Katy McFadyen from Roxburghshire is October’s NAF Shining Star
Friday 11 October 2019
Katy McFadyen, 16, from Kelso in Roxburghshire has been crowned the NAF Shining Star for October after being nominated by Edinburgh Academy Lead Coach Andrew Hamilton for her attitude and support towards the Academy.
“Katy is always very helpful not only to coaches but her fellow academy riders too. She can turn her hand to anything asked of her. Katy will happily ride ponies and young horses when they need a helping hand and always does so in the same calm manner. She is always willing to help and encourage the children in the academy and she even took it upon herself to help out with the waitressing at the Academy Camp when the staffing level got a bit fraught on the first night” said Andrew. “Katy was a huge support at the National Championships and at the Academy Show in the summer where she also showed her skill when she steered a green 4 year old to a clear in the team competition.
After finding out she was the NAF Shining Star winner for October, Katy said “I am really pleased to win! It’s a real surprise. I have been part of the Edinburgh Academy for six years and I still thoroughly enjoy attending the training sessions each month. I get on really well with Andrew and he knows me and my ponies inside out. This is sadly my last year on ponies so I’m making the most of my last few months on Hawkmoon Lady Luck & Red Flamenco. We bought a 3 year old at the end of last year and I’ve being bringing her on this year. I am aiming to gain my Pony NAF 5* award by the end of this year.”
Lisa Field from NAF commented “It’s great to hear all about Katy; this month’s Shining Star. We love her enthusiasm for anything equestrian, including turning her hand to waitressing when needed! She is a valuable member of the team who the younger children will look up to. Congratulations Katy, a worthy winner of this month’s Shining Star!”
Katy will receive a number of NAF equine products to use alongside the products she is already using which include NAF Muck Off and Brighter than White.
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.
Image courtesy of 1st Class Images
.jpg "Thrilling Weekend Kickstarts the STX-UK Pony British Novice Championship Second Round")
