Izzy Russell from Bedfordshire is awarded the NAF Shining Star award for December
Tuesday 10 December 2019
Twelve year-old Izzy Russell from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire has been presented with the NAF Shining Star Award for December. Izzy was nominated for the award by the Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire Academy Lead Coach Sharon Taylor for the dedication and growth she has shown within the academy.
“Izzy has been part of the academy for some time now and is dedicated to her training and development which has shown in her recent results. In the last month Izzy and her pony Deelside Gerry have gone from jumping 90cm to being equal 1st in a Springboard 138cm and have recently came 5th in a Pony Coral Qualifier. This is a huge achievement for Izzy and Gerry” said Sharon. “Izzy's aim for 2020 is to continue with her successful progression and hopefully be selected for the 138 home pony teams. Not only does Izzy compete independently but she was also part of this year’s Bucks & Beds Academy team where they finished in the top 6 teams of their class at the National Academy Championships. I am very much looking forward to working with Izzy and Deelside Gerry within the academy over forthcoming months!”
After finding out she was the NAF Shining Star winner for December, Izzy said “I am over the moon! I have worked really hard with Gerry. He is owned by Sarah Randall and she kindly gave me the ride on him; we started off at the bottom last year and now we’re jumping 138cm classes, he has taught me a lot. The award is the icing on the cake, we have really clicked in the last 12 months so to get some recognition for the hard work, time and effort is fantastic”
“I just love being part of the academy, it’s great to train with my friends and our coach, Sharon, is so supportive. The best part about being in the academy is the Academy Show at Stoneleigh in August, it’s so much fun! My plans for the rest of the year are to compete (and hopefully win) at Liverpool International Horse Show in the Mini Major competition with my other pony AG Domino. It will be my final show on him as I am off 128’s at the end of the year. In 2020 I will hopefully be heading to some Championship Shows and we have our first trip across the sea to Cavan booked in the diary!”
Lisa Field from NAF commented “It’s fantastic to hear all about Izzy and how her hard work and dedication has helped her progress and achieve such amazing results with her pony. I’m sure with her determination she will achieve her aim of getting on the 138 home pony team in 2020! Congratulations Izzy, a very deserving Shining Star.”
Izzy will now receive a number of NAF equine products to use alongside the products she is already using which include a range of shampoos and supplements.
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.
NAF:
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NAF are proud to be Official Suppliers to the British Equestrian Teams and Business Partners to British Showjumping supporting the NAF Five Star Training programme and the Shining Star Awards. Jessica Mendoza says “NAF have a great team of veterinary scientists and nutritionists, they are a big help to me and are there at the end of the phone with free advice if and when you need it, 0800 373106 or info@naf-uk.com.”