Ellenna is a very dedicated rider and member of the Academy. She attends regular training, is the first there at a competition, loves to support her friends and is the first person to help other riders out. She is always looking for ways to improve and strives to be the best she can be.
“Woody is a young pony and a new partnership for 2022, but Ellenna has taken it all in her stride and been patient and sympathetic with bringing him on slowly. They are both now starting to shine, and I look forward to seeing what they can achieve in 2023”.
Explaining what she enjoys most about being part of the Hereford and Worcester Academy, Ellenna said: “I love riding for Hereford and Worcester. I have made lots of new friends. It’s like a big family which makes the camps and academy shows really enjoyable. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what level you jump at, we all support each other.
We are very lucky to have Hannah Jackson as our head coach at Hereford and Worcester academy. Hannah is so supportive and encouraging and has helped me progress from 70cm to jumping 1m/1.05m in training over the past two years. I wouldn’t be where I am without Hannah”.
Lisa Field from NAF added: “We loved hearing all about Ellenna’s blossoming partnership with her pony Woody. It is wonderful to see how much they have progressed with all the hard work she is putting into her riding. It must be a real pleasure to teach someone so willing to learn. Congratulations Ellenna on being awarded the NAF Shining Star, we can’t wait to see how you progress in the future”.
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
