Harlow Wiek from Kent is the latest NAF Shining Star
Tuesday 23 July 2024
Harlow Wiek, from Aylesford, Kent, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Harlow, a member of the British Showjumping Kent Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Katy Ford.
Eight-year-old Harlow has two ponies that she currently competes– My Blue Eyed Boy and Rotherwood Dinky Toy, as well as a racing Shetland called Shlecroft Buttercup who she rides in the Shetland Grand Nationals.
Harlow was delighted to find out she had been nominated for the NAF Shining Star Award. Commenting on My Blue Eyed Boy, who is known as Merlin at home, Harlow’s mum Donna said: “Merlin is 18 and Harlow has ridden him for the last 18 months. He has a very cheeky but lovable character and although he is only tiny, standing 12 hands high, he has almighty jump for such a small pony.”
This year Harlow and Merlin qualified for the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) Mini Major competition where Harlow was partnered with Abi Walters, the pair finishing second in a competitive class. “It was such a great experience for Harlow to ride with a professional rider in such a big arena in front of lots of spectators,” said Donna. “Merlin really came to life and enjoyed the crowd cheering him on. It was a truly enjoyable day for them both it was certainly a day they were never forget.
“Harlow has also qualified Merlin for the Bronze League and Stepping Stones Final at the National Championships in August. They will also be going to the Academy Championships too as they have been selected to jump for the Kent Academy, so they have a busy summer to look forward to!”
Katy Ford, Kent Academy Coach said: “Harlow is a pleasure to have at the Academy. She and her pony, My Blue Eyed Boy, not only qualified for the Mini Major at the Great Yorkshire Show but jumped a superb round to finish second. They may be tiny, but they are a mighty pair!”
Talking about what she enjoys most about the Academy, Donna said: “Harlow really enjoys being part of Kent Academy, especially jumping as part of a team with her friends and the support and encouragement they show one another. Not only do they have a lovely team at Kent, but they also have an amazing instructor Katy Ford, who goes above and beyond to support the children and helps them to get the best out of their ponies. Her lessons are always fun, full of advice and interactive.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Harlow, what a great year you have had so far! It is wonderful to see that you do not let anything stand in your way of succeeding and continuing to progress with your ponies. Keep up the hard work, we can’t wait to see what you get up to 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
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