Lily Curtis from Wiltshire is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star

Lily Curtis, from Wiltshire, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Lily, a member of the British Showjumping Wiltshire Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Rosie Moss.      

Fourteen-year-old Lily was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “I was over the moon to receive the shining star award, and very thankful!”.  

Lily currently competes with her horse, Timbre, or Brie at home. Talking fondly of her horse, Lily said: “We bought Brie (Timbre) as a 3-year-old from Biddesden Stud. Mum backed her, and I took over the ride at the end of last year. This year, we began our BS and Academy membership, competing in British Novice classes. I was incredibly proud of our second-place finish, and we are now aiming to qualify for the second rounds and step up to Discovery soon 

“Fun fact about Brie: she is by Tomatillo (a clone of Tamarillo), and we also own her 4-year-old full brother, Triticum. 

“Brie is incredibly special to me as my first horse after transitioning from ponies. She isn't always the easiest, and I have put in a lot of hard work this year, which makes winning the Shining Star award mean so much to me. I was completely surprised when I found out, but it is truly the perfect way to wrap up our first year together.” 

“Next year, I'm really looking forward to starting eventing with Brie and putting all my Academy training to good use. I’d also love to get selected for some Academy shows and try a few stay-away shows with her”. 

“I love my lessons with Rosie—her teaching style really clicks with us, and she always brings new techniques and jump layouts to the table. The best part of the Academy isn't just the training, but the amazing support. I've learned so much from Rosie about course walking and show etiquette. She gives me and Brie so much confidence in fulfilling our potential.”  

Rosie Moss, Lead Coach for the Wiltshire Academy, said: “Lilly is 14 years old and having lost her pony she took on the ride of her mother’s horse, whilst her mother was unable to ride.  

“Lilly has shown real commitment and perseverance with this young horse, having weekly training in flatwork and jumping.  

“Lilly and the mare, Brie, progressed on to jumping the pairs first BS shows; they have now posted double clears in British novice. We are just about to step up to discovery.  

“Lilly has shown real maturity whilst navigating the highs and lows of educating a young horse and introducing her to her first shows. Lilly never loses her temper and shows empathy and understanding”.  

Alexandra van Randwyck, Head of Integrity and Development for British Showjumping, said: " Congratulations to Lily on winning the British Showjumping Shining Star Award. It has been fantastic to see her dedication and commitment to her training with Rosie, alongside the hard work she has put into developing her young horse, Brie. Lily should be incredibly proud of what she has achieved so far, and we look forward to following her progress as she takes the next step up to Discovery. We wish her every success for the future!” 

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