Riders Shine in the NAF Five Star Style and Performance Finals
Monday 11 August 2025
This afternoon, the focus turned to style, balance, and elegance in the NAF Five Star Style and Performance Finals at the British Showjumping three-day extravaganza at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
The classes, which form part of British Showjumping’s busy summer championship schedule, are designed to showcase not just the ability to clear a course, but to do so with rhythm, harmony, and finesse. Riders tackled a set test that combined eight fences with a short show in walk, trot, and canter, all under the watchful eyes of the judges. Key marks were awarded for rhythm, consistency, smooth lines, rideability, and correct posture — elements that often make the difference between a good round and a winning one.
In the NAF 1* Style and Performance Final, it was Northumberland’s Annabelle Calvert who shone brightest. Partnering her talented seven-year-old dun gelding, Misty Joe, Annabelle impressed with a confident, flowing round that ticked all the boxes for the judging panel. Katie Freemantle and Blue Moon Bay secured the runner-up spot, while Charlotte Beadle, riding One Celebration, produced a neat and stylish effort to finish third.
The NAF 2* Style and Performance Final** saw a deserving victory for Gwen Davies, who made the trip from Wales more than worthwhile by piloting Georgia Bassett’s 19-year-old gelding, Vox Pop, with skill and composure. Her polished round and accurate flatwork sealed the deal ahead of Ella Fitzalan Howard with Banagher Billy, who claimed second, and Sophie Girdley, riding Quickstep Dancer, who rounded out the top three.
In the NAF Five Star 3* Final**, Maya Ellen Patterson, from Durham, delivered a poised and polished performance to secure the top honours. Partnering Sarah Patterson’s elegant six-year-old mare, Swallowtail, Maya impressed with her smooth lines and calm ringcraft, earning well-deserved praise from both spectators and officials.
Reflecting on the finals, Eloise Chugg-Martin of NAF said:
“The Style and Performance Finals are always a highlight for us because they showcase such a unique combination of skill, control, and elegance from both horse and rider. It’s fantastic to see so many competitors embrace the challenge and rise to the occasion. We’re also really proud to introduce our revamped NAF Star Performance Awards booklet, with British Showjumping, which enables riders to work towards qualifying and competing at championships like this, as well as learning about care and wellbeing. It’s all about making these opportunities accessible and encouraging riders to aim high.”
Richard Seals, who was one of two judges in this competition, was looking for harmony between pony and rider, correct position of rider, soft, correct flatwork, a correct canter and a nice rhythm throughout:
"The NAF Style and Performance classes are a brilliant opportunity for the kids to show off their riding skills and their training and it gives them a great grounding for the future within equine sport.
"The standard this year was brilliant, with some fabulous talent on display and it made our job as judges a really tough one! There is a bright future ahead for British Showjumping with some of talent we saw."
With strong performances across all sections and a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, the NAF Five Star Style and Performance Finals once again proved to be a favourite feature of the Stoneleigh schedule, rewarding not just speed, but the art of riding well.
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
