Annabelle Calvert from Northumberland is the latest British Showjumping Shining Star
Thursday 30 April 2026
Annabelle Calvert, from Morpeth, Northumberland, has been awarded the latest British Showjumping Shining Star accolade. Annabelle, a member of the British Showjumping Northumbria Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach, Barbara Anderson.
Fourteen-year-old Annabelle was delighted to discover she had been nominated for the British Showjumping Shining Star Award: “Thank you so much, I am super excited to win the award and very grateful to Barbara Anderson for nominating me.”
Annabelle currently competes with her pony, Misty Joe, or Joey as he’s known at home. Talking fondly of her pony, Annabelle said: “I have owned Joey for two and half years, a fun fact is he is a golden dun and has a cute black trim around his ears.”
Talking about her 2025 highlights, Annabelle said: “My favourite part of last year was the whole time at British Showjumping Academy Championships at Stoneleigh but especially when I won the NAF style and performance class, it was amazing!”
“This year I want to continue to showjumping alongside a bit of eventing, I’d like to try and compete in more big shows and just have fun being surrounded by horses, once I have recovered from my broken ankle. I love the Northumbria Academy because I have so many lovely friends that support me and we have the best time at shows together along with the opportunity to jump at amazing places and take part in the fantastic lessons that Barbara teaches.
“British Showjumping is fun because I get to jump alongside my friends, it’s my favourite way to spend my weekend and I look forward to every competition and lesson. Thank you so much for nominating me for this award, I am thrilled!”
Barbara Anderson, Lead Coach for the Northumbria Academy, said: “Annabelle has been a member of Area 12 British Showjumping academy for a few years. She has a wonderful partnership with her pony Joey, she works really hard and is always striving to improve and expand her knowledge.
“At last year’s National Championships, Annabelle and Joey were key members of the Academy team and competed in the NAF 1 star award, which they won.”
Stephanie Toogood, National Director of Sport for British Showjumping, said: “Annabelle is a truly deserving recipient of the British Showjumping Shining Star Award for April, having shown great commitment and determination in both her training and competitions. Her hard work, positive attitude and continued progress in the ring have made her a wonderful example of what can be achieved through dedication to the sport. It is disappointing to hear that Annabelle has recently broken her ankle, and we would like to wish her a full and speedy recovery, and send her our very best for the rest of the year.”
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
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