Ruby Couzens from Bedfordshire is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star

Ruby Couzens, from Bedfordshire, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Ruby, a member of the British Showjumping Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Claire Darwin. 

Fifteen-year-old Ruby was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “Thank you so much for selecting me for this month's shining star award. When I first saw the email, I was really excited and so pleased with my achievement.” 

Ruby currently competes with her pony Birrinview Joke, also known as Joker. Talking fondly of her pony, Ruby said: “I have had my Pony, Birrinview Joker, for two years now, but around the yard he is just known as Joker, which is quite fitting to his personality. Food is always at the forefront of his mind; he will do anything, including jumping out of his paddock for that slightly greener grass or mastering the art of eating a whole Horse lick in 10 minutes. 

“My favourite show this year was the Academy competition at Forest Edge Arena, and I’m really looking forward to nationals. I aim to be placed there this year. 

“My favourite thing about being part of Beds and Bucks Academy is how supportive everybody is and the training sessions, as I get a lot out of them; they’re really helpful for gaining confidence.” 

Claire Darwin, Lead Coach for the Bed & Bucks Academy, said: “I am delighted to hear that Ruby has received the British Showjumping Shining Star Award this month. She is a dedicated member of the academy who consistently attends training sessions and competitions. Her care and commitment to her pony are evident, and she is always striving to improve. 

“Ruby is new to British Showjumping, and since getting her first pony Joker last year, she has become part of Beds and Bucks Academy. From jumping 70cms she’s gained all their British Novice Double Clear’s and then stepped up to Discovery. She represented our academy at the nationals in the 90cms class and jumped some fantastic rounds. Ruby is one of the most dedicated and caring members of our academy, she works so hard to improve her riding and horsemanship at every opportunity.” 

Stephanie Toogood, National Director of Sport for British Showjumping, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ruby recognised as a British Showjumping Shining Star. She’s been doing incredibly well, and for someone so new to British Showjumping, her achievements so far have been really impressive. She’s definitely one to watch for the future.” 

The British Showjumping Shining Star 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