Rowan Shingles from Kent is the latest NAF Shining Star
Wednesday 24 December 2025
Rowan Shingles, from Chatham, Kent, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Rowan, a member of the British Showjumping Kent Academy, was nominated for the award by his coach, Katy Ford.
Rowan was over the moon to find out he had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award: “I was very surprised to find out but also very grateful. Winning an award like this means a lot and it has made my day.”
Sixteen-year-old Rowan currently has one horse that he competes: “My horse is called Ted; he is six years’ old and I have been lucky enough to own him for just over one year. His stable name is Ted, but his jumping name is Torcido Van Het Vennehof. He is very cheeky and is great at taking baseball caps off. He will often pull down my hood just to remove my hat!”
“I also still have my first ever pony Bluebell. She is a typical chunky, hairy cob. She wasn't destined to be a showjumper, but she was safe and fun with a big heart and together we developed a love of showjumping. She is now my sister Rosheen's pony.
“My first horse was a beautiful Irish Sports Horse who we sadly lost due to an inoperable bone cyst. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have great friends who loaned me their ponies, and I especially learnt a lot from my first loan pony Dolly, who was a little superstar but sadly I outgrew her way too fast! When the time came to look for my own horse again, I was so lucky to find Ted, and he really is one in a million. We bought him as a five year old and we have already had so many good moments. He has the best nature and is so willing brave and kind. It makes mucking him out before school every day feel worth it and I'm excited for what we will do in the future together,” added Rowan.
Talking about his achievements in 2025 and what he is looking forward to in the 2026 season, Rowan said: “This year I have loved going British Showjumping shows and being part of the Kent Academy team at some brilliant venues. I want to produce my horse well and I am happy to play the long game with him. Being such a young horse with plenty of growing to do, I have been conscious of not rushing him (and my coach reminds me of this too!) So, getting out to our first shows this season and creating a positive experience and achieving clear rounds this summer felt really rewarding. Ted tried so hard for me and took it all in his stride, I was so proud of his composure at some big venues. I believe in him so much and he has such a great attitude, so I have big aims for 2026 which are hopefully to qualify for the National Discovery Final as well as the Blue Chip Championships at Addington.”
Katy Ford, Lead Coach for the Kent Academy, said: “Rowan is such a hard working young man who constantly thrives to learn and improve. He has a wonderful young horse that he is learning to produce and educate with such empathy and thought towards the horses needs and understanding both physically and mentally. At team events, you can always find Rowan sat watching the jumping or stood by the warm-up arena listening and learning. He is always the first person to show encouragement and positivity towards other riders no matter how they have done. Rowan is a great example of a young rider wanting to be a true horseman and we are so proud of him.
Commenting about what he most enjoys about being a part of the Kent Academy, Rowan said; “The thing I love most about my academy is the people! Our instructor, Katy, is great and I have met lots of new people this summer and made lots of friends. Everyone is so supportive and I really love feeling like part of the team.”
Eloise Chugg from NAF said: “Rowan is a fantastic example of what the NAF Shining Star Award is all about. His enthusiasm to learn, the care and understanding he shows towards his horse, and the encouragement he gives to other riders make him a pleasure to watch both in and out of the arena. We are incredibly proud to celebrate Rowan and his achievements.”
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 nafequine.com
Further information on the British Showjumping Academies can be found here: britishshowjumping.co.uk/training/Academies-1
