Gabriella Frediani from Stirlingshire is the latest NAF Shining Star
Tuesday 24 June 2025
Gabriella Frediani, from Tonbridge, Kent, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Gabriella, a member of the British Showjumping Kent Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Katy Ford.
Over the moon to have found out that she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award, Gabriella said: “I was so happy when I found out I’d been awarded the NAF Shining Star Award, I feel very privileged, and thankful.”
Gabriella has one horse that she competes; Ringwood Charmer – known as Charm in the stable, as well as two ponies; Georges Lad, known as Geroge, and Pocket Star, known as Pocket.
Talking fondly about her horses, Gabriella said: “Charm is my first horse who I started competing in British Showjumping Senior classes last year and we have recently started moving up the heights. George is a young pony I have been producing for the past year who loves his showjumping and is the most phenomenal hunter. My other pony is Pocket, who I’ve had for three years. He has probably taught me the most and I feel very lucky to have such super horses to compete. I am extremely grateful to my sponsor Duckhurst Farm, in Kent, who help source my horses & ponies for me and provide transport to all my shows.”
So far in 2025, Gabriella has had an exciting year, taking home several top three placings in competitions. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, she knows what she wants to achieve: “My aims for the rest of this year is to compete at the RIHS and September Tour at Hickstead on Charm and I’m hoping to take both Charm and George to the British Showjumping Academy Show in August. I will be making the most of the rest of the year on George and Pocket as this is my last year on ponies and just enjoy riding them.
Katy Ford, Kent Academy Lead Coach said: “Gabriella has progressed through the Academy teams on a number of different ponies that she has produced herself. The ponies happiness and wellbeing is always Gabriella’s priority, and she strives to understand them better and gain more knowledge to how best to help them individually.
As a person Gabriella is incredibly kind, thoughtful and considerate to others and extremely encouraging to her fellow team members. To coach Gabriella asks very considered appropriate questions and is learning how to self-reflect constructively. She is always an absolute pleasure to have on the teams!”
When asked what it is she most enjoys about being a member of the Kent Academy so much, Gabriella commented: “I love competing in the Academy shows. I love the team spirit it generates, and I always feel so much more confident with everyone’s support. I’ve learnt so much from our coach Katy who I’ve been having lessons with since I was 11, her support is so important.
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Gabriella is a deserving winner of this month’s NAF Shining Star Award. Her commitment to her horses is clear, always putting their welfare first and seeking out ways to further her knowledge. She stands out not only for her horsemanship, but also for the kindness, encouragement, and positivity she brings to her team — well done, Gabriella!”
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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