Owen Carpenter’s Star Shines Bright for Clwyd Junior Academy
Wednesday 11 November 2015
The NAF Shining Star for October 2015 has been awarded to 10 year-old Owen Carpenter from Holywell, Clwyd for the dedication and maturity that he has demonstrated whilst with the British Showjumping Clwyd Junior Academy.
Andrew Millin, Lead Coach for Clwyd Junior Academy, nominated Owen for the award “I have known both Owen and his brother Iwan for a few years now and both boys are a delight to work with. When not riding, the brothers can be found helping the ground staff at shows with a variety of jobs.
“Owen himself is a funny and delightful young man and anyone that comes into contact with him is warmed by his lovely cheeky smile and contagious laugh. After every round that he jumps, you will always see Owen cuddling and patting his ponies, and should anything ever go wrong in the arena, this young man always bounces back.”
Owen first started riding aged just 3 and was bitten by the showjumping bug at 8 years-old. Back in 2014, Owen decided that he wanted to qualify for the Scope Festival and he achieved his goal within a matter of weeks on a pony called Mac Mini who was originally ridden by Owen's brother Iwan. This year saw Owen and Mac Mini qualify for the Style & Performance class held at Pony of the Year Show, but sadly tragedy struck and Mac Mini passed away before the pair could contest the Final.
Determined to continue competing, Owen then took on the ride on his brother’s pony Little Twister and this combination went on to qualify for the Scope Festival at which they finished in fourth in both the Cats & Pipes Debut Supreme Championship and the Tiny Tots Supreme Championship. Unfortunately, Owen and his family were to experience further heartache when Little Twister sadly passed away shortly after the show.
Upon hearing that he had won this award, Owen said “I would like to dedicate this win to the two shining stars in the sky, as without them this wouldn’t have happened.
“At the moment, I am working hard with my new ponies, Birkinbrook Destiny and Light and Lively and I am also working towards getting my 3* [of the NAF Pony Five Star Performance Awards Programme].”
In acknowledgement of his win, Owen will kindly receive some NAF equine products to use alongside the products and supplements that he currently uses which include PROFEET Hoof Moist and Vitamin E & Selenium Plus.
Griselda Handy, NAF Brand Manager, also commented “Owen is clearly an excellent ambassador for showjumping and we are so pleased to be rewarding him with the NAF Shining Star Award. This is a true reflection of his achievements and positive outlook towards the sport.”
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 Credit: Lynne Shore Photography
NAF:
NAF is the most respected and trusted brand for supplements and applications for your horses in the UK today. Using proven ingredients and creating unique effective formulations NAF has an extensive portfolio of products designed to offer something for your horse’s every need.
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.”
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