Alexander Thomas-Cheffings from Gloucestershire is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star
Friday 27 February 2026
Alexander Thomas-Cheffings, from Dursley, Gloucestershire has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Alexander, a member of the British Showjumping Gloucestershire Academy, was nominated for the award by his coaches, Emma Slater and Nicky Florence.
Eleven-year-old Alexander was delighted to discover he had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “I’m thrilled and very proud of myself to be awarded the British Showjumping Shining Star! Thank you to Emma Slater and Nicky Florence from Gloucestershire Academy for nominating me for the award, I’m truly grateful.”
Alexander currently competes three ponies; Cheeky, aka I’m Cheeky To, Aero, known as Treflan Nero in the ring, and Becca, whose show name is Nefydd Becca. Talking fondly of his ponies, Alexander said: “Cheeky definitely lives up to his name. I’ve learnt so much from riding him, he’s a true schoolmaster and we won the Bronze League last summer for 138cm’s in the Southwest.
“Aero and I are currently leading the 128cm Bronze League which is amazing considering we only started our partnership last September. Aero ‘smiles’ when he knows he’s done well and he’s a real speed demon!
“I started riding Becca on New Year’s Day and we have already achieved so much together. We’re now jumping the Winter Second Rounds, which feels like we’re flying as the jumps are so big! We’ve qualified for lots of Finals and Championships too which is very exciting. I like to think of her as the pony version of Mary Poppins!”
Talking about his 2025 highlights, Alexander said: “My favourite part of 2025 was jumping my first pony, Av A Paddy in the Springboard 128cm Final at the British Showjumping National Championships and finishing in the top 10. Paddy is my best friend; he made me believe in myself and showed me that hard work pays off.
“I also hope to represent Gloucestershire again at The Academy Championships - our team was placed in the top ten in 2025 which was very exciting. Emma provided team course walks and warmups which I found very beneficial. The whole experience was positive, and the atmosphere was one I’ll never forget.
“I’d also love to achieve some top placings in finals and championships during 2026. I’ve qualified four ponies for Blue Chip, two for The Winter Pony Finals in the Springboard and Becca for the 128cm Handicap Special. As well as classes at Nationals and Scope Festival including The Graham Heath and The Cats and Pipes Debut Championship. My biggest goal for 2026 is to try and qualify Becca for the Horse of the Year Show 128cm Championship - I’m aiming high!”
Nicky Florence, Lead Coach for the Gloucestershire Academy, said: “Alex began his British Showjumping journey just two years ago and now competes weekly in junior pony classes across the UK. He has won the Southwest Bronze Points League three times and qualified multiple ponies for Blue Chip, the Winter Pony Finals and the British Showjumping National Championships, finishing in the placings in the 2025 Springboard Final.
“Since joining the Gloucestershire Academy in 2024 and completing his NAF 1* Award, Alex has embraced every training opportunity and proudly represented the county, helping secure a top ten finish at the National Academy Championships. With 179 double clears to his name – many with his first pony Paddy, alongside two Bronze League medals – Alex has shown real dedication and resilience, particularly this year as he steps up to ride his JA pony, I’m Cheeky To.”
Commenting about what he most enjoys about being a part of the Gloucestershire Academy, Alexander said; “I love the team spirit of Gloucestershire Academy, everyone is so supportive of each other, and we have a great time at the Academy shows and training days. My coaches have really helped me progress, both with riding and theory through completing the NAF Star Performance Awards and I’m working towards Star Level 3.
“My favourite Academy memory was at Gloucestershire Academy show, which was held at our local British Showjumping venue, CCR Equestrian. I loved being part of the team and individual competitions and I won my first ever sash, along with some amazing prizes!”
Alex’s mum, Pixie, added: “The guidance and training from the Gloucestershire Academy coaches Emma Slater and Nicky Florence has been so invaluable for Alex, and I truly believe their support contributed to Alex and Cheeky jumping clear in their first Springboard 138cm class.
Alexandra van Randwyck, Head of Integrity and Development for British Showjumping, said: “Alexander’s dedication to training, skill, and positive attitude when competing make him a fantastic Shining Star. He’s shown real commitment in developing his ponies and inspiring those around him. Congratulations!”
The British Showjumping 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
