Charlotte Noys from Oxford is the latest NAF Shining Star
Tuesday 24 September 2024
Charlotte Noys, from Abingdon, Oxford, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Charlotte, a member of the British Showjumping Berks and Oxon Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Sharon Quant.
Twelve-year-old Charlotte has one pony that she competes – 14-year-old gelding Amners Hot Springs, whom Charlotte has ridden for two years, although he has been in the family for four.
Charlotte was delighted to find out she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award, commenting: “I am really shocked and amazed that I have won because I am just doing something that I love.”
Talking about Amners Hot Springs, who is known as Smudge at home, Charlotte said: “He was my sister’s pony first, but he loves me more! He is so fun and I just love being with him. We love to gallop in our fields and have lots of cuddles. A fun fact about Smudge is that I’m sure he counts the jumps and knows when we are in the jump off because he goes very quick.”
This year, Charlotte said she and Smudge have had so many great moments already: “I am proud of everything he does, but my favourite memories are winning the Major Grand Prix at Aintree POP Festival, winning the National Schools Final, and helping my team win the Academy final. I am also really looking forward to Spooktacular, I would love to win the accumulator this year.”
Sharon Quant, Berks and Oxon Academy Coach said: “Charlotte was second in the 128cm Stepping Stones Championship at the National Championships before going onto win the 70cm Just for Schools Summer Final as well as being a part of the winning Mini Team at the Academy Championships too!
“Charlotte has gone from strength to strength on her pony Smudge and is a very valued part of our Academy. She has spent a lot of time at shows supporting her sister Jess and watching from the side line. Since taking over the reins on Smudge, they have been so consistent and are really showing what an amazing partnership they have.
Sharon added: “Charlotte attends almost all our academy training and is a real team player. She is always at the ring supporting others and always happy to apply ample amounts of face glitter paint to coaches, rider and parents.”
Talking about her favourite thing about the Academy, Charlotte commented: " My academy has been great for making friends and when we are at shows we all support each other and are definitely the loudest at cheering each other on. I am so grateful to Sharon for the nomination and her support.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Charlotte. I am delighted to hear about your success so far this year with Smudge and it is wonderful to see how involved you get in the Academy training. I can imagine the glitter looked fabulous at the Championship Show! We can’t wait to see what you both achieve next.”
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
Image Credit: Jasmine Punter Photography
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