Phoebe Hill from Durham is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star

Phoebe Hill, from Durham, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Phoebe, a member of the British Showjumping Yorkshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Karen Farnsworth.   

Thirteen-year-old Phoebe was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “When my mum told me, I was surprised, happy and excited! I was surprised as lots of people get nominated, and it feels like a big deal that I have been chosen!” 

Phoebe currently competes with her three ponies, Gigi, Flo and Johnny. Talking fondly of her ponies, Phoebe said: “I have only had Johnny (Carraroe Johnny)  2 weeks; he is my new 148. He is very playful and loves treats. He is helping me learn how to jump bigger tracks, and I am looking forward to getting him out and about more over the summer. I have had Gigi (Georgia IX) for nearly 3 years; we sort of rescued her, so she is very special. She is a springy, bouncy, excitable little 138 cob x. She absolutely loves everything she does and has taught me so much over the years. Her favourite thing is probably galloping around and swimming in the sea. Flo (Walena Florence Nightingale) is my 6-year-old 138 who I have had just over a year. She is the most chilled 6-year-old pony who is so easy-going and very fat at the minute! She loves a good scratch behind her ears and loves a good gallop. 

“I have worked hard this year to get a bronze league finals qualification, stepping stones finals qualifications and to work on stepping up to discovery. My favourite thing this year was Spring pop at Aintree - I love spending time with my friends and having lots of time with my ponies who jumped amazingly and love the atmosphere there. I have also been part of the academy inter-academy teams in the northern region, with our teams doing amazingly. It is so much fun being able to jump in a team and be with my friends. We even won the 90 midi team, which we were so proud of. 

“I love the academy training days that Karen and Alice run. I get to spend time with my friends and ponies at the same time. I love the fun activities we do like pumpkin carving and egg rolling!! Everyone is always so friendly and supportive, and we have a great laugh together. 

“I jumped in the academy teams last year at nationals - we all had such an amazing time together even though it was super hot. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging; we decorated our ponies and stables and had quizzes and fun things to do on the evenings. I am in the academy teams again this year and taking my new pony Johnny, which I am really excited about. Karen has asked us to prepare a quiz for everyone and to film some TikToks to show everyone what a fab time we have!! 

Karen Farnsworth, Lead Coach for the Yorkshire Academy, said: “Phoebe is a considered and conscientious rider. To coach she is like a sponge with an open and enquiring mind. 

“She shows dedication to her own development whilst her ponies well-being is always at the forefront. She has great patience and understands that progress takes time  and shows great commitment to her training.  

Stephanie Toogood, National Director of Sport for British Showjumping, said: "It has been wonderful to see how much Phoebe has enjoyed being part of our Academy programme. Her enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the sport shine through, and it's fantastic to see the progress she is making with her ponies. The Academy is all about providing young riders with opportunities to learn, develop and enjoy their journey in the sport, and Phoebe is a brilliant example of that. We look forward to welcoming her back to the Academy Championships in August and wish her the very best of luck." 

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