Olivia Lewington from Kent is the latest NAF Shining Star
Tuesday 19 December 2023
Olivia Lewington, from Kent, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Olivia, a member of the British Showjumping Kent Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Katy Ford.
Eleven-year-old Olivia currently has three ponies that she competes: One In A Million VI, an 11-year- old mare whom Olivia has had since March, My Blue Eyed Boy, a 17-year-old gelding who has been with Olivia for 3.5 years, and Caerdelyn Inshallah, a six-year-old gelding whom she has had from a four-year-old.
Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star Award, Olivia said: “When I first heard the news that I had been chosen as the NAF Shining Star for November I was so happy, especially as I didn't even know I had been nominated.”
Talking about her biggest achievement this year, Olivia said: “Most of my success this year has been on my newest pony, One In A Million. In one of our first shows together we qualified for the Great Yorkshire Show Mini Major where I was paired with James Whitaker.
“From there we went onto gain our Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) second round qualification and then made the long journey to Scotland where we managed to go clear in all three rounds to qualify for the 128cm Final at HOYS. Jumping at HOYS in October was the best and biggest experiences to date.”
Commenting on One In A Million, who is known as Millie at home, Olivia said: “She loves her jumping and even does it from field to field at home. We call her Houdini as she escapes at every opportunity except when there is food in the way. She has a lovely nature even though she is a chestnut mare that does occasionally come to the surface.”
Olivia’s successful season culminated at the London International Horse Show this weekend, where she rode My Blue Eyed Boy, known as Merlin at home, in the GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini Major. Partnered with Mark Edwards, the pair flew round to finish third. “He is only 12 hands high and was my first British Showjumping pony. We have had so much success and lots of fun along the way. He loves a crowd, and the louder people cheer the faster he goes,” remarked Olivia.
Katy Ford, Kent Academy Coach said: “Olivia has had an outstanding season in 2023 including winning the HOYS 128 qualifier at the Scottish Home Pony as well as placing in the Mini Major at the Great Yorkshire show. These are impressive achievements for anyone but at just 11-years-old, she shows maturity and ambition above her years. As an active academy team member when not cheering her team mates on, Olivia can be found putting face paint on her friends and creating new cheerleading dance routines keeping everyone in high team spirit!”
Talking about what she likes most about being involved with the Kent Academy, Olivia said: “I really enjoy doing these shows as you are part of a team and can cheer each other on and make new friends as well. Katy Ford, our coach, is really supportive and explains everything very well. She makes us all better riders and includes everyone in the whole team experience. We regularly attend the team lessons which are really beneficial.”
In 2024, Olivia’s main aims are to qualify for Hickstead and HOYS again and as well as being chosen to compete on the Kent Academy Teams: “My other pony Caerdelyn Inshallah, who we call Ian, is one I have produced from a four-year-old and was only just broken when we got him. It has been a long journey from taking him to his first training show to now competing in the Second Rounds. I am really looking forward to seeing what the future brings!”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “It is wonderful to hear about Olivia and her passion for the sport, her ponies and see her shine as a valued team member and friend with all at the academy. We are very much look forward to following her progress throughout 2024 and beyond. Well done, Olivia!”
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
