Aimee Powell-Currie from North Cumbria is the latest NAF Shining Star
Monday 23 October 2023
Aimee Powell-Currie, from Penrith, Cumbria, has been awarded the latest NAF Shining Star accolade. Aimee, a member of the British Showjumping North Cumbria Academy, was nominated for the award by her coach Sarah Tubbs.
16-year-old Aimee, who is in her last year on ponies, currently has two ponies that she competes: Twinshock Rosa, an 8-year-old mare whom Aimee has produced herself and Anballys Boy, a 12-year-old gelding.
Commenting on Anballys Boy, who is known as Charlie at home, Aimee said: “He is a really cheeky pony who grabs your clothes and can't stand still but loves to give you kisses for treats. We haven't competed much this year with him, but he was placed in the 90cm Pony Open at the British Showjumping National Championships (BSNC).”
Following the news that she is the latest recipient of the NAF Shining Star Award, Aimee said: “I was delighted to hear I had been awarded the NAF Shining Star Award, but I was also shocked and surprised.”
Talking about her partnership with Twinshock Rosa, who is known as Rosa at home, Aimee commented: “I am proud that have gone from jumping British Novice classes to jumping Horse of the Year Show qualifiers in her first year of affiliated showjumping, including all the second rounds and qualifying for the Foxhunter Masters at BSNC. Rosa always tries hard and one of our best moments was winning the puissance at the Northwest Champs over a 1.45m wall.
“I am sad that this is my last year on ponies but my aim for next year and beyond is to do it all again on horses and qualify for the Blue Chip Championships, Hickstead and hopefully get to HOYS.”
Sarah Tubbs, North Cumbria Academy Coach said: “Aimee is a hardworking and dedicated rider who has shown so much commitment in how she has trained her ponies alongside all the challenges that exams and horses generally throw at young riders! She has been willing to work hard to achieve her goals and has been quick to learn and to make changes when needed to improve either her own or her pony’s performances.
“She has produced her lovely mare Twinshock Rosa from a complete novice at the end of 2021 to winning qualification to a multitude of finals. At their most recent show at Aintree International Equestrian Centre, Aimee and Rosa were second in the 148cm Major Grand Prix and won the Best Rider award for that class.”
Talking about what it means to be a part of the North Cumbria Academy, Aimee commented: “The best thing is the quality of coaching and having the chance to learn and improve. We have very few shows in our area, so the Academy encourages more people to give British Showjumping a try.”
Lisa Field from NAF added: “Congratulations Aimee. It is great to see the progress you have made with your pony, Twinshock Rosa, with the help of your Academy in such a short space of time. Aimee’s commitment and dedication to improve makes her a worthy winner of this month’s NAF Shining Star Award. We look forward to seeing what your time of horses brings in the future. Well done, Aimee!”
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
