Mia Stathopoulos from Kent is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star

Mia Stathopoulos, from Westerham, Kent, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Mia, a member of the British Showjumping Kent Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Katy Ford.  

Fifteen-year-old Mia was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “I was so grateful and surprised to hear that I had won the BS Kent Academy Shining Star Award. I would like to say a huge thank you to Katy and everyone at BS Kent Academy for all of the support, opportunities and encouragement they have given me throughout the year.”  

Mia currently competes with her two ponies, Killea Tina, known at home as Wilma and Rivington Melody, better known as DeeDee. Talking fondly of her pony, Mia said: “I am lucky enough to compete two very special ponies. My first pony is Killea Tina, known at home as Wilma. Wilma is very cheeky, loves Haribo sweets and definitely likes things done her way! She is very much in charge at home and makes sure everyone knows it. My second pony is Rivington Melody, better known as DeeDee. DeeDee is now 20 years old and is the Queen of the yard. She is not interested in many treats and has a very unusual fear of cow parsley! Despite their different personalities, both ponies are incredibly kind and always give their all for me. 

“This year has been full of amazing memories. One of my highlights was finishing 2nd in the Blue Chip Discovery Championship with DeeDee and becoming Leading Rider at POYS. Wilma also had an incredible year, winning at POYS and winning the Winter Bronze League. I was proud to win the Midi Team and the individual title at Norfolk with Wilma, as well as finishing 3rd in the Maxi Team with DeeDee. I also enjoyed winning with DeeDee at the Parwood Academy Teams and finishing 2nd in the Horse Teams with my horse, Minnie. While the results have been fantastic, the best part of the year has simply been spending time with my ponies. The partnership and trust we build every day mean more to me than any rosette. 

“The best thing about being part of the Academy is definitely Katy and all of my friends. The support, encouragement and fun we have together make every competition enjoyable. 

“At the moment, we compete both horses and ponies, which means lots of hard work and many hours spent on the yard. Having them at home allows us to really get to know each horse and pony, and that is one of the most rewarding parts of the sport. The Academy shows are always great fun because we work together as a team, support each other and enjoy doing what we all love most – showjumping. 

“I am incredibly thankful to BS Kent Academy for everything they have done for me, and I am excited to see what the future holds.” 

Katy Ford, Lead Coach for the Kent Academy, said: “Mia represents everything the academy stands for!   

“She is such a hard-working, dedicated individual who strives to do the best for her ponies and horses. Whilst learning and developing her own riding and knowledge. We all know Mia as a very happy, gentle, thoughtful and compassionate person. She has a variety of different ponies and horses to ride all of them so different to each other, it’s clear how much she cares for each of them and takes her time to build their trust and partnership.  

“She is a real asset and a pleasure to have representing Kent. Everyone wants to be on a team with Mia.”  

Stephanie Toogood, National Director of Sport for British Showjumping, said: “We are delighted to congratulate Mia on being named a recipient of the British Showjumping Shining Star Award. It is always inspiring to hear about young riders who demonstrate such commitment and enthusiasm, and Mia's dedication to developing both her riding skills and wider equestrian knowledge is particularly impressive. Her hard-working attitude, willingness to learn and determination to continually improve are qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well in the future. Mia is a wonderful example of the values we are proud to celebrate through the Shining Star Award, and we look forward to following her progress in the years ahead.” 

The British Showjumping Shining Star 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 British Showjumping to one member each month.  

Further information on the British Showjumping Academies can be found here: britishshowjumping.co.uk/training/Academies-1