Eva-May McBain from North Kilvington is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star

Eva-May McBain, from North Kilvington, Yorkshire, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Eva-May, a member of the British Showjumping Yorkshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Karen Farnsworth. 

Fourteen-year-old Eva-May was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “I am so happy for the award. Thank you so much for this, and thank you to Karen and Alice at the Yorkshire Academy for nominating me. I hope that Dee Dee is also happy because she has helped me through everything to get this award.” 

Eva-May currently competes with her pony, Romany Diamond, or Dee Dee as she’s known at home. Talking fondly of her pony, Eva-May said: “My pony is Dee Dee,(Romany Diamond), she is only 142cm, cob X trotter. I have owned her for just over a year; she had never done BS before, and so we started our journey in March 2025. Dee was rescued by her previous owners, where she had been run on a trap as a yearling and then abandoned in a field. They said she looked broken. They worked tirelessly to build a bond with her and get her to trust them. She wouldn’t let anyone near her. They have done such a wonderful job with her, she is the sweetest, kindest pony, who loves kisses. She was advertised as a loan for a year whilst her owner went travelling. We replied to the advert and got down to the last 2 people. In the end, she went to the other people as they were local. My mum told me that after she hung up the phone, a thought popped in her head, and she said she knew they were going to call her back and ask to take her unseen. We thought nothing of it, and a week later, they called and asked to take her as she hadn’t settled in her new home. They still laugh about it today. Mum did a 12-hour round trip the next day to collect her. They have been so supportive, and we keep in touch with her journey, and just over a year ago, they let us buy her. 

“It was rocky at first, we were considered crazy, speeding round 70’s and knocking everything down, but I kept trying. Now I couldn’t be without her. She tries so hard and gives so much. We have now stepped up another level in our show jumping, which I never thought we could do. She gives me so much confidence that I am now jumping heights I am shocked I can do. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches at the Academy and the help and support from friends and coaches at home who believed in us. I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today without Dee. She is the best pony ever.” 

Talking about her 2026 highlights, Eva-May said: “My aims for 2026 are to try and qualify in the Newcomers second rounds and hopefully get to HOYS. I really enjoyed our recent trip to Arena UK, jumping my first ever second rounds and also competing for the first time at the Blue Chip finals. I just love anything I do with Dee Dee.” 

“The best part of being part of the academy is my amazing instructors Karen and Alice, because they understand my pony so much, they know what she needs and what her speeds and heights are and I also get to spend time riding with my friends, Phoebe, Nona, Elsie, Maddie, Lottie, Amber and Sylvia in the academy they are very supportive of me and what I jump and I love them for that. Having them with me is so fun, and they are jumping so well on their ponies, too.” 

Karen Farnsworth, Lead Coach for the Yorkshire Academy, said: “It has been a delight to watch her progression on her novice pony from British Novice up to Newcomers second rounds at the first Pony Premier at Arena UK.  Eva-May is a real team player and is always willing to learn and help others. She is totally deserving of this recognition as I'm sure her future in British Showjumping is bright!” 

Alex van Randwyck, Head of Integrity and Development for British Showjumping, said: “It has been wonderful to hear about Eva-May’s progression within showjumping as she continues to grow in confidence and experience in the ring. Her dedication and hard work with her pony is clearly paying off, and it’s fantastic to see the partnership they are building together. Just as importantly, it’s lovely to hear that Eva-May is enjoying every moment of the journey alongside her friends, making memories and having fun whilst developing her skills and passion for the sport.” 

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