Abbie Rapley from Cambridgeshire is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star

Abbie Rapley, from Cambridgeshire, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Abbie, a member of the British Showjumping Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Claire Darwin.     

Twelve-year-old Abbie was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “I feel overwhelmed to receive the shining star award, as I always try to work hard with my ponies to achieve good results, and in this sport that’s hard!” 

Abbie currently competes with her two horses, Flicks Grey, or Rambo at home and Rathcoona Biu or Rio at home. Talking fondly of her horses, Abbie said: “Rambo, Flicks Grey, I have had him for less than a year; he's 10 years old, and we brought him as a project, and he has turned out to be a one in a million heart pony that I never want to sell!  

“A few highlights that have been amazing is that we won the club 80,90 league for the east region which means I have been invited to the British showjumping awards ball. Also Rambo was the only double clear both days in our team at the National Championship Stoneleigh for the Beds and Bucks Academy. 

“Rio, Rathcoona Biu , my second pony I have had Rio for 3 months. 

“We have really been working on training and getting a good relationship, with our academy team we have also taken him to a few shows and done amazing. Many more shows to come for 2026” 

“The Best thing about the academy is all the team supporting each other and the academy shows. Thank you so much to Claire and Tasha, our coaches, for all your time, help and support whenever needed, and also a massive thank you to Karen for organising all the events we go to and the training.” 

Claire Darwin, Lead Coach for the Beds and Bucks Academy, said: “Abbie is a really deserving winner of the Shining Star award, she is so supportive and kind to her fellow academy riders and always makes everyone feel so welcome.  She works hard at training and hardly misses a session; her hard work pays off in the ring with lots of clear rounds on her home-produced ponies.  

“New for this year at Academy Champs Abbie won the ‘Star of the Show’ award which celebrates a Beds & Bucks rider who goes above and beyond, showing fantastic sportsmanship, teamwork and support for their fellow riders. It recognises someone who represents the team brilliantly, shows respect and kindness to others, and demonstrates a positive attitude both in and out of the arena. 

“We couldn’t be more proud of Abbie she has the attitude and determination to really fly in our sport.”  

Stephanie Toogood, National Director of Sport for British Showjumping, said: " It’s fantastic to hear how well Abbie has been progressing through her Academy and how much hard work she has been putting in with her coach. Her dedication and commitment are clearly paying off, and it’s wonderful to see her confidence and ability continue to grow. To be the very first winner of the ‘Star of the Show’ and the British Showjumping Shining Star Award is a fantastic achievement, and we would like to congratulate Abbie on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing what she can achieve next!”  

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