Libby Foster from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Academy is the latest NAF Shining Star

Thursday 09 March 2023

Libby Foster, from Doncaster, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Libby, a member of the British Showjumping Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Joanne Burns Firth.

Libby currently has two ponies; 11 year old Fernhill Drum Shambo, whom she has owned for a year and a half, and 10 year old Cwrtycadno Padraig, whom she has owned for six months.

Commenting on Fernhill Drum Shambo, who is known as Joey at home, Libby said: “Joey is a very cheeky adorable boy. He would jump the world for me, but he is an escape artist and is regularly found in the feed room or in the wrong field”.

Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star award, Libby said: “I was so excited and happy to find out the news”.

This year, Libby most enjoyed qualifying Joey for the Great Yorkshire Show Mini Major class. “It was the cherry on top of the cake. It was an amazing experience, and I am really hoping we qualify again this year!”

However, her biggest achievement was qualifying Cwrtycadno Padraig, known as Magic at home, for the Springboard Final, the 11 Years and Under Final and the 10 Years and Under Style and Performance Final, even though she had only owned him a short while.

Talking about her aims for 2023, Libby said: “My aim for this year is to step up to bigger classes with Magic, and maybe aim for some HOYS qualifiers”.

Joanne Burns Firth, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Academy Coach said: “Libby is just pure energy! She is so willing to learn, and her progression is evident from the time she has been attending the academy”.

Explaining what she enjoys most about being part of the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Academy, Libby said: “The coaching at the Academy training days is brilliant and I love meeting lots of other people who also enjoy showjumping”. 

Lisa Field from NAF added: “It is wonderful to hear about the success Libby is having with both her ponies, especially Magic! This along with her determination to learn and be involved with all that goes on with Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Academy makes her a worthy winner of this month’s NAF Shining Star, congratulations Libby!

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.

For further information on NAF follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and rider stories or visit the NAF website at naf-equine.eu/uk

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

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