Ryan De Sousa becomes November’s NAF Shining Star
Wednesday 20 December 2017
We are delighted to announce that Suffolk Junior Academy Member, 10 year-old Ryan De Sousa from Newmarket in Suffolk has become Novembers’ NAF Shining Star. With all British Showjumping Junior Academy Members eligible for nomination, it was Ryan’s work ethic and attitude towards his riding career that shone through.
Ryan was nominated by Suffolk Junior Academy Lead Coach, Mia Palles-Clark “Ryan is only 10 years-old and has already achieved a lot in his Showjumping career. He works very hard, training every week as well as supporting other member of the academy in training and at competitions. Ryan is currently working hard to complete his NAF 5* awards spurred on by the fact that he wants to represent England in the Home Pony International next year. Like anyone in the sport he has ups and downs which he takes well and is learning to be mentally tough as well as developing strategies to cope with nerves. This is all starting to pay off as he recently achieved his first clear round in a 128cm class with his fantastic pony, Emily. Ryan has also been very successful in style and performance classes, he has the patience and good attitude to develop and produce ponies correctly and with sympathy. Ryan will be in the sport for a long time and if he continues as he has started he will be a successful and shining example for other riders too.”
Since joining British Showjumping in 2015 Ryan has become an active competitor of ‘Just for Schools’ and is hoping to qualify for Horse of the Year Show in 2018. Ryan commented “I am really thrilled to get this award, I was so excited when I got the news! I have to say a big thank you to my Coach, Mia Palles-Clark. My ponies and I have improved so much since joining the academy.”
Melissa Newman, NAF Brand Manager, commented “Ryan is extremely deserving of the Shining Star award. His dedication to the sport and hard work is clearly paying off. Ryan’s patience, great attitude and thirst to learn coupled with a wonderful approach to his ponies make him a fantastic candidate for the Shining Star accolade! Well done Ryan, we look forward to seeing you in the future!”
Ryan will kindly receive some NAF equine products to use alongside the supplements that he currently uses.
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.
NAF:
NAF is the most respected and trusted brand for supplements and applications for your horses in the UK today. Using proven ingredients and creating unique effective formulations NAF has an extensive portfolio of products designed to offer something for your horse’s every need.
NAF are proud to be Official Suppliers to the British Equestrian Teams and Business Partners to British Showjumping supporting the NAF Five Star Training programme and the Shining Star Awards. Jessica Mendoza says “NAF have a great team of veterinary scientists and nutritionists, they are a big help to me and are there at the end of the phone with free advice if and when you need it, 0800 373106 or info@naf-uk.com.”
