Gloucestershire Academy

Thursday 12 February 2026

Gloucestershire has a thriving BS Junior Academy for riders up to 21years.

The Lead Coach, Emma Slater is a level 4 BEF UKCC Coach.

Emma has evented to intermediate level, show jumped internationally at 5* level and still enjoys competing…!  Emma’s focus is on improving key showjumping skills and adapting to each pony/rider combination in training sessions, building confident, successful partnerships.

Nicky Florence is the Academy Coordinator and 2nd Coach qualified to Level 3 UKCC (SJ).

Nicky has had a successful career both in eventing and showjumping, specialising in bringing on young horses. Nicky is very keen on encouraging riders to take part in the NAF Star Performance training pathway by running dedicated sessions and supporting riders on their “journeys”.

The Academy runs regular training sessions, day camps and dismounted activities at various locations through the County. The theme is having fun with your pony, (whether competing or training) making friends whilst learning to ride, upskilling and learning about looking after your ponies. This November we held a day camp with a prize giving which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. We intend the prize giving to be an annual event.

British Showjumping Shining Star Award is for members nominated by their Academy coaches. We are proud to have had 2 members last year who have achieved this award.

We have a social committee who will be arranging activities throughout the year. Their first one is in January 2026, which is a bowling get-together.

Members are very keen in making up teams to compete at Academy shows and especially at the Championships at Stoneleigh in August. The parents join in with the fun by providing Gloucestershire flags, enthusiasm and very loud cheering!

We are always keen to get new members on board, please contact Nicky to be added to the emailing list regarding opportunities etc.

Nicola.florence.nf@gmail.com (07790 331009)

Recent South West News
	Bristol & Somerset Academy 13/02/2026
	Wiltshire & Dorset Academy 12/02/2026
	Bristol and Somerset Update 09/02/2026
	South West Regional Academy Championships 15/01/2026
	British Showjumping is Looking for Non-Executive Directors to join its Board 03/02/2025